Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween-friendly show mixes travel, food, science.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
EXTREME CUISINE follows biologist Jeff Corwin as he travels around the world checking out interesting foods. He spends time gathering raw ingredients on land and by sea -- all according to local custom -- in order to create each new culture's time-honored treats. With the help of locals, Corwin explains how the ingredients are traditionally prepared; he also offers general scientific information about how the processes work. And, ultimately, his hosts show him the right way to eat the traditional delicacies once they're served.
Is It Any Good?
This tween-friendly series combines the explanation elements of a cooking show with the kinds of colorful scenes you'd expect to see on a travel series. It introduces viewers to food and meals as cultural experiences rather than simply tasting opportunities. Meanwhile, Corwin makes the show entertaining by adding his own unique brand of humor as he prepares each meal. And his honesty about how he feels while preparing and trying some of the more unusual dishes makes the experience very relatable.
Some viewers may find themselves getting a little squeamish while watching Corwin and his hosts cut up the lungs of a lamb or chew on wild snails. Others may find that, despite the show's title, it lacks some edginess. But for foodies of all ages, this series will defnitely whet the appetite.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about food. Does your family have a traditional food or meal? Where does the tradition come from? Do you think people outside your family would think that this food was strange or different? Why?
Do you like to try new foods when you travel? Is there anything that you would be afraid to try? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 26, 2009
- Cast : Jeff Corwin
- Network : Food Network
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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