The other 2 reviews here have pretty much said it all. The hosts are annoying and if i were one of the competitors, i would not be very pleasant when they make their stupid and insensitive remarks. As for the judges, they could learn a lot from Paul Hollywood and Pru; they are kind with their remarks when they judge. Benoit and Cherish are not and they are way too over the top with their attitudes. They are critical beyond belief when one factors in the time required to finish their pieces. Which leads me to another point - where the hell did they come up with the test pieces? It's like they WANT them to fail with the ridiculous requirements. I finally just skipped to the finale so as to quit torturing myself.
30 Reviews
Meh
tesm-081742 February 2023
Overall it's enjoyable enough to watch. I do enjoy seeing the final desserts. That being said, there's not much more praise. The hosts are cringey as hell. Their bits are absolutely awful and pretty hard to watch. I don't find them amusing or funny in the slightest. As for the judges, they are a bit overzealous and pretentious. Their critiques aren't always constructive. I feel like if you're gonna roast someone's dessert, at least provide tangible feedback. Finally, there's not much joy like you'd expect from the Great British Bake Off. You don't really fall in love with the characters. I'm simply just watching at this point because I'm tired of watching YouTube.
Not a patch on the original
oclumhain9 February 2023
Taken on its own, this show is okay but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it after seeing one series. But it really fails in comparison to the original. The format is fine, pairs of professionals competing instead of individual amateurs. The judges are okay, maybe a bit overly critical as others have noted, but don't have the chemistry of Paul and Pru or Mary. But the biggest negative is the presenters. Liam Charles is a former Great British Baking Show contestant but doesn't really use that experience to add anything here and he comes across as a bit silly. That has a lot to do with his co-presenter, Tom Allen. Allen is possibly the most annoying person I've seen on television. He manages to make nearly every bit or interaction with the contestants be about himself. And not in the least bit funny or charming way. More like a bratty kid constantly shrieking "look at me." He makes the show nearly unwatchable.
Could be better.
lionelperalta-7233915 February 2023
I love the original version of this show, however...I find Tom so annoying that I have to fast-forward, to avoid his stupid comments. Why does he have to make everything sexual? I'm not a prude, I'm a gay man and I find his innuendos ridiculous and childish, it's really distracting and it's obvious that he's annoying the chefs too.
I say... get rid of him and the show would appeal to more people.
The classical music is a little too much at times, I guess they don't have to pay royalties on it?
Overall, I enjoyed the show, the judges were entertaining, at times a little harsh, but fair!
I'm always puzzled why they don't seem to have air conditioning In these shows, the chocolate is always melting and the chefs/bakers are always saying 'it's too warm in here' I'd watch another series.
I say... get rid of him and the show would appeal to more people.
The classical music is a little too much at times, I guess they don't have to pay royalties on it?
Overall, I enjoyed the show, the judges were entertaining, at times a little harsh, but fair!
I'm always puzzled why they don't seem to have air conditioning In these shows, the chocolate is always melting and the chefs/bakers are always saying 'it's too warm in here' I'd watch another series.
Love the Show
gabrielle970484 February 2023
I absolutely love the show. Love the Judges and Liam. Can't Stand Tom!
He's disgusting and so inappropriate. Maybe it's because I'm an American but all his comments come back to sex.
I usually watch GBBO with my granddaughter but I can't with him.
I look forward to seeing Liam and his wonderful personality. He's very professional but funny too.
The Judges are great also. They seem very stern but are actually very fair and can be fun. I like that they always have something nice to say too.
I hope the show get renewed and also is shown on Netflix so us in America can continue to enjoy it.
Highly Recommend!!
He's disgusting and so inappropriate. Maybe it's because I'm an American but all his comments come back to sex.
I usually watch GBBO with my granddaughter but I can't with him.
I look forward to seeing Liam and his wonderful personality. He's very professional but funny too.
The Judges are great also. They seem very stern but are actually very fair and can be fun. I like that they always have something nice to say too.
I hope the show get renewed and also is shown on Netflix so us in America can continue to enjoy it.
Highly Recommend!!
Enough with the Harry Potter music!
Scudder579 February 2023
The show is interesting enough despite the head judge whose accent is very thick. The hosts are irritating at first but they grow on you. The most irritating aspect of the whole show is the annoying Harry Potter-like music that plays every time they show what the contestants are making. Ugh! A little variety would have been nice. It gets annoying really quickly. Otherwise, the use of classic music is very nice.
