Parents' Guide to

MasterChef Junior

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Kids cook and compete in this whole-family treat.

TV Fox Reality TV 2013
MasterChef Junior Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 8 parent reviews

age 8+

Cooking masters

I really love the show, but I've noticed when the food testers are tasting the kids food, they over look the African American kids and they check all the other kids food. I do not think that's fair they pick and choose.
age 4+

Better than the one with grown-ups

None of the petty drama, over-the-top spectacle and strong language of adult Masterchef is present here. This sweet, wholesome show features a group of likable, funny kids from all walks of life who cook for judges. It's competitive, but the kids are like one big family, always being nice to each other and encouraging each other. The judges are especially there to lend a helping hand when something goes wrong. A far cry from the nonsense that can sometimes be present on "normal" Masterchef.

This title has:

Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (12):

If nothing else, this series will make kids watching believe they can cook, too -- and may inspire them to get in the kitchen and give it a shot. Since Gordon Ramsay is known more for his expletive-laden tirades than for gentle mentoring, it's likely that everyone who turns on MasterChef Junior will be tensed up waiting for him to let loose on some poor 9-year-old who left out the salt. Fear not: Ramsay, Bastianich, and Elliott have dialed back the harshness they occasionally show on MasterChef. Contestants are always praised for their efforts and for their talent, even if the dishes are failures, and criticism is restricted to gently noting problems with a dish.

A kid is eliminated on each show, and it can be hard to watch their childlike, genuine reactions. Some burst into tears, and others run into their mothers' arms. Parents and kids alike may find this painful to watch. The most enjoyable moments of MasterChef Junior are less fraught: the smile on a young face when his macaroons are praised, the joy a 10-year-old displays when Ramsay says he could serve a dish in his restaurant, the impressive competence displayed by chefs who can barely reach the top shelves of the pantry.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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