We used to love this show, it had a unique concept where the contestants really had to be creative and improvise with whatever groceries they bought. Now it's seems so staged, the challenges are lame i.e. Shredded, pickled, chopped etc., and the shoppers are so greedy now wanting $300 for 2 small bags of groceries. We live in Southern California and yes its expensive but this is just pure greed and makes some people think that all Californian's are like this. The judges seem to have already picked who they want to win before anybody cooks anything, so it's more of a popularity contest than it is a cooking contest. Many of the true winners are actually eliminated in the 1st or 2nd rounds because they weren't the "chosen ones". But what we hate the most is how Alex goes to help some contestants. It's like she has to show off her so called expertise in cooking, we've watched her on several programs and never seen her cook an actual meal, and yet she has to give her opinion on what the contestants make. But she doesn't help them equally she picks her favorites to help and more often than not that contestant wins, shock, shock!! Alex has become quite rude over the seasons, she makes snide comments to the contestants and the judges, as well as making fun of the people passing by to see what's going on. You would think she would welcome people interested in what they're doing as it brings in more viewers. Plus she looks so disheveled with her fried hair, hideous and unflattering clothing, and garish makeup, with all the money she makes from her many, many shows, you would think she'd hire a stylist and a hair and makeup artist. Last night's (July 11th 2023) blatant favoritism was the final straw for my husband, who is no longer watching because it's so unfair a lot of the time.