As far as the competition goes, however, the creations are artistic, dramatic and sometimes spectacular. There is the usual drama of show pieces collapsing. The judges seem to be fair in their eliminations.
As far as the competition goes, however, the creations are artistic, dramatic and sometimes spectacular. There is the usual drama of show pieces collapsing. The judges seem to be fair in their eliminations.
Pretentious downer
danachilton1 February 2023
There is nothing if the great British show in this. This show is a pretentious downer with none of the positivity and fun and lighthearted goodness of the great British baking show. Paul and Prue are smart and friendly and supportive; They're fair and compassionate. The judges here come off as elitist, unconcerned for the contestants, and sometimes downright mean. There is no joy of cooking. There is no love of the art. Perhaps on its own it could me a middling competition show but it's attempts to tie itself to the great British baking show seem like a crass marketing ploy to give this less than average show a sense of respectability.
Great baking show with talented competitors
alakihesab1 April 2023
I think this baking show is great! The competitors are incredibly talented, and they consistently impress me with their baking skills and creativity. The judges on the show are clearly knowledgeable about baking and pastry, and they are generally fair in their evaluations of the contestants' creations except final decision in season 6. While they can be a bit over-critical and pretentious at times, I can usually see their point of view, and I appreciate that they don't show as much favoritism towards certain contestants like other shows. Although I've come across some negative reviews of the show, I don't understand them at all. In my experience, the hosts aren't nearly as annoying as some people make them out to be. Sure, they can be a bit childish, but I don't find it overwhelming or distracting.
Very short on actual baking
wbewitched20 February 2023
I guess I enjoyed this enough as an interlude to the original, there is a lot missing. The pluses...loved seeing Liam. The judges don't bother me - they're judging professionals rather than amateurs, they should be harsher imo.
But let's be real. They should have named this Confections, Chocolate, and Sugar Work. There is very little actual baking. Where are the cakes? The bread? Other baked good? I may be misremembering, but iir, there are a couple of episodes with zero actual baking.
In any case, I'd rank this as "fine" but don't expect a version of its namesake. Other than the format, this ain't it.
But let's be real. They should have named this Confections, Chocolate, and Sugar Work. There is very little actual baking. Where are the cakes? The bread? Other baked good? I may be misremembering, but iir, there are a couple of episodes with zero actual baking.
In any case, I'd rank this as "fine" but don't expect a version of its namesake. Other than the format, this ain't it.
Professionals interesting, judges and hosts not
Beebunny4 February 2023
This is a slightly different format than the other baking shows of the same name. Different judges and different hosts- one of which you may recognize as a contestant from the great British baking show/bake off, Liam.
The judges are actually professional chefs, but definitely not professional actors. For some reason their dialogue is scripted and their mannerisms and speech are over the top ridiculous, but not in a comical way- just cringe and robotic.
The hosts are a whole animal of their own. While I like Liam's personality when he's just being himself, him playing host is pretty bad to watch. The other host, Tom Allen is supposed to be an actor. He's worse than Liam (if possible) and honestly just unbearable to watch. I got a taste of him on Great British baking show holidays and thought "surely he can't be this awful, maybe some writer screwed him over?". I wish I'd been right. He is terrible and between the hosts and judges, this one is nearly unwatchable. If not for the excellent creations by the chefs, this would be trash. I can foresee it getting cancelled anyway.
The judges are actually professional chefs, but definitely not professional actors. For some reason their dialogue is scripted and their mannerisms and speech are over the top ridiculous, but not in a comical way- just cringe and robotic.
The hosts are a whole animal of their own. While I like Liam's personality when he's just being himself, him playing host is pretty bad to watch. The other host, Tom Allen is supposed to be an actor. He's worse than Liam (if possible) and honestly just unbearable to watch. I got a taste of him on Great British baking show holidays and thought "surely he can't be this awful, maybe some writer screwed him over?". I wish I'd been right. He is terrible and between the hosts and judges, this one is nearly unwatchable. If not for the excellent creations by the chefs, this would be trash. I can foresee it getting cancelled anyway.
Terrific contestants
sillysue-705418 March 2023
Terrific contestants. Pretty sure I've watched every season of its first series. And I really loved this professional issue as they did the greatest job at finding contestants. First time I actually got teary when they named the winners. Because honestly they were all so good right down to the final three.
They were creative and fun. So many of their creations were just brilliant. I've tried and tried to find the white chocolate teacups and saucer with an orange cake in it on-line. Each thing they made was so complex and it was just very very inspiring.
