The Great British Baking Show (2010– ) User Reviews

An excellent show; far better than the 'destructive commentary' shows...

[patrick-d-crowe · 10/10 · 20 March 2016]

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!!

A Delight to invite into my home each week

[wordsmythwmn · 9/10 · 18 September 2013]

__As an American watching this British Baking Show, I am relieved at the pace and concept as compared to American "Food" shows -- America has turned most of their food shows into a contest, showing only those cooks and bakers that demonstrate the zeal of capitalism in their quest for the top prize (almost always money) -- Thanks Bees that this British production includes the backgrounds of each contestant -- Another highlight is each episode features at least one "historically" significant tour near or at the area of the baking TENT. – Through these vignettes I have learned a great deal about the origins and purpose of many baked goods -- Even though Mr. Hollywood seems a gruff judge, he is much more humane than many of our "American" Chefs who dominate the U.S. shows – Judge Mary is such a delight, and I would have never known her impact on British Home Baking if I had not seen this show !!! The helpful comments of each of these judges is reason alone to cherish this show -- That both Mary and Mr. Hollywood also prepare the featured contest baked goods is a worthy part of the show -- The two hosts of the show use their comedic talents in a useful way to help the contestants keep focus during the challenges -- A pleasure always to tune into "The Great British Bakeoff".

A show to decompress

[loganrini · 10/10 · 4 December 2018]

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.

DELICIOUS! Thank you BBC and Netflix!

[jax713 · 9/10 · 22 March 2018]

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.

This show NEVER disappoints! You will love it.

[josephryanbrewer · 10/10 · 1 August 2018]

Thanks to our English friends across the pond for creating this show! It's a fun and serious show, but the people always treat each other with respect and kindness (of course this no longer happens on American television shows). Me and my wife seriously love to watch it. It's slowly becoming a dream of mine to become a guest on this show :-)

Wholesome fun

[Calicodreamin · 10/10 · 21 November 2020]

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!

Absolute feel-good telly

[ichsachmalso · 10/10 · 22 June 2020]

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.

Scrummy!

[jessicabocola · 10/10 · 11 November 2018]

American here. This show is fantastic. Watching through Netflix, and confused by the series being out of order...I think(?!) I also find Sue and Mary HI-larious! I adore all four of the hosts/judges and their dynamic. Absolute perfection! Lastly, I find it laughably ridiculous that some reviewers below found themselves "put off" by the one or two times a person on the show may have made an unflattering comment about the U.S.A. Get. Over. Yourselves. It's a T.V. show. It's entertainment. As an unaffiliated, moderate-leaning, 30-something-year-old, hetero, female, 1st-generation-college-goer, Democratic, cat-owner (because I know some folks like to keep track of their stereotypes and labels) I do declare, "To all 'snowflakes;' if the art offends thee, don't look at said art."

Regular people

[jeanmkulski · 8/10 · 29 September 2019]

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.

Usually a 10 but...

[EyeSeesMovies · 7/10 · 20 November 2020]

I deducted stars because they eliminated Hermine on Collection 8:E9! How was Laura better when she failed the first 2 challenges horribly and had been doing so terribly for some time!??? I think the judges were too bias because they expected Hermine to be the best, but they didn't expect Laura to great. That means Hermine was making A's and Laura usually made C's & B's. Then Hermine made a low B and Laura made a low B, Hermine was eliminated because she should have made an A. Ughhh!!

