“Chopped,” but make it Disney!

In this Disney+ exclusive, families go head to head in a round-robin style tournament, creating original and tasty meals based on Disney-themed challenges. Each episode revolves around a different theme, usually combining a type of meal and a Disney character or film. The Baymax (Big Hero Six) healthy dessert challenge, and the Mulan hidden ingredient challenge are just two examples from this family-friendly series, which emphasizes the love of cooking and the love of family.

Just like any standard cooking competition, families’ dishes are judged on three criteria: presentation, taste, and creativity. Contestants also compete in mini-games, called “garden games,” halfway through each challenge in order to win “the Golden Spoon” (which can be used to obtain advantages in the competition). Usually, the garden games involve a food-related challenge, which can be quite educational for viewers.

Unlike most game shows, however, families who do not win their episode challenge are not booted off the show — they are given another chance later on in the competition facing a different opponent. The winning family receives a fantastic Disney vacation prize, as well as bragging rights!

The overall feel of the show is very positive and uplifting, with great examples of family togetherness, wholesome values, teamwork, and friendly competition. Episodes begin with inspiration drawn from Disney parks, and it’s quite exciting for young viewers to see their favorite characters interacting with normal kids just like them on TV. The show is sure to inspire children to learn about food and cooking, as well as inspire families to spend more time together in the kitchen.

Disney has managed to take an outmoded form of TV — the traditional cooking competition show — and make it exciting again. My family and I watched the first three episodes together and enjoyed each one. I particularly liked the creativity of the themes and the diversity of the families represented, as it’s interesting to see how each unique family tackles the challenge at hand. I was particularly impressed by the elevated tomato soup served in a carriage bread bowl during the Cinderella challenge — how fun!

We award Be Our Chef the Dove-approved Seal for All Ages.

The Dove Take:

Disney has managed to take an outmoded form of TV — the traditional cooking competition show — and make it exciting again, with just a pinch of “Disney Magic.”