Take Out with Lisa Ling
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Take Out with Lisa Ling
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Take Out with Lisa Ling is a documentary-style food show hosted by journalist Lisa Ling. Iffy content varies from episode to episode, so parents should keep an eye on the individual episode's TV rating. There's verbal references to adults taking illegal drugs and drinking to excess, and some news footage of soldiers shooting guns in wartime. One scene features a burlesque dancer wearing a revealing outfit and dancing suggestively. There's moderate language like "s--t" and "hell" and the occasional F-bomb. There are visible logos throughout and the featured restaurants are mentioned by name, but nothing is over-the-top product placement. Prejudice against Asian-Americans is a recurring topic, but generally the show focuses on uplifting accounts of restaurateurs succeeding despite obstacles. For families with older foodie kids, this excellent series is great to watch together.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In TAKE OUT WITH LISA LING, journalist Lisa Ling (Our America, This is Life) travels across the United States to reveal the little-known history about the culinary contributions of Asian-Americans. Each episode features Americans with a different heritage; season 1 features Filipino-Americans, Bangladeshi-Americans, Chinese-Americans, Vietnamese-Americans, Japanese-Americans, and Korean-Americans. Ling interviews restaurant owners and food history experts to uncover how Asian-American communities influenced food after they arrived in the United States. Ling visits restauraunts and tries various specialties from each culinary tradition. The show also highlights the places where immigrant communities are located and talks about other non-food-related issues in people's lives. As Ling helps viewers understand Asian food in the United States, she also reveals the vital contributions Asian immigrants have made to the US.
Is It Any Good?
This fantastic documentary series will be appreciated by foodies, history buffs, and generally curious teens and adults alike. In Take Out with Lisa Ling, the veteran journalist weaves compelling historical narratives about how various communities of Asian-Americans immigrated to the United States and influenced its food scene forever. Because this history is typically swept under the rug, kids (and adults!) will likely be delighted by the new connections Ling helps them make. A highlight of this show is the representation: While often Asian-Americans get lumped into one monolithic group, Ling highlights the different experiences of specific Asian communities in cities across the U.S. Ling doesn't shy away from talking about tough stuff like prejudice and discrimination, but she equally shares the joy and pride her subjects have in their identities. In addition to the historical context, the show also features mouthwatering food. The series is perfect for families to watch together -- just don't watch hungry!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage displayed by various people featured in Take Out with Lisa Ling. Many of the restaurant owners were immigrants who left their homeland in search of better opportunity. Do you know anyone who immigrated to a different country? If not, can you imagine how brave you'd have to be to start a new life in a new place?
Opening up a restaurant is hard work and takes lots of perserverance. Why do you think the people in this show took the risk and kept going even when there were obstacles?
What did you learn in this episode? Did anything surprise you? How would the United States be different without the contributions of the Asian-American communities featured in the show?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 27, 2022
- Cast: Lisa Ling
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cooking and Baking, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
High on the Hog
Food doc gives powerful new perspective on American history.
-
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Award-winning travel, food show serves up strong language.
-
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Foodie's world travels get pretty spicy.
For kids who love food and cooking
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate