The Great British Bake Off

This is such a great baking show. I loved it most when Sue and Mel were the presenters. When Noel and Sandi took over, they grew on me and I continued to enjoy the show. But I just cannot enjoy when Matt Lucas is on camera. He is simply not funny. In fact he is cringingly uncomfortable to watch as he interacts with the bakers. His comments are most often childish and inane. You can see the discomfort from some of the bakers as well when he is talking with them and their laughs are politely forced. Why they kept him on for a second season I cannot fathom. I am sure he is a nice guy, but he doesn't fit here and I hope if this show comes back for another season next year (fingers crossed!) they part ways with Matt and get someone funnier and better suited to this show.

I've loved most of the British shows that have made it across the water, and this one is exceptional! I love that they don't have disguised 'professional' bakers, just people who love this as a hobby; they do this as a true 'labor of love'!

Another aspect is the judging. They don't hide catty commentary or mean-spirited comebacks in the 'helpful' comments they give, they're honestly decent in their feedback and don't make 'authoritarian' statements such as 'this is wrong' when it comes to the taste of an item. Rather, they might say 'I'm not as keen on (whatever), but the design is lovely'.

Such a nice diversion from the 'reality' food shows in America! Pay attention Food Network execs!!

I love watching this show! I like that everyone is being treated respectfully and they're not trying to make a drama out of contestants' personal lives or try to up the pressure with stressful music, meanness or shouting or things like that.

I love this show, I've watched it from the beginning. It was a little hard to get used to Prue Leith after watching Mary Berry for so long and I still miss Sue, Mel and Sandy but I really like Noel. But I'm sorry, Matt Lucas is just horrible! He's not funny, half the time his jokes are crude and insulting. Hopefully when the 2021 season airs, they will have someone else. He tries to talk over Noel and is just infuriating! I don't know who the idea he would be good, but they were so wrong.

Love this show. I will probably always love this show BUT Matt Lucas is not a good fit. The problem is the addition of Matt Lukas (who isn't quite as funny as he may think he is) forces Noel to play the "straight man" and that is not a good role for him. Sandy was a much better ying to Noel's yang. Still love the show, just not as much.