The Cooks (2004–2005) User Reviews

late night addiction?

[erinchristine-smith · 7/10 · 16 July 2009]

I stumbled upon this show recently and still can only catch it once in a while since it is on quite late at night. I am a Canadian born food and cooking lover who now resides in rural NSW.

There are things I really liked about this show, the 1st being that there is nothing else like it on television and its not your usual Aussie drama that you see on prime time. I enjoy the sultry, indie style of the characters, but I have to say it lacks a little in character dynamics. I almost wish the characters would give each other more, engage with each other.

On a different note, I secretly enjoy this show late nights when I cant sleep and I do hope I can catch the entire series at some point. Maybe this show would have done well with a second or third season? I sure think so.

Problematic but likable and underrated Australian drama series

[azzonline · 13 January 2005]

The Cooks, based on Network TEN's low rating 2003 tele-movie/pilot "Temptation" was one of the lowest rating drama premieres and was quickly dumped in a late-night time-slot to waste away (TEN couldn't axe The Cooks as it would jeopardise their Australian content quota).

Starring up and coming actor Toby Schmitz and "SeaChange" star Kate Atkinson, the action took place in two competing restaurants in Sydney's inner west.

There were numerous problems with the series, namely a lack of chemistry between the cast and sketchy writing and plotting, but there were moments of freshness and some nice ideas.

Great Australian TV Series

[sarahjose · 10/10 · 4 June 2006]

The Cooks is my most favourite Australian TV show and i only wish that they made more episodes, 13 was not enough. Leon Ford is a great actor and extremely funny. I loved the whole cast and i think that they had wonderful chemistry on camera. The show is set in Sydney and revolves around two restaurants, the head chefs from both restaurants Gabe and Ruth were an item before they became chefs in opposing restaurants. While getting used to the idea that they will be competing, the mother (Raffa) of Gabe's daughter (Rosie) shows up on his doorstep causing more problems. Raffa was just released from a psyche ward and asks to move in with Gabe and Rosie. Sachan who is Gabes 2nd chef is dating Carmalita who works for Ruth which also doesn't help with rivalry between restaurants. Then there is Dish-pig he washes dishes for Gabe he is a very troubled soul and falls into bouts of depression mainly due to Ruth constantly rejecting his advances. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it to everyone. FIVE STARS