Junior Bake Off

Though it could have been both! We hadn't watched a contest show before, and this one seemed like the logical choice (season 6 is the only one currently available on Netflix). It was lots of fun for me, my 10-year old daughter, and my 8-year old son, who really protested at first, but soon became deeply fascinated with it. The technical and creative challenges were really enjoyable in that they showed the nearly infinite variety of baking that is possible, and the kids who participated were bold, creative, and talented in their designs and products. It was always fun to see the finished baked goods, and to hear the judges evaluate their presentation and taste. I was a little surprised to see that the filming of the baking itself does not concentrate on the actual process, and gives no general tips or background information. So after watching the show, one wants to bake like these talented kids, but has not learned anything about how to do that. Another weird thing is that the contestants ranged in age from 10-15, and the first kids to get kicked off were the youngest ones, while the most skilled were the oldest--they probably should have stuck to a 13-15 age range. Finally, my kiddos were a bit puzzled by anglicisms such as the shameless overuse of the word "biscuit" and the mysterious layered monstrosity known as a "trifle", but this low-key intro to standard British English was another positive aspect of the show for them.

This is my first time watching this show and as much as I love cooking competition shows, this is a little concerning. The kids that compete on the show are amazing but the "creepy uncle" that hosts the show is just strange and his jokes range from not funny to very inappropriate. You can tell from their reactions that the children (aged 10 and up), that are competing on the show, either think he is unfunny or do not get the weird jokes he smothers them with. He seems to touch a bit too much and try for adult humored humor. Please replace the strange man because the concept is awesome but the strange older man ruins it.

I really enjoy this show. Rav and Liam are great as judges and with the kids. They also have a nice rapport with each other. The kids are so much fun to watch and they can be quite good bakers.

The one glaring exception is Harry Hill. He is SO over the top and obtrusive and you can see he often makes the kids uncomfortable with his "humor". And this because he is simply not funny (much like Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding on the Great British Baking Show).

I actually hold my remote in my hand and fast forward when I see Harry come into the scene. Those poor kids are busy, anxious and trying to focus and he is distracting them with humor they seem to neither get nor appreciate, though they are polite enough to fake laughter. It so annoying to watch, so I don't but it's also annoying to have to watch this show while holding the remote the whole time.

I am sure he is a nice guy and I truly think he is there to help relax the kids with his banter. Unfortunately it just doesn't work and seems to have the opposite effect and just annoys the viewing audience.

Oh how I miss Mel and Sue! No one they have had since on any of these British baking shows compare to their humor and their ability to balance it with entertaining us while not annoying the bakers (or us).

I gave this a 7 for the kids and Liam and Rav. But without Harry, this would easily be 9 stars from me.

I love the great British baking show and the Junior Baking show. The junior bothers me a bit. Too big of an age difference between kids. No way is it fair to have a 9 year old against a fifteen year old. I will throw in I can not stand those idiots that run around annoying the contestants in both programs. What is the point? None of them are funny. I love the judges, so kind to the bakers! Get rid of these jerks who just annoy the bakers! Especially the children who are trying to concentrate! I am watching this show now and Harry whoever is a pain in the neck. He needs to go away just like those other two jerks on the British baking show. What is their purpose?

Harry Hill is a horrific host. He is not funny AT ALL and says some extremely inappropriate things around the children. Here in the US some of the things I have heard him say would have him banned permanently!

There should be two versions of this series. One for younger kids and one for older kids. In addition, some of the challenges are so incredibly difficult that the kids are left disillusioned, visibly depressed and their confidence smashed. Many of these challenges would be difficult for professional chefs!!!

Give them appropriate challenges they can be successful at. It's painful to watch many of them fail so miserably. But the ONE THING that must be changed is Harry Hill. His "humor" is not. Not funny and not appropriate for children. He's very creepy. VERY creepy. I would not allow this man ever around my children. EVER. I fast-forward when he opens his mouth. Otherwise this show would get 10 stars!