"Baker's Dozen" hosts Tamera Mowry-Housley and Chef Bill Yosses embody the aesthetic of Hulu's addictive and charming new reality competition series, which pits seasoned, formally trained professionals against fiercely talented "amateurs" who honed their skills with the help of the internet. A media star with a massive following, Mowry-Housley is an accomplished home cook, while the French-trained Yosses was a legend in the restaurant world before being appointed White House Executive Pastry Chef. Their onscreen chemistry is the perfect balance of sweet and tart as they guide 13 contestants through each episode's heady baking challenges, which are mostly inspired by gorgeous goodies that have gone viral on social media. To amp up the fun, each week one of the creators of those viral sensations is a guest judge, including TikTok baking phenom Robert Lucas; Lauren Ko, of the Instagram-breaking "geometric tart;" and Loria Stern, whose edible flower confections have inspired a zillion Youtube imitators.
Social media has helped spur the dismantling of the caste system in the culinary world, and it's terrific to see this in action on "Baker's Dozen." Based solely on the luscious, colorful treats, viewers would never know who's an "amateur" and who's a "professional," and that's part of why this is the best new cooking show of the year. The pro-am dynamic boosts the tension of every challenge while making it possible to avoid the outdated, cliched, and toxic trope of kitchen machismo/preening--which sadly has remained a staple of culinary "reality" shows (looking directly at you, Food Network). "Baker's Dozen" is the most kind-hearted competition imaginable; Yosses and Mowry-Housley and their guest judges are full of compliments and offer loads of technique tips as they winnow down the contestants. Each episode is a lovely romp that reminds us that the world is still sweet and good, and humans are still capable of creating beauty and love, despite the seemingly dark times we live in. It's the perfect show for both kids and adults to escape reality for a delicious hour of butter-drenched enchantment!
