Review of The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell

By Dave B.

​The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (Netflix) is…unique. Basically, it’s a horror-themed cooking show with a plot. And Henson puppets. In each of the six episodes, McConnell creates unbelievable culinary concoctions and occasionally dabbles in other domestic pursuits such as dressmaking. Joined by a supporting cast of her murderous friends and housemates Rose (a zombie raccoon), Rankle (a mummy cat), and Edgar (a werewolf), McConnell navigates her chaotic and macabre world with kindness, poise, and humor.

I generally avoid watching cooking shows. They fill me with a combination of boredom and hunger that makes me want to stuff my face. But McConnell’s show is almost instantly engaging. For starters, she’s RIDICULOUSLY talented. The level of detail and skill that she brings to her baking is amazing. Despite enjoying cooking, there is absolutely no way that I would have the patience to spend the hours (or days) that she must take to make stunning desserts like the replica of her onscreen house above. It’s almost impossible not to want to see what she’ll make next.

​What really sets Creations apart however, is the fact that the show has a plot, of sorts. McConnell’s puppet friends provide a bit of dark, slightly raunchy comedy that helps to tie each episode’s creative segments together coherently. It’s a clever way to make a 25 minute cooking show interesting for those of us who have no intention of ever trying to make realistic-looking bones out of pretzels and white chocolate, or becoming candlemakers. Rankle in particular steals the show with his quick one-liners filled with contempt for Rose. 

​There’s a compelling energy to The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell. It’s eclectic blend of domesticity, comedy, and horror make it worth a watch for a broad range of people and I recommend giving this show a chance. I hope that Netflix doesn’t decide to only release future episodes in October. Thanksgiving and Christmas specials could be a lot of fun and would give viewers the opportunity to see more of Christine McConnell’s fantastically curious creations. 

Rating 6.5/10