Compared to some of the other cooking competitions Netflix has rolled out most recently (Nailed It comes to mind), this one is definitely above the rest. The borrowed time strategy adds a flair of uniqueness that keeps the relatively dated concept new. The host, on the other hand, comes off as that kind of middle manager that everyone's had at some point in their life, and is overly condescending to the contestants - it made the show difficult to watch whenever he came on. I think they were trying to have him motivate the contestants, but he clearly is not equipped to do that when his form of motivation is outright negative.
66 Reviews
What is wrong with the host?
maryeosborne21 July 2018
Nothing special, but not the worst
dan_da_man-602888 December 2019
If you enjoy competitive cooking shows, this covers that pretty well. There is a time limit, but it's intentionally VERY lenient and contestants almost always have time to do what they wanted.
Hunter March is the main host, and he's alright; funny at times, annoying at others. The two other main judges, Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo are really not contributing much. They could be replaced by cardboard cutouts and nobody would notice a difference. Guest judges have never wowed me, and are mostly just bakers no normal person would have heard of, or someone from a Netflix show nobody is watching anyway.
While the 3 rounds are explained as "surprises," it's clear the contestants know what they're doing ahead of time, bringing supplies that could certainly not just be things they brought in case, including obscure ingredients that suit the task, or elaborate equipment to stack a very specific final cake.
Some of the themes to episodes are downright cringey, like the "grammable food" epsiode. (Hate to break it to you guys, food isn't "grammable." Keep your food to yourself.)
The contestants are very dime-a-dozen, and sadly there's very little variation in what they do. There's 3 episodes in a row where EVERYONE does a 'geode' cake, which was obviously just the trend of the week at the time, and after the first one it's no longer a cool new thing, just people who aren't actually creative with their own ideas.
So in the end, I like seeing what they make and how they do it, I enjoy the competition, and I love seeing people's souls die when their food comes out bad. It's alright if you have nothing better to watch, but there's better out there.
Hunter March is the main host, and he's alright; funny at times, annoying at others. The two other main judges, Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo are really not contributing much. They could be replaced by cardboard cutouts and nobody would notice a difference. Guest judges have never wowed me, and are mostly just bakers no normal person would have heard of, or someone from a Netflix show nobody is watching anyway.
While the 3 rounds are explained as "surprises," it's clear the contestants know what they're doing ahead of time, bringing supplies that could certainly not just be things they brought in case, including obscure ingredients that suit the task, or elaborate equipment to stack a very specific final cake.
Some of the themes to episodes are downright cringey, like the "grammable food" epsiode. (Hate to break it to you guys, food isn't "grammable." Keep your food to yourself.)
The contestants are very dime-a-dozen, and sadly there's very little variation in what they do. There's 3 episodes in a row where EVERYONE does a 'geode' cake, which was obviously just the trend of the week at the time, and after the first one it's no longer a cool new thing, just people who aren't actually creative with their own ideas.
So in the end, I like seeing what they make and how they do it, I enjoy the competition, and I love seeing people's souls die when their food comes out bad. It's alright if you have nothing better to watch, but there's better out there.
Delicious Show - Half Baked Presenters
district-2310519 July 2018
Netflix has got so much to love here. On one hand, the fact that the contestants are professional bakers means we get to see some legendary cakes - which is exactly what I want to see.
But on the other hand, the presenter - he's trying way too hard - and like all these overly Americanised shows, there's no character to any of it.
The judges are interesting enough; maybe with a few more episodes I'll get to like them, but this is a show about cakes and that's what you're getting.
Overall, I'll watch all 8 episodes and I'll savour every moment.
Netflix if you're watching, Sugar Rush is a decent enough show, it just needs a few tweaks
But on the other hand, the presenter - he's trying way too hard - and like all these overly Americanised shows, there's no character to any of it.
The judges are interesting enough; maybe with a few more episodes I'll get to like them, but this is a show about cakes and that's what you're getting.
Overall, I'll watch all 8 episodes and I'll savour every moment.
Netflix if you're watching, Sugar Rush is a decent enough show, it just needs a few tweaks
Fun show with some frustrating aspects
jarakanda17 August 2018
This was a great show to put on as I was doing things around the house. I made my way through the whole first season pretty quickly. Overall, I recommend it, though it lacks the charm of The Great British Baking Show.