The Great British Bake Off

[jboothmillard · 9/10 · 3 August 2015]

I heard the programme mentioned many times from various sources, including an appearance from three contestant of a series on Big Fat Quiz of the Year, you could consider both a reality and talent show, and one I am really happy I started watching. Every series twelve or above contestants are chosen to take part in the competition to find the best amateur baker, the prize for the winner is a special cake serving dish, but more than anything they win pride and the opportunity to go on to do whatever baking related career they want, e.g. open their own shop, do presentations, make recipe books. The show is presented by comedian double-act Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, and the judges throughout the competition are cookery writer and National Television Award nominated Mary Berry and professional baker Paul Hollywood. The amateur bakers are given three challenges each episode related to whatever they are making, these are: cakes, biscuits and traybakes, bread, puddings, pastry, pies and tarts, desserts, patisserie, sweet dough, European cakes, advanced dough and more. The three challenges consist of: the Signature Challenge - the amateur bakers show off their tried-and- tested recipes for bakes they might make for their friends and family; the Technical Challenge - the bakers are given the same recipe for a bake, with all ingredients, but minimal instructions, e.g. time amounts, this is judged blind and ranked from worst to best; and the Showstopper Challenge - the bakers show off their skills and talent with a bake that is of professional appearance and outstanding in taste. It is a fantastic show, with spin-off series An Extra Slice, and has inspired many competitions related to everyday hobbies and interests, e.g. The Great British Sewing Bee, The Big Painting Challenge. It won the BAFTA for Best Features, and it was nominated the Audience Award (TV) three times, and it won the National Television Award for Most Popular Skills Challenge Shows, and it was nominated for Most Popular Factual Entertainment Programme. Very good!

Please no more Matt Lucas!

[nanamorgan-92669 · 10 March 2021]

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.

I LOVE this show BUT get rid of the "comedy"

[dmm1953 · 6/10 · 22 November 2020]

The contestants are excellent, giving their best each week. They are real people, real lives, makes it great to watch successes and great breaking losses. Paul and Pru are terrific judges, offering encouragement while seeing very high professional standards.

The only thing that detracts is Noel Fielding's poor attempts at comedy. This 2020 season has devolved into cruder and cruder innuendos. Here comes across more and more as a predatory old man. Disgusting!

Please, please different hosts

[BEBrady2020 · 4/10 · 12 November 2020]

It is just me, or are the hosts of this show becoming more and more irritating as the years go by? Having just binged seasons 6, 7 and 8, I can say for certain that not one word out of their mouths did I find funny or interesting. They are clearly there to distract and annoy the contestants, which it is clear they do. And they annoy me! Never have I used the 10-sec-forward button so much. Skip the lame hosts and false drama and get straight to the final products and the judging, which are always interesting.

The things that make the GBBS charming are still there--friendly, supportive contestants, bucolic setting with cutaways to baby ducks and butterflies, interesting and sometimes bizarre challenges, doing it all for a cakeplate, etc. But the hosts are killing the show.

Witty, informative reality competition

[Freiburger · 9/10 · 4 May 2015]

This show is a great reality show that keeps it interesting without manufactured drama. You end up caring for all of the bakers and want them all to do well. Mel and Sue make the show with their witty humor as the hosts. There is are also baking tips in the narration. For example, I now understand why bread needs to be kneaded and that gluten-free bread shouldn't be kneaded. There are also sidebars with baking history.

One disappointment was in season three. There was a challenge to make an "American pie", even though one of the judges professed to hating American style pies. There were British fruit pies in another episode though that seemed pretty similar to American fruit pies.

So good!

[elliecarey2004 · 10/10 · 26 October 2016]

It is absolutely amazing! I don't have much else to say other than it's one of the best shows on TV!

You can get very attached to it and the contestants because many of them have such amazing personalities and its just great seeing all their amazing bakes. They're all so creative and look amazing! It's just an amazing show overall, it was a great idea and it's one of my favorite shows in the whole world!The presenters are funny and they know what they're talking about. This show cheers me up a lot, it makes me very very very very hungry!I definitely recommend this to everyone, of all ages! It's suitable for everyone and it makes you smile on gloomy days. I wish i could make such amazing bakes like many of the contestants!

Season 8, Matt Lucas

[lilred1700 · 8/10 · 26 October 2020]

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.

Pure joy.

[jaqsn · 10/10 · 25 September 2018]

I was impelled to write a review in an attempt to drown out the homophobe and the rabid nationalist at the bottom of the reviews; pay no heed, this show is a wonderful celebration of talent, hard work and artistry from all kinds of skilled but novice bakers. I am enjoying the new hosts and mentors, although I do miss Mary.