I enjoyed it over a couple of weeks and it really got quite suspenseful!!
They were creative and fun. So many of their creations were just brilliant. I've tried and tried to find the white chocolate teacups and saucer with an orange cake in it on-line. Each thing they made was so complex and it was just very very inspiring.
I enjoyed it over a couple of weeks and it really got quite suspenseful!!
Just okay
kimberlybimberly24 September 2023
Being a longtime fan of GBBS I had high hopes, especially since series 5 home baker Liam is a cohost, but it didn't live up to the original.
The judges are kind of snarky and the contestants, who are supposed to be professionals, don't even live up to the standards of the home bakers on the original show. They have two people, working in commercial kitchens and the creations they produce aren't as beautifully done as I would expect. It definitely gives me more respect for the home bakers on GBBS who work in a tent with a small work area, no blast chillers, huge commercial ovens, or professional tools and turn out the most beautiful creations all on their own.
This show is okay as something to watch when there's nothing else on and you're craving some British baking, but not much else.
The judges are kind of snarky and the contestants, who are supposed to be professionals, don't even live up to the standards of the home bakers on the original show. They have two people, working in commercial kitchens and the creations they produce aren't as beautifully done as I would expect. It definitely gives me more respect for the home bakers on GBBS who work in a tent with a small work area, no blast chillers, huge commercial ovens, or professional tools and turn out the most beautiful creations all on their own.
This show is okay as something to watch when there's nothing else on and you're craving some British baking, but not much else.
Rewatch GBBO, pass on this
nnancyads18 February 2023
It's really too bad, Liam was charming on his season of the real show, but stacked against the bald doofus and the overanimated judges, he doesn't stand a chance.
The worst part of all of this is that after 2 episodes I don't know much at all about the chefs, because the 2 judges devour center stage. The woman is just loud, and the guy is fine till he likes something, then it's "boom *mic drop* boom BOOM" ridiculously.
Also, the male judge is French. Does he or the gal not know the difference between Macarons, a French delicacy, and Macaroons, an American invention?
I watched because I thought Paul & Prue would be working with other professionals. The chefs have the short end of the stick here, it's a waste of their time and talent. Skip it.
The worst part of all of this is that after 2 episodes I don't know much at all about the chefs, because the 2 judges devour center stage. The woman is just loud, and the guy is fine till he likes something, then it's "boom *mic drop* boom BOOM" ridiculously.
Also, the male judge is French. Does he or the gal not know the difference between Macarons, a French delicacy, and Macaroons, an American invention?
I watched because I thought Paul & Prue would be working with other professionals. The chefs have the short end of the stick here, it's a waste of their time and talent. Skip it.
Better after Tom...
kwolfe-4251118 September 2023
I wish there was more focus on the baking. In the original GBBO we saw the whole process. This show, while there are fun elements, focuses on the decoration and assembly more. Tom Allen is so over the top and annoying. Stacey replacing him in series 7 was amazing. I thought she was adorable and added a more real element to the hosts. Liam is charming on his own but when paired with Tom his usual charm falls flat. He and Stacey together is a much better pair. Benoit and Cherish are a bit over the top but I love it. They find the good and the bad in each bake and I appreciate their efforts to give advice and praise when they can.
Not good...
rachelamorgan-915104 February 2023
I was excited to see this series pop up on Netflix since I'm a huge fan of the original GBBO series and I also loved Liam as a contestant so I was happy that he landed a gig as a host on one of the show spin-offs. That's about as exciting as this show gets. I agree with what the other reviewers have said here, the judges on this show are terrible. They're arrogant, mean, and WAY too critical of what these bakers create. There's no fun or lightheartedness here like in the original series, there's no chemistry between the judges and contestants and unfortunately as much as I love Liam, he doesn't have the greatest chemistry with the other co-host. I'll finish the show to the end, but I'd be surprised if this one gets any more seasons...
AWFUL
emailstokimmie26 July 2023
The show pales in comparison to the original. The chefs at times are practically impossible to understand and other times are pretentious and annoying. I really feel badly for the competitors. I even advanced through episodes to see if it got any better further into the series and unfortunately it did not. The poor joke writing and awkward delivery come off as insults rather than playful levity or fun banter. The hosts don't even seem to have a connection with each other. The set up of the show is fine and it seems there was care in choosing competitors that were very watchable and at a knowledge level of professional... it's a shame I couldn't get through the annoying parts to actually watch it.
