Great food and company with alcohol, some F-bombs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Language
a lot
For a show that's great family viewing, there are no bleeped words, and "f--k" is used at least a couple times in each episode, usually for emphasis ("f--king amazing"). Expect to also hear "s--t," "ass," and other swear words sprinkled throughout.
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As part of the brunch theme, the three judges are served the alcoholic beverages of their choice. They're not shown inebriated, but drinking is depicted as a part of brunch.
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Messages include dedication to your craft, belief in yourself, representing your community and giving something back to it.
Positive Role Models
a lot
The contestants are all passionate about their cooking and are supportive of each other. Sometimes the judges can get a little snarky, but none of it is particularly cutting.
Diverse Representations
a lot
A mix of men, women, and nonbinary chefs who come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Two chefs are of Asian descent (Korean and Chinese), another is from Haiti, one is from an Ethiopian family, one appears to be of Latino descent. One of the three judges is Sohla El-Waylly, who's from a Bengali family
Parents need to know that The Big Brunch is an eight-episode cooking competition that focuses on the beloved weekend meal. Almost any food can be served, but the "brunch" meal here always includes elaborate alcoholic beverages made for the three judges who chat and confer in a separate room from the kitchen. The contestants -- a mix of men, women, and nonbinary chefs who come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds -- are all passionate about their cooking and are supportive of each other. Sometimes the judges can get a little snarky, but none of it's particularly cutting. Though the show is great family viewing, there are no bleeped words, and "f--k" is used at least a couple times in each episode, usually for emphasis ("f--king amazing"). Expect to also hear "s--t," "ass," and other swear words sprinkled throughout.
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What's the Story?
THE BIG BRUNCH follows a standard cooking-competition format: 10 chefs from across the U.S. cook a starter and a main course around a theme, and one chef is eliminated each episode. Though the focus is nominally brunch, many of the dishes could be served at lunch or dinner as well. In keeping with the theme of a long, languorous weekend meal, the judges (Dan Levy from Schitt's Creek, food personality Sohla El-Waylly, and restaurateur Will Guidara) order alcoholic drinks from a mixologist in every episode. It's fun and there's a lot at stake: The grand prize is $300K to further the winner's culinary dreams.
Though the focus on brunch may seem narrow at first, the range of dishes, the engaging chefs, and the skilled hosting from Dan Levy make this a hearty feast of a show. The contestants in The Big Brunch hail from across the U.S. and represent a range of perspectives, including the Black, Asian, and queer ones that have become more centered in recent food competition shows. Except for a few snarky comments from the judges, the show highlights the love and support among the contestants.
Sounds like a great family watch, right? Parents of younger kids may be surprised that the bleep-free audio sometimes features "f--k," "s--t," etc. The focus on colorful, fun alcoholic drinks at every brunch table may also be a red flag for some families. Otherwise, The Big Bruch is a relaxed, inspiring, satisfying binge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the value of competition in cooking shows. Do you think it brings out the best in chefs? What kinds of chefs do you think thrive under these conditions?
Who were you rooting for? Why? What made that chef's cuisine unique and interesting? How did they do in the competition? Why did they succeed or not succeed?
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.
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.
By Marina Gordon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