As a couple of other reviewers have noted, it's so obvious that the contestants have been told their challenges ahead of time! Why don't they just drop the façade and let the audience know? I hate the fake conversations where they have to pretend that they're coming up with their creations on the spot.
I also feel like it's confusing and unfair that the clock doesn't stop (or does it?) when the judges talk to the contestants after round 1. There are several references to the clock continuing to run during this stage, but it's unclear if it actually does.
I agree with other reviewers that the host is a bit off-putting, but fairly neutral and bland. I could have done without his hitting on Candace (so uncomfortable for both the audience and for her, especially in the #metoo era).
As a couple of other reviewers have noted, it's so obvious that the contestants have been told their challenges ahead of time! Why don't they just drop the façade and let the audience know? I hate the fake conversations where they have to pretend that they're coming up with their creations on the spot.
I also feel like it's confusing and unfair that the clock doesn't stop (or does it?) when the judges talk to the contestants after round 1. There are several references to the clock continuing to run during this stage, but it's unclear if it actually does.
I agree with other reviewers that the host is a bit off-putting, but fairly neutral and bland. I could have done without his hitting on Candace (so uncomfortable for both the audience and for her, especially in the #metoo era).
A good-faith effort, but the recipe is off.
hodgincasey24 July 2018
Sugar Rush serves well as eye-candy. There's vibrant colors, talented bakers, and impressive designs. BUT - there's no personality to the show. The tone is very off-putting.
Competitive baking shows are hard to do right. You want them to be educational, as you want to educate the viewer about baking so they can be more engaged while watching, but you want it to be entertaining at the same time by building tension and drama. It's a hard mixture to get right.
Where this show falls short is when you compare it to the masterclass competitive baking show that is the Great British Baking Show (Great British Bake Off). GBBS focuses on the craft and process of baking, emphasizing technique and knowledge of baking more so than pure aesthetic. This lets the viewer craft profiles of the contestants as they learn more of what each baker's style is. In addition, GBBS has a calm, relaxing tone to the show while still maintaining its competitive traits.
Sugar Rush is essentially a toned-down version of Zumbo's Just Desserts (which is awful outside of Zumbo's creations) that has been slightly improved, but the core recipe that they're working with simply isn't going to work. Fancy cupcakes, points, buttons, and bright lights are nothing but fluff without engagement and emphasis on the process that gets them there.
Competitive baking shows are hard to do right. You want them to be educational, as you want to educate the viewer about baking so they can be more engaged while watching, but you want it to be entertaining at the same time by building tension and drama. It's a hard mixture to get right.
Where this show falls short is when you compare it to the masterclass competitive baking show that is the Great British Baking Show (Great British Bake Off). GBBS focuses on the craft and process of baking, emphasizing technique and knowledge of baking more so than pure aesthetic. This lets the viewer craft profiles of the contestants as they learn more of what each baker's style is. In addition, GBBS has a calm, relaxing tone to the show while still maintaining its competitive traits.
Sugar Rush is essentially a toned-down version of Zumbo's Just Desserts (which is awful outside of Zumbo's creations) that has been slightly improved, but the core recipe that they're working with simply isn't going to work. Fancy cupcakes, points, buttons, and bright lights are nothing but fluff without engagement and emphasis on the process that gets them there.
I can't believe how different my opinion is than the other reviews lol
laurhartwick27 July 2019
I really enjoy this show and I'm super happy the second season is out. I just enjoy it for what it is: something fun and easy to watch on a rainy Saturday when I need a break! I love that each episode is a stand-alone so I can just watch at random.
I don't mind the host or judges at all. I love all the bright colours and fun, current themes for the challenges.
I realize there is more behind the scenes planning put into their creations but I don't care.
A Netflix win for me!
Love the show
bmasteller8 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the show, however in the first episode when the two girls are baking their galaxy cake and the host says"Do you like celestial bodies?" One of the bakers says yes and so do our Significant others, the host says " I was not hitting on you so you don't need to tell me you have husbands." Both sides were rude and it was not needed in the episode.
Decent show
tashadavies-4229514 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Decent show passes the time, love seeing the beautiful creations. Only thing I would say is, think it's a bit harsh that they are asked to continue to bake before being asked to leave the competition. Should be done after each round so it's fair. Other than that I like it.
