Parents' Guide to

Top Chef Just Desserts

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Dessert competition is more bitter than sweet.

TV Bravo Reality TV 2010
Top Chef Just Desserts Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Terri W.
Terri W. Adult
November 17, 2017
age 18+

Fun desserts, too much swearing!

I was very annoyed that such a colorful, scrumptious program allowed the contestants to use such bad language. I get that they were stressed, but the language was inappropriate. Hopefully, this will change if there is a second season.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In TOP CHEF JUST DESSERTS -- the latest installment in the Top Chef franchise -- 12 of America's top pastry chefs whip up creative, deliciously sweet dishes in hopes of winning the Top Chef title. Under the gaze of host/Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, the contestants attempt to show off their baking and pastry skills in a series of challenges designed to test their cooking abilities, creativity, and ingenuity. Their desserts must tempt the tastebuds of a panel of elite judges that includes Simmons, critically acclaimed pastry chef John Iuzzini, and guest judges like Master Chef Hubert Keller and entertaining expert Dannielle Kyrillos. The contestant who makes it through the competition without being eliminated wins major prizes, including $100,000, a car, and, of course, the coveted title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This cooking competition series highlights the differences between creating desserts and whipping up savory dishes. It underscores how creating sophisticated desserts requires a mastery of both art and science that requires chefs to be both artists and inventors.

Foodies will definitely enjoy watching spectacular desserts being created, but some of the series' reality show drama is anything but sweet. The competition brings out some very unsportsmanlike behavior in some contestants, including catty arguing and acts of sabotage. And there's also lots of strong language and some drunken behavior. The end result? The show may feature some pretty confections, but it leaves a bitter taste behind.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different skills required to be a dessert chef vs. a savory food chef. What's the difference between a baker and a pastry chef? What kind of scientific and/or innovative techniques do chefs need to have to create sophisticated dessert plates?

  • Do you think the contestants' behavior here reflects their real personalities, or are they trying to create a more dramatic reality show experience? Do you think they act this way when the cameras are off? Do you think their behavior will impact their careers in the professional cooking world?

TV Details

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