Parents' Guide to

House of Food

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Reality cooking competition serves up arguing, language.

TV MTV Reality TV 2014
House of Food Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Mike M.
Mike M. Adult
July 28, 2014
age 13+

MTV's newest reality series blends "The Real World" and "Top Chef."

If House of Food being cancelled is not an indication of the show's lackluster quality, I don't know what is. If you do end up catching up on the first full season of the series online though (which I don't recommend), be prepared to take in spoonfuls of typical, manufactured MTV drama. The show's concept is something that could have worked out if it was done right, but that is simply not the case. For a food competition, it seems that the central focus is too much on the contestant's interpersonal relationships, which would be better fitted for a season of "The Real World." The judges tend to put down the amateur chefs and sometimes offer no constructive criticisms. Since the show emphasizes the in-house drama rather than the actual meat of the series which is supposed to be the cooking aspect of it, petty arguments break out and are often instigated by the cast members themselves. Drinks and objects are thrown, screaming matches ensue, doors are slammed, pranks gone wrong result in confrontation, and so on. A lot of bleeped swear words and middle finger gestures. Additionally, the girls and guys ogle one another, there is a tumoltuous love triangle in the house, flirtation, making out, one sexually charged on-camera moment, and intimate discussion about bedroom practices. There is an episode surrounding one of the male contestant's homosexuality and possible homophobic remarks made by the "villain" of the show, Suki. The cast occasionally spends a night out on the town drinking and getting drunk. One episode sees the cast travelling in a party bus and dancing on a stripper pole. Finally, the judges' restaurants are obnoxiously promoted.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

HOUSE OF FOOD is an MTV reality series featuring a group of young, aspiring chefs with limited experience competing for a chance to launch their culinary career. Eight contestants from across the country live together in a swanky LA house, where they get advice by their host, Chris Nirschel, and mentored by their executive chef judges, Casey Lane, Brendan Collins, and Brooke Williamson. Each episode features the group getting a culinary lesson from one chef and then competing with each other to see who executes the best dish. They also get a chance to work in some professional kitchens. The winner of the competition wins an apprenticeship with a top Los Angeles chef.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

It's a cooking competition, but the focus on food is overshadowed by the Real World-like drama that takes place between the contestants. Some of the cast members, who range from arrogant divas to confused rock-and roll types, seem more like recognizable caricatures than real people and seem designed to create contrived voyeuristic moments.

Despite the conflict, the only real edginess to the show comes from the chefs, whose critiquing style makes them appear as unapproachable and unlikable as some of the contestants. Meanwhile, they only offer some limited teachable moments. Foodies tuning in will be sorely disappointed, and folks looking for a new reality fare recipe will find little new on the menu.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about cooking competitions. Are these competitions designed to highlight the culinary arts, or is it really about the reality drama between contestants? Is it realistic to think that inexperienced contestants can learn how to cook dishes (and cook them well) quickly?

  • Why are cooking shows so popular? Do you think they inspire people to cook?

TV Details

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