The Great British Bake Off

Each season a group of lovely human beings gather under the tent to bake their hearts out. Everything about this show is wholesome and kind. Love everything about it!

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.

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.

Yep, 9 stars for a cooking show! Even I'm surprised at that. Thank you Netflix for bringing 4 seasons (series) to your U.S. audience. Please bring us more! I would love to see every episode since its inception. I had no idea Brits take their baking so seriously so this was a real eye opener. The variety of bakery items and the wide range of genuine talent among hobbyist home bakers is truly astonishing. This show has wonderful personalities in key roles, plus the contestants present us with their unflapable, always polite demeanor, along with a good deal of humor as they deal with the nerve wracking stress of their tasks. The contestants are all so engaging that it's hard for the viewer to pick a favorite from show to show. One contestant in the U.S. Series 3, Ian, could have his own tv show, he was that entertaining. Be prepared to get a craving for something sweet when you watch this.

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.