Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Not enough Ellen in mild furniture design competition.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ellen's Design Challenge
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Created by Ellen Degeneres, ELLEN'S DESIGN CHALLENGE is a reality competition that pits six furniture designers against each other for chance to win a $100K cash prize and a magazine spread. Hosted by Jay Montepare, the series pairs contestants with carpenters as they compete in a variety of 24-hour-long furniture design challenges. A panel of judges, including design experts like Amanda Dameron, the editor-in-chief at Dwell Magazine, and guest judges who range from interior designers to gallery owners, evaluate their work. The designer who comes up with the episode's weakest creation is eliminated each week. The winner gets the prizes and major kudos from Ellen.
Is It Any Good?
From building refined craft cabinets to designing chairs with flair, the series highlights some of the thinking that goes into furniture that is both functional and aesthetically unique. The special materials and carpentry skills required to produce these pieces are also highlighted.
The focus on single items of furniture, rather than interior design, sets this apart from similar types of shows. But outside of that small tweak, the show follows the same basic competition formula as any other reality design series. Ellen's brief appearances feel more like a gimmick than a contribution. But you'll find it entertaining if you like these sorts of creative contests.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of reality design shows. Is it the challenges? What they make? What would you create if you had the chance to compete?
Families can also talk about creative careers. How do these people turn their passion into something that can make money?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 26, 2015
- Cast : Ellen DeGeneres , Jay Montepare , Christiane Lemieux
- Network : HGTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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