Hosts are Annoying
bardnightingale9 February 2023
Whoever wrote the scripts for the hosts should be relieved of duty. Their antics ruined the show for me and they were utterly unnecessary and very annoying. They acted like children. Stupid games throwing food, disappearing game. Every so often they called themselves judges, but the 2 who actually commented to contestants about flavor were more interesting to watch.
Would have rather watched the judges.
If you are going to make a show using professionals, perhaps make sure they are skilled at most of these skills.
Also, did you guys have a chef so these tasks to make sure they were actually doable?
Would have rather watched the judges.
If you are going to make a show using professionals, perhaps make sure they are skilled at most of these skills.
Also, did you guys have a chef so these tasks to make sure they were actually doable?
Terrible and rude judges
wadlowv-7780721 July 2023
Cherish and Benoit should be banned from ever being judges again. They were rude, hateful and demoralizing to the contestants and made for an uncomfortable viewing experience. The challenges were interesting and the contestants were very qualified. I was looking forward to an imaginative and instructive program and all I got was the egotism and snark of the judges. They moved quite a few contestants to tears, and these were professionals! The Great British Baking Show has been known for humor, kindness, and lots of information about baking. These judges were a horrid mistake and should never appear again.
Judges
fmd-9104227 July 2023
The judges are terrible. You can not understand them and they truly believe they are above the chefs. The show is about the talents of the chefs not them and their showmanship. Please replace the judges. Paul Hollywood and prue leith would make fantastic judges...please please change them. I would pay to change them. Thw premise of the show is absolutely mesmerizing. I love watching the chefs create masterful showpieces. Thats the fun part till its time for judging, then thats where the show starts to taste horrible, no pun intended. The showpieces are always exciting and i am sure taste great to us common folks, not to the showmanship taste of the judge's. Please upgrade the show and get rid of the judges.
Mute and fast forward are your friends
banelsen685 February 2023
Liam Charles is a fine host on the regular series so why is he an idiot on this one? Hit the mute as soon as the hosts appear to introduce the segment. No one should have to hear, let alone watch, that stupidity. Granted, it's always been a requirement on the regular series but it's so over the top here that it's embarrassing! The judges seem competent but both tend to get overexcited when reviewing the finished products. The French judge has a very thick accent requiring closed captioning to understand what he's saying. The chefs struggle, as usual, to complete their product on time. And there are quite a few "we finished, yikes, it fell apart" moments. If you're a fan of the series it may be worth your time.
Bad Replica of the original Great British Baking Show
cadreams310 February 2023
I can not understand half of what the judges are saying because of their accents. They are overly animated especially the Asian woman. Liam is not a comedic host. I did not like his mannerisms when he was a contestant on The Great British Baking Show and they do not translate to being a television host. I have watched three episodes and I believe I am done with the show.
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Unbelievably they require an obsurd amount of characters within this review box, so I am going to just add a bunch of letters until I fill this comment section. Ghjgdeyjvccftihvfdyokvdr368hv358jvr46ibcs2590jvxsyjbcr68jvx4fhu.
Several layers of pretensions
louispeter-2305717 February 2023
Love the diversity of the professional bakers and their talents and creativity. The hosts provide some comedy relief but at sometimes to the distractions of the bakers. Kudos to the gay puns and quips. Provided by the hosts. Good to see Liam from previous Baking shows.
The setting of the estate mansion is pretentious; as is the background classical music. A French judge? Give me a break. Complete with a wine-colored velvet jacket at the last episode. Not good taste in today's world.
The dragon lady is so picky, picky, tasty, tasty "not to my palette." Where did they find this one? I will not watch any other baking/pastry shoe with this lady as a host. Total turn-off.
And the judges shown taking notes is another level of pretension
The creativity of the bakers is outstanding as is their flavor concoctions.
All in all, somewhat fun to watch but I dare anyone to try any of the baker's desserts at home.
The original Great British Baking Show series is much better and more relatable in many regards.
The setting of the estate mansion is pretentious; as is the background classical music. A French judge? Give me a break. Complete with a wine-colored velvet jacket at the last episode. Not good taste in today's world.
The dragon lady is so picky, picky, tasty, tasty "not to my palette." Where did they find this one? I will not watch any other baking/pastry shoe with this lady as a host. Total turn-off.
And the judges shown taking notes is another level of pretension
The creativity of the bakers is outstanding as is their flavor concoctions.
All in all, somewhat fun to watch but I dare anyone to try any of the baker's desserts at home.