Love it with one exception...

[suego-49293 · 9/10 · 13 October 2021]

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.

Great show, but stop the jokes about nuts and balls please.

[happysmileyface · 28 February 2022]

I love this show but dislike some of the humor. The testicle jokes are childish. In many episodes, no one can say "nuts" or "balls" without Paul Hollywood smiling and the cohosts acting like they're in junior high.

9 stars

.

Love this show up until the change of presentors

[con-fan · 9/10 · 18 October 2018]

I have watched the different seasons three times, and enjoy it for a late night relaxation. I adore the mansion, the gardens and overall setting for the show, just lovely. The baking creations are simply marvelous especially the show stoppers. Such creativity! The amateur bakers are so intense on their work but often quite funny too. I loved and miss Mary Berry! She was so inspiring, with her cute little outfits and perfectly offset Hollywood's gruffness. I'm not as keen on the two new sidekicks and miss Sue and Mel's interaction and light banter with the contestants. The new guy is pretty annoying but I'm getting used to him. One thing I just noticed - everyone was wearing the same clothes for two days in a row?? Or is the whole thing is just staged in one day that is supposed to be taking two days? Despite the changes I hope it continues as it is a lot of fun. But I would be happier if Mary, Mel and Sue would come back next season....

Bring Back the Ladies

[lawnmorgan · 6/10 · 24 October 2020]

I've watched TGBBS since it was first made available to the US audience as the Great British Bake Off. I look forward to each new season. I've even gone back to rewatch past seasons. Matt Lucas is neither funny nor entertaining. He's downright annoying and unwatchable.

A very good British bake programme!

[Irishchatter · 8/10 · 1 April 2016]

Myself and my family discovered this in 2012 because as usual, you have 100 channels and there was nothing on. It's really enjoyable and it makes you hungry by looking at what the participants baked. Although during whatever they are baking, you would honestly get frustrated because you wouldn't want at least one of them to screw up their cakes. This would mostly happen when time is running out for them to finish off what they made!

Even though, you wouldn't like Paul Hollywood for his deep criticism but seriously, he's like the best baker in the world. I love how the bakers just act awkward whenever he checks around. This is like checking if the bakers are doing their jobs properly! It's funny!

You would absolutely love Mary Berry, she is like the mommy of the whole lot. She criticises more nicely than Paul Hollywood. I say that ticks him off haha!

Now, who on earth would forget Mel and Sue as the hosts?! They are such good Craic and they really do make you laugh, regardless if this was a tense moment for the bakers to be making the cakes! They are also extremely helpful if either of the bakers are stuck or need a little hand. Who doesn't love them? They are such legends.

I would definitely recommend people watching this whenever it's on!

Love This Show, But...

[sixtieschild-67170 · 7/10 · 8 November 2022]

Not so much this season. I love British tv, and in years past this show is amazing and entertaining, but this year it's a bit of a dud. The judges and presenters are still fun to watch, but the bakers this season don't seem to be as talented, and the bakes haven't been very good. As popular as the show is, you'd think the show would have it's choice of fabulous UK bakers and all the contestants would be outstanding. This season makes me now wonder what their criteria is for contestant selection. Nothing else to say except I may not be interested in watching next season if it continues to.recruit mediocre talent.

Get a Room.

[peterDM-30380 · 4/10 · 19 March 2021]

I understand that they want to film this show in a tent in field, because it adds a uniquely British, pastoral flavor to the atmosphere. However, I would gladly trade seeing that pretty setting for a climate controlled studio where I wouldn't have to watch the bakers' work melt before my eyes every week. In real life, baking kitchens have air conditioning, so it's unrealistic to make them produce results out of doors in often hot and humid conditions. We want to see the best possible results, not piles of melted slop week after week. It doesn't add any drama or suspense to the show to have this kind of obstacle in place. It's just makes the show's producers look cheap and incapable of understanding how to create suspense for their audience rather than irritating them.