Selena Gomez’s New Cooking Series Is Fun but Reflects Mixed Worldviews
By Stephanie Speck, Contributing Writer
SELENA + CHEF is singer/actress Selena Gomez’s new, unscripted cooking series that was filmed for HBO Max during quarantine. In the 10-episode series, Gomez receives virtual cooking lessons from professional chefs. As a beginner chef, Gomez learns new recipes and receives useful tips for navigating the kitchen. Filmed in her personal kitchen, viewers have the chance to learn useful cooking tips and laugh at Gomez’s mishaps. While often funny and entertaining, the series does come with some cautions.
Selena Gomez stars in the series with guest appearances from her best friends and roommates Raquelle Stevens and Liz Golden. Gomez’s grandparents frequently appear in the show. Some of the guest chefs include Toy Choi, Angelo Sosa, Nancy Silverton, and Tanya Holland.
Each episode of SELENA + CHEF features Gomez learning new recipes from the comfort of her home kitchen via virtual sessions with renowned celebrity chefs. The series is filmed in a high quality, multi-camera angle setup. With the help of her friends and family, Gomez learns how to make a variety of dishes including a French omelet, seafood tostada, and buttermilk fried chicken. In one episode, Gomez also learns how to make biscuits for her dogs. The chefs go over basic cooking terminology and teach new skills like cracking an egg with one hand and the proper way to chop vegetables. Gomez does attest to not being the best cook and several mishaps do occur. Gomez slices her finger with a knife, burns a few of the dishes, has trouble starting her stove, and suffers a minor catastrophe when parchment paper catches fire in her oven. Some of the mishaps are truly hilarious but do seem a bit staged.
At the close of each episode, $10,000 is donated to a charity selected by the guest chef. Featured charities include City Harvest, Beit T’Shuvah, NAACP, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and No Kid Hungry. Gomez is a philanthropist who’s known for her work as a UNICEF ambassador and often advocates for animal rights, Lupus research, and racial equality.
SELENA + CHEF is rated TV-PG. Despite this rating, there are some cautions. There are dozens of OMG profanities due to individuals becoming anxious or excited. There are also about five instances where vulgar and slang terms are used. In the season finale a word is bleeped out. There’s also a moment when a stressed-out guest chef takes a swig from the bottle of wine that’s being used for cooking.
Gomez, her roommates, and the guest chefs occasionally discuss boys, the challenges of dating, and being single. However, none of the conversations are sexual. Gomez and her roommates do occasionally wear crop tops that reveal some cleavage.
SELENA + CHEF does have some redemptive elements. The series celebrates friendship, family, and service. Gomez has Lupus and often struggles with tasks that require heavy lifting. Her friends and relatives are often nearby to help and enjoy participating in the cooking experience. They also enjoy tasting the food together. The chefs often have family members who help or pop in to say “hello.” In an adorable moment, Gomez excites a chef’s teenage daughter by FaceTiming with Taylor Swift. The series also promotes learning and giving back, as Gomez learns to cook during quarantine while also donating to different charities.
References are made to a variety of religious worldviews. One of the chefs studied under Monks in Japan. She often expresses viewpoints that are reflective of Buddhist New Age thought. Another guest chef remarks that she and Gomez are Cancer babies and that “Cancers are natural in the kitchen.” Some of the chefs use greetings like “Namaste,” and refer to dishes as being “magical.” In a reference to Catholicism, a chef tells Gomez to bless herself before proceeding with a task. Another chef names a guacamole recipe, “Holy Trinity,” due to a trio of added ingredients.
Whether you are a casual novice or a diehard foodie, SELENA + CHEF is a fun, mouthwatering, and often hilarious series to watch. Due to the occasional off-language and mixed worldview messages, discernment is advised for families with younger children.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
