Craft Corner Deathmatch

As others have said, the craft-game-show format is fun, and Jason Jones is an incredible host, treating it all as a pro wrestling announcer (he's even borrowed a few moves and riffs from the WWE). This is a show that does not take itself seriously at all, having fun with the audience and with itself.

And yet...amid all the comedy there's some legit craft ideas. I can't see myself making candleholders from pasta, but the homemade notebooks look very doable and practical and fun. One friend was inspired by the Astroturf purse challenge to make her own purse...not from Astroturf, thank heaven, but she never would have tried without this show. And ya know, there's a lot to be said for inspiring people.

Other shows about crafts make them look stodgy and old-fashioned; this gives crafting a fun, postmodern edge. And Jason Jones is just amazing!

I've only seen the first episode of this show, but it was pretty kick ass. Two crafters are given two rounds and two different crafts to complete under pressure. Their crafts are judged by 'expert' judges -- including that chick from 'The Apprentice.' And the winner goes up against the 'Craft Lady of Steel.'

There was a practical how-to segment and a funny in a dry way piece about the history of rhinestones. This show is cool for many reasons: the crafts were interesting (napkin rings out of sculpey, e.g.), it doesn't take itself seriously (esp. the host, who can be grating at first but comes to be likable over-the-top)and the just overall concept.

Good if you like A) crafts and/or B) comedy. The creators worked at the Daily Show, and it's clear they have comedy on the brain. The tag line at the end is "Remember, it's cheaper and easier just to buy stuff."

I'm not normally one to watch game shows, and I'm definitely not one to watch more than one "craft" show per year.

But THIS show is one I would watch. It's seems like a Saturday Night Live skit, turned into a real game show.

Meet Jason Jones. Do you remember Richard Dawson's game show host in The Running Man (1987)? Like that, only a younger version, and maybe even a little more over the top, if that's possible. He hams up the "DeathMatch" idea to the hilt. Way to go, Jason!

Meet angry Amber, the surly assistant hostess. I always look forward to seeing her dragging herself to the contestants tables, spitefully yanking their creations to the judges' table, and generally looking like she can't wait for the show to end. As in "blow up."

Meet The Craft Lady of Steel. 'Nuff said.

Watch this show. You will not regret it, no matter how hip and cool thou art.