The Great British Sewing Bee

This is probably my favorite reality/competition show ever. I've watched every episode more than once if I could find it here in the USA. My great disappointment is that it was not sold to Netflix or run on my local PBS station. The best thing this show did was make sewing fun. The contestants were so passionate about their hobby that I was always encouraged to go make something. Such a shame that the production company dropped the marketing ball on this one.

It's simply well made. There's good balance of no-nonsense and encouragements for amateurs to be better. It's neither too critical nor too loose. The challenges are well thought out for amateurs and it is after all, a competition tele for amateurs. The background stories of the contestants and snippets of relevant history were a nice touch. Unlike other competition tele, there's less exaggerated hype, forced exclamations, forced comedy or tragedy and far less interference from the judges and presenter. The settings is simple. Simply setting it next to river makes it somehow relaxing. The bit of old songs are well placed. It is not titivating.

GBSB is just a lovely piece of tele and a panacea to many of the over-hyped competition shows that have multiplied in recent years. It borrows from the Bake Off format with a couple of challenges on day one (broken up by a nice bit of morning tea in the local caf) and a major challenge on day two. A small starting group is whittled down week by week across eight episodes by judges whose sewing expertise is matched by their delightful oh-so-British eccentricity. The contestant's backstories are light-touch, and largely without drama. Most importantly, the contestants are delightful, kind, considerate, polite and humble. There aren't any villains and the products of their sewing remain in focus the whole time. Wholesome, restful, entertaining tv without any octane, and that's ok.

I love Sewing Bee, and I think the new series is excellent. Joe Lycett does a great job bringing humour and Esme and Patrick are fabulous. The competition is very friendly which is nice, though I wish there was a proper prize at the end really. Very informative, I like the fashion history as well.

Love, love, love this show. Watching such lovely people build friendships and support each other's growth and I learn heaps about sewing techniques and material, get tips and ideas. More shows should be this lovely.