The original Great British Baking Show series is much better and more relatable in many regards.
None of the great GBBO flavor you remember
mslusher-680197 February 2023
I wish i could rate the judges and the bakers separately. I would give the judges (Cherish and Benoit) -10000/10. They are not likable. They are abrasive, mean, no fun. And IMhumbleO, very often wrong. The bakers make these incredible (and often kind of ludicrous) dessert towers and the judges seem to criticize the most arbitrary, ludicrous details. It's absolute cringe. If they do a second season I can't watch unless they change up the sweets judges. Also, Liam and what's his face are kind of wasted here since the judging isn't blind. Their comedy bits aren't funny or endearing or supportive (think Sandy and Noel) either. Also, very cringey. I love GBBO. This it's divorced, twice removed 2nd cousin-in-law no one invited to the party. Watching this show legit makes you want to take all the bakers aside and say "It's not you. It's definitely them."
Like every other review here, the hosts, particularly Tom Allen, are terrible
MJC_422 March 2023
If you're a big fan of the British Baking Show, as I am, you may have seen this title appear on Netflix and figured this would be pretty similar to that other show. Unfortunately, you would be wrong.
First of all, if you've never appreciated what a host brings to a show, you will when you watch this one because you will see how much a bad host can ruin the experience. The writing is terrible, but the two hosts make it even worse, especially Tom Allen. Liam is not good, but I don't find him particularly grating. Tom, on the other hand, has a horribly annoying voice, and his personality is like nails on a chalkboard. I honestly can't fathom why they hired him or why he was allowed to stick around for more than one season. Every review seems to come to the same conclusion.
I noticed that some people also do not like the judges. I do, but they are not as warm as Paul and Prue or Mary Berry. Granted, they are also not British. Benoit is French, and Cherish is from Singapore, though she honestly makes me think of some kind of German BDSM dom. Anyway, I find them enjoyable in their own way, but I can understand some people not finding them as approachable or possibly a little more harsh and direct with their critiques.
The show itself has a different format. Instead of individual bakers out for themselves, there are six pairs. Each episode, they do two desserts, and one pair gets eliminated. When they are down to three pairs, they set them aside and start over with six new pairs. When three have been eliminated, they combine the two sets of three pairs and start over again with six. They then go back to eliminating pairs until a finale, where they have a winning pair.
I don't mind the format, but I do prefer what happens in the regular British Baking Show.
First of all, if you've never appreciated what a host brings to a show, you will when you watch this one because you will see how much a bad host can ruin the experience. The writing is terrible, but the two hosts make it even worse, especially Tom Allen. Liam is not good, but I don't find him particularly grating. Tom, on the other hand, has a horribly annoying voice, and his personality is like nails on a chalkboard. I honestly can't fathom why they hired him or why he was allowed to stick around for more than one season. Every review seems to come to the same conclusion.
I noticed that some people also do not like the judges. I do, but they are not as warm as Paul and Prue or Mary Berry. Granted, they are also not British. Benoit is French, and Cherish is from Singapore, though she honestly makes me think of some kind of German BDSM dom. Anyway, I find them enjoyable in their own way, but I can understand some people not finding them as approachable or possibly a little more harsh and direct with their critiques.
The show itself has a different format. Instead of individual bakers out for themselves, there are six pairs. Each episode, they do two desserts, and one pair gets eliminated. When they are down to three pairs, they set them aside and start over with six new pairs. When three have been eliminated, they combine the two sets of three pairs and start over again with six. They then go back to eliminating pairs until a finale, where they have a winning pair.
I don't mind the format, but I do prefer what happens in the regular British Baking Show.
Hard to watch
mademarino8 May 2023
I love the Great British baking show, as well as the other spin-offs. I don't know if the idea is to hold the professionals up to a whole new standard but it seems that no one ever gets good reviews. The two judges have over the top personalities and I always feel it's like they're trying to prove that they know so much about baking, which I'm sure that they do. But it just feels like they're both trying to perfect their own version of snarkiness. To my American sensibilities, it seems very unkind. And what I love the most about the Great British baking show is that there is always a sense of class and civility among the contestants and the judges. I find this sorely missing in this version. By contrast, Paul Hollywood can be critical but he is always lovable or at least likable. The two judges on the show are just a plain old no. That said, I am sure that they make some of the best pastry in Great Britain. I would love to eat what they make but I certainly wouldn't want to cross paths with them at a cocktail party.
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