The Cupcake Guys
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The Cupcake Guys
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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 The Cupcake Guys is a reality show about Michael Griffin and Brian Orakpo, ex-NFL players turned cupcake entrepreneurs. There's mild profanity like "damn" and "oh my God" and cursing-adjacent words like "freaking." There are mild arguments between business partners where the worst insult used is "dumb." Silly reality show drama is ever-present, but the content is pretty innocuous. Product placement is extensive throughout, as the series is one long advertisement for Griffin and Orakpo's cupcake store, and there are many lingering shots on the logos of their fancy cars.
What's the Story?
THE CUPCAKE GUYS is a reality show that follows former NFL players Michael Griffin and Brian Orakpo as they pursue their post-football careers. Along with friend and business guru Bryan Hynson, Griffin and Orakpo are embracing their second careers as cupcake bakers and entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas. The series follows "the cupcake guys" as they try different strategies to recover from pandemic sales losses and run a profitable business, as well as family drama that happens along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Even in the genre of reality shows, the faux-drama in this series seems especially contrived. It's hard to believe that the cupcake business is high stakes for the ex-NFL players for whom it seems more like a hobby than a livelihood. The scenes with Orakpo and Griffin's families are more compelling (probably because they're not being fed as many lines by the producers). Since the focus is on the "drama" rather than the cupcakes, viewers into baking won't get their fill of creative confections. There are many great baking shows out there, so kids and their families probably want to skip this mediocre one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the premise of The Cupcake Guys -- masculine football players who have a second career in baking, which is traditionally a more feminine career. What do you think about that? Is it interesting, or nothing out of the ordinary?
Why do you think there are long camera shots on the logos of all the cars in the series? Do you think that's by accident or on purpose? Do you think that kind of product placement might impact how you think of those brands, even though you're just a kid?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 18, 2023
- Cast: Michael Griffin, Brian Orakpo
- Network: Roku Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cooking and Baking
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 23, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Ace of Cakes
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Disney's Magic Bake-Off
Disney-focused kids' baking contest has great role models.
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Bake Squad
Baking show a sweet choice for the whole family.
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