If you have been streaming lately you likely have come across the growing popularity of the Great British Bake Off. Not all of us are bakers or even overly interested in baking but for whatever reason this show has captured our time and our hearts. So, what’s the deal?
The Show
The premise of the show is that there are three baking challenges. The first challenge is the Signature Challenge, which has a theme that the bakers have had time to practice ahead of time. The second challenge is a technical baking challenge where the bakers are given a “vague” recipe that they must fill in the gaps and present a worthy bake. The third baking challenge is the Showstopper challenge. This one brings in the “wow” factor to baking – creativity, innovation, and of course taste is key to winning this challenge.
The overall winner, judged across all three bakes, is the Star Baker for the week. A very cherished title. The baker that comes in last place overall is sent home.
The Judges and Hosts
The hosts of the show, while changing at times season to season, have bring humor and entertainment throughout the show. They are comical to the point of down right silly.
There are also two expert bakers that judge each of the bakes on presentation and taste. They provide feedback to the bakers and if you are lucky, you receive handshake for your bake from expert baker Paul Hollywood. A sign that you have very skillfully performed your bake.
The Contestants
The contestants are amateur bakers who apply to the show. They are assessed by a researcher followed by an audition in London with two of their bakes. They then undergo a screen test and interview with the producer. A second audition involves them baking two recipes for the judges in front of the cameras.
As you can imagine, if you’ve made it onto the show you are not a slacker in the kitchen. Something else to be noted about the bakers is that they come from a variety of countries and bring to their “bakers block” their own set of cultural flavors and favorites.
The Popularity
So, why is this show so popular? I think it’s a combination of all of the above. It’s entertaining, you get to learn more about baking, you learn about a variety of cultures and get to enjoy meeting contestants from all walks of life and all stages in their baking adventures – from new bakers to those with decades of experience. Admittedly, the baking “fails” are a bit fun to watch too! Plus, there is the competitive angle. It’s fun to pick your favorites in the beginning and see how they fare episode to episode.
What do you think?
Have you seen the Great British Bake Off? Do you like it, love it, or hate it? What’s your favorite part of it? What draws you in or makes you flip the channel?
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I’m from the U.S but I love this show so much! Very entertaining!!
I love it too – and I love the Netflix weekly episode! Something to look forward to every Friday!
I’ve never heard of this show, but we have something similar in France. I don’t know what about these show but I simply love to watch people bake stuffs, and I really suck at cooking haha
I dod too – LOL! But I love watching others give it a shot!
I absolutely love this show and it has fast become a highlight of the week for us! I don’t even really like baking so not sure why I love it so much!
There’s something about how they put this show together that makes it so enticing to so many!
I really enjoyed learning more about GBBO! I used to watch it from time to time when Sue Perkins was one of the judges – I think it’s very entertaining to see such a diverse group of bakers compete, but the baking fails really take the cake for me (no pun intended)!
Thanks, Lisa!
Bianca xx | http://www.missmonro.com
LOL – me too Bianca! The wins and baking fails are fun to watch! Maybe because I can identify so well with the baking fails!
I don’t always watch every episode, but I do enjoy it when I do have time to sit and watch. Its just one of those programmes that you can relax whilst watching.
I agree – it’s a very easy show to just sit down and relax to!
I hear so many people talking about this show! I’ve never watch it myself!
Oh Sophie – you and your baking; I think you would love it!
I love GBBO, although I’ve not yet felt especially drawn to any of the contestants so far this year – hopefully that will change 🙂
I am a fan of Peter’s this year. I was surprised that Sura got kicked off so quickly. 🙁
Bake Off is literally the highlight of my week. Every week I get so excited when it’s on – its’ the escapism that I so desperately need! I think that Peter is the front runner and I’d love to see him win!
Rosie
Oh Rosie – Peter is my favorite too!!! Go Peter!
I love the bake off! The perfect cosy night in show!
Yes – I totally agree!
I haven’t seen this show yet but I adore cooking shows! I’ll have to catch this one soon 🙂
I think you will like this one Lynn!
I usually love this show, although the time trials give me major anxiety… I know I wouldn’t be able to bake in the time set. I haven’t watched this series, but I may just have to catch up with it!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
You are welcome Aimsy – If you watch it, I hope you like it!
I vividly remember I used to watch a cooking show in my childhood and that time it was one of entertainment for me. Now, you have nicely elaborated about baking challenges which bring back my memories.
So happy to bring back those nice childhood memories! 🙂
I don’t really watch TV because I don’t have cable. This sounds like a very interesting show though. I will have to see if I can find it on one of my streaming apps.
It’s on Netflix I know but it may be on other streaming services as well, for what its worth
I feel like I have been hearing a lot about this show on social media lately, although I have never seen it. (Is it available in the US? I don’t even know).
I’m not usually much for TV except for sports,but I could see how this might be entertaining.
Yes, it’s on Netflix if you want to check it out! New episodes release weekly!
I’ve watched GBBO since it made the move to Channel 4. I enjoy it but can’t help thinking that Matt Lucas isn’t the right choice for co-host.
Yes, I have questioned their choice of hosts too, though they do change often so if you don’t like one maybe they won’t last long
I haven’t seen it yet, but I do like to watch cooking and baking shows from time to time. I’ll have to check it out!
Yes, I bet you will like it! 🙂
That sounds like a great show! I love watching baking shows like these!
It really is – I hope you like it!
I have never heard of this show but from the review. It looks awesome and will give a watch and see how it is. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome Fransic!