The Chef Show

The Chef Show

show

TV-14, 2019, Documentary

WISE
86%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi cook, chat, and hang with celebrity friends—wholesome, educational, and genuinely delightful.

IMDb8.2
RT Critics100%
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of the most genuinely wholesome shows on Netflix—two friends cooking, learning, and clearly enjoying each other's company. No manufactured drama, no competition, just good food and good conversation.

The educational value is real: kids (and parents) will actually learn techniques, understand ingredient choices, and see what professional cooking looks like. The mentorship dynamic is beautiful—Favreau is humble, curious, and eager to learn, while Choi is generous with his knowledge.

The catch? It's not high-octane entertainment. If your kid isn't already interested in cooking, they'll probably tap out. But for the right audience—the kid who watches cooking videos on YouTube, asks to help in the kitchen, or geeks out over food—this is gold. And honestly, it's a great co-watch for parents who want to learn alongside their kids.

Perfect score? 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.2 on IMDb suggest critics and audiences agree: this is comfort food in TV form.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10+ who have genuine interest in cooking or food culture. The conversational format and culinary focus won't hold the attention of younger kids unless they're already budding chefs. Teens and adults will appreciate it most.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Jon Favreau and Roy Choi cooking together is pure friendship goals—collaborative, respectful, genuinely joyful. The show models curiosity, humility (Favreau is clearly learning), and appreciation for craft. Pacing is calm and conversational, never chaotic. Guest appearances keep things warm and human.

Imaginative
78

The show celebrates culinary creativity and experimentation, showcasing different techniques, cuisines, and chef philosophies. It invites viewers to think about food as art and craft. However, it's observational rather than interactive—you're watching creativity, not being prompted to create yourself. Still, it sparks curiosity about cooking.

Safe
95

Essentially zero safety concerns. No violence, no sexual content, no scary elements. Common Sense Media rates it 13+ likely due to the conversational nature and some culinary techniques involving knives/heat, but there's nothing inappropriate. It's two friends cooking and talking. Kids Mode available on Netflix signals platform recognition of family-friendliness.

Enriching
85

Genuinely educational about cooking techniques, ingredient sourcing, restaurant culture, and the creative process. Viewers learn real skills and gain appreciation for culinary arts. The mentorship dynamic between Choi and Favreau models lifelong learning. Guest chefs bring diverse perspectives. It's entertaining AND teaches practical life skills.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Models genuine friendship and mentorship—Favreau is learning from Choi in real time, with humility and enthusiasm
  • Actually teaches cooking techniques, knife skills, and food science in an accessible, conversational way
  • Features diverse cuisines and guest chefs (including Marvel actors stopping by), keeping things interesting
  • Calm, unscripted vibe is refreshing in an era of hyper-edited competition shows
  • Could genuinely inspire kids (and parents) to try cooking together
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Pacing is conversational and unhurried—younger kids or those without cooking interest may get bored
  • Some knife work and hot cooking equipment shown, though always handled professionally
  • Best appreciated by viewers who already have some interest in food or cooking

Conversation Starters

  • "What's a dish you'd want to learn how to make together?"
  • "Roy Choi talks a lot about respecting ingredients—what do you think that means?"
  • "If you could have any chef teach you one thing, what would it be?"
  • "Jon Favreau is a famous director but he's still learning from Roy—what's something you want to learn from someone?"
Stills
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