Great show
asmckimmey28 August 2018
I don't know why so many other reviewers are criticizing the host. It is obvious that there is a bit more planning that goes on behind the scenes, since the contestants have access to things that wouldn't normally be in a standard pastry kitchen. However, I think the host adds a lot of enthusiasm to the show. One of the things I love is that it is always surprising and enjoyable, but doesn't have the negative drama that is present on some cooking shows. This is one show that my husband, my 5 yr old granddaughter and I can all watch together.
Neat twist
libertyallsaints12 August 2018
I think the ability to save your time is a neat twist but I think a cool feature to announce the elimination would be is if they had the breakers for each stations lights in another room and then they left to discuss it and without saying a word just flip off their lights
Kinda boring
mareginalima-0172515 July 2018
Great Show. Fake Surprises
mehtasoham-5611829 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The concept of the show is really great where the bakers have to bake a cupcake and confection in First round and the cake in the Second. They make it seems that the bakers are informed about the theme and challenges on-spot. Guess what, they are not! In the first episode the team "on-spot" makes an idea of pizza shape confection and voila they have a custom pizza box ready for serving. In the second episode, one team bakers literally "JUST DRAW" the cake in book that a girl is holding a cake and within 2 seconds they pull a custom made stand that girl is holding a cake specially made for that carnival theme. Last observation, one team tries to "on-spot" make candy floss based cupcake and they have everything from candy floss maker to candy floss flavor solvent on the desk.
Point being, if the entire basis of the show is fake and pre-decided then why are you not telling us first hand. There must be so many bakers who would feel and incapable if they are not able to make such cakes in such a short time. Little will they know that these bakers must have practices the same cake 100 times before
Point being, if the entire basis of the show is fake and pre-decided then why are you not telling us first hand. There must be so many bakers who would feel and incapable if they are not able to make such cakes in such a short time. Little will they know that these bakers must have practices the same cake 100 times before
Decent baking show
horsesnebula30 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I don't watch many baking shows, but I'm a few episodes into this one and am enjoying it. I agree with some other reviewers; first and foremost, the fact that some ingredients are readily available in the kitchen is very questionable. I realized this very early into the show-HOW could they possibly always have these specific, sometimes out-of -the-way ingredients the contestants want? It makes me question how much of the show is genuine. Second, the show could definitely be condensed more and the contestants do repeat phrases really often. But I didn't notice anything particularly wrong with the host. Like I said in the beginning, I don't watch many baking or cooking shows, but he seemed pretty normal to me.
The most interesting thing for me to see is the final product, so I wish they were more brief with some of the small hurdles the contestants encounter.
Needed better host
jade-wills30 July 2018
Enjoyed Season 1... Season 2 is horrible
rickthegolfguy16 August 2019
First of all, when 2 tables finish at the same time, stop the darn clock for waiting contests!
Overall we really enjoy the show because Season 1 hooked us.
Season 2 is horrible. Instead of actual guest judges in the baking industry we get B-list celebrities. And I believe the show edits it to make the guest judges sound clueless.
Plus I hate the way they introduce the contestants in Season 2... They used to give us more background about them and show us some of their bakery creations
easy to watch, fun themes, great host and judges
fortalezajanna23 July 2021
It's definitely not perfect but im glad they made the changes in season 3 (fav team gets extra time or money, teams dont get to start cake round before the judges reveal who gets cut). But overall, this show is very easy to watch, has rlly fun themes, and a straightforward structure.
I also like the judges and the host. I don't know what everybody is whining about. I think Hunter March brings fun energy to the show. Although, yes, sometimes some interactions can be awkward. But other than that, I think he's fine.
I also like the judges and the host. I don't know what everybody is whining about. I think Hunter March brings fun energy to the show. Although, yes, sometimes some interactions can be awkward. But other than that, I think he's fine.
Unoriginal Show with annoying host
MooseyTheMoose1 January 2019
Concept of show is near identical to baking shows of its kind like cake wars and nailed it. If you enjoy these shows, this show will definitely appeal to you and be very binge-able, however there is nothing unique or anything that really stands out. The judges are nice, with Zumbo being a little stricter with his ratings, yet the host is very fake with all his jokes falling flat, in fact every joke told by everyone in this show falls flat, and is stringed along with obvious fake laughter which makes for awkward dialogue. Overall the judges near always make good decisions with who they eliminate, and who they choose as a winner.
