I feel like everyone has their own reality T.V. show they like to watch. Whether it stars Gordon Ramsay or is a love-focused competition with lots of drama, there is some sort of highly-produced reality T.V. show that everyone puts on to pass time and get away from everyday life. One that I like — mainly because of its wholesomeness, calmness, and overall charm — is The Great British Bake Off.
Comedic, Low-Stakes British Baking
That is the best way I could explain The Great British Bake Off. There’s no drama, no highly-produced reaction shots, and nothing that comes across as very obviously played up for the camera. First debuting in 2010, this U.K. competition features a large group of amateur baking enthusiasts as then encounter a series of challenges each episode (the Signature Bake, where they showcase their personalities; the Technical; where their baking intuitions are tested; and the Showstopper, where they make one final attempt to wow the judges). Each episode one baker is crowned Star Baker (the episode winner, essentially) and one baker is asked to leave the large outdoor baking tent.
The entire show has a unique aura of comfort and wholesomeness; you can tell the contestants are genuinely having fun and enjoy the challenge the competition presents. They’re all so pleasant and good-natured and create amazing pastries, breads, and other baked goods that I could never in my life create. The hosts and judges are always a hoot and give solid advice and judgements on each bake.
So, What’s the Catch?
You know how some people do different things to unwind and relax? The Great British Bake Off is perfect for that. It’s honestly guaranteed to get you more into baking — it’s actually because of the show that I’ve (at one point) made my own lemon curd and chocolate tart. I have also gone through the phase of calling everything “a good bake” and have spent large amounts of time baking sourdough bread, brownies, cookies, and other goodies.
But anyway — this show is exactly what you need to chill. You naturally get attached to one or more contestants as you watch them work magic with dough, but like other comfort shows, there are very low stakes involved and it’s something you can easily watch directly or put on in the background to listen to. We all may secretly wish for a Paul Hollywood handshake, but even if you don’t get one — that’s okay!
Watch The Great British Bake Off on Netflix
If you’re a baking fan, a fan of British television, or just want to watch something calming and cute, then please do check out the baking competition show. It’s very authentic, very personality-driven, and you can tell everyone is just happy to be there. It’s available on Netflix if you have access and it’s totally worth a watch. You don’t even have to start on any particular season or episode!
