The Great British Bake Off

American here, a wonderful calm show. Comparing the show to the different American versions this is so much better. The contestants are just regular people and don't look like a casting director walked into a modeling agency asking 'who likes to bake.' There's no schtick with the contestants personalities, they are who they are and production doesn't force some ridiculous image on them to carry through a season. The judges aren't yelling at anyone but giving helpful advice. I LOVE the Technical Challenge where they get scant information and figure it out. I don't think the show needs a host much less TWO hosts who don't add anything and they aren't funny at all. No offense, they're just not needed. All in all a great show, so pleasant and the natural friendliness isn't forced.

Unlike typical American shows where the chefs are at each other's throats, screaming, fighting, competing in stupid challenges, this is just calm and relaxing. They all respect each other, the hosts actually know what they are talking about (Masterclass), and it's a simple concept. Three challenges and a clock, that's it.

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.

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.

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.