Enjoyable except for...
magnonn76345325 May 2020
I enjoy this show. It's not supposed to be taken soooo seriously, like some of the other reviewers apparently took it. Just think "Nailed It" with better talent. It's fun, it's silly and I liked the competition and the creations and I liked the judges, including the host, Hunter March, that others whined about. Those looking for something more serious should watch Zumbo's Just Desserts.
The only thing that annoyed me about this show are the snippy comments some of the competitors made about or to, each other. It's hard to root for someone when you've just watched them being nasty towards a fellow competitor.
All in all, a fun watch and I hope for a season 3 and yes! with Hunter March hosting!
The only thing that annoyed me about this show are the snippy comments some of the competitors made about or to, each other. It's hard to root for someone when you've just watched them being nasty towards a fellow competitor.
All in all, a fun watch and I hope for a season 3 and yes! with Hunter March hosting!
Great show, want more of the host
ejmarchant078426 July 2018
I love the concept of the show and I love the creations the bakers come up with. The creations explore the creativity of the craft of baking in ways that truly illustrate the wide variances that each baker's creativity can formulate. However, what I would like more of is more host. Hunter Marsh, I think, does a good job with the hosting that he does (I also like his shoes). However, I think given the chance to, perhaps give his own opinions on the baker's creations or have more of a role in the show, his position as host could expand tremendously. All in all, great baking show, love the creations, and I would like to see more host and his shoes!!!
Judges
rntogo-451906 December 2020
Hilariously Bad!
arabrab_voller22 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I so wanted to like this show! Cupcakes, big cakes, themed-decorations and all with the clock ticking down to deliver the (baked) goods as quickly as possible. What's not to like?
The host seems to be otherwise engaged and pops in and out quickly. He must be watching a better show in the next room! Some of the guest judges, such as Colin Hanks and Richard Blais, are fun and do their best to inject interest and humor.
Sadly - but humorously - the bakers are not very good. The most frequent judges' comment is "Where's the flavor?" And some of the decorating feats are astonishingly bad. When you have to embrace your cake to stop it from toppling over, you shouldn't really be in a baking competition.
If you're looking for expert baking or decorating tips, look elsewhere. But if you want to feel better about your own baking skills, this show'll do it!
The host seems to be otherwise engaged and pops in and out quickly. He must be watching a better show in the next room! Some of the guest judges, such as Colin Hanks and Richard Blais, are fun and do their best to inject interest and humor.
Sadly - but humorously - the bakers are not very good. The most frequent judges' comment is "Where's the flavor?" And some of the decorating feats are astonishingly bad. When you have to embrace your cake to stop it from toppling over, you shouldn't really be in a baking competition.
If you're looking for expert baking or decorating tips, look elsewhere. But if you want to feel better about your own baking skills, this show'll do it!
Pretty good show, host could be better
maggie_adams8 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I really like the show, I like all of the creativity of the bakers. I do agree with a previous review that it seems as though the bakers are told before the show what themes they are going to be making and it seems as though they bring things ahead of time. Who has pizza boxes laying around like they did in season 1 episode 1? Another things about that episode - at one point the host goes up to one of the last 2 teams and asks them where they got the idea for their galaxy themed cake with a surprise galaxy inside. She answered with "Both of us are science geeks along with our significant others" and the host was super awkward and responds with "I wasn't hitting on you so there was no need to tell me you have a husband." it was super cringe and didn't seem like a joke. Almost felt like he had hit on her previously off air and he was butthurt. He just gives me a weird vibe and that comment was super unnecessary and really it seemed like he was being serious. There are also many times when judges should've sent people home who didn't even have a dish completed or they couldn't even eat their dish but those people stayed and they sent home people who had a completed dish but it just didn't meet their standards... Super weird. I feel like no matter what a completed dish should be better than an uncompleted dish. OK rant done!
Fun show, easy to watch
Calicodreamin23 December 2019
While this isn't the best baking competition show out there, sugar rush is a pretty good. The bakers are usually fun to watch, and make some really exceptional desserts. The hosts give good commentary on food, and some of the guest judges are really fun. Quick and easy.
See also
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