Contestants were talented. Judging was inconsistent, potentially swayed by personal biases and rigged?
34 Reviews
What a disappointing ending...
dalucc22 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I hope that the real designers in the show get work from the exposure. Mark's work consistently broke or didn't function the way it was supposed to work. His coffee table looked like a display piece at Ikea or something you'd have in a college common area to sit on. He unabashedly stole ideas from Arielle, but that wasn't taken into consideration. His playground equipment was probably his best piece. The mirror was a really interesting piece, but I don't see it as furniture. Two things out of six shouldn't have won him the competition. He should have been eliminated after the first goofy table he made. Urvy had beautiful work and she should have been in the competition with Arielle in the end.
Love the creativity but...
MammaGroda19 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I am mad right now.
I'd read a few reviews here - something I nearly always do to help me decide whether or not to invest time in a series - and thought that viewers who felt the competition was rigged were probably unable to take disappointment well. But after watching the first four episodes, as I listened to the judges' reasoning in the penultimate one, I found myself wondering, "Are they on the level?!" Mark's stuff kept coming apart from one challenge to the next, and if, as Scott Foley mentioned in the last episode, craftsmanship was one of the judging criteria, then how did Mark even make it to the semifinals? I would have been happy to see either Urvi or Erica go up against Arielle for the final challenge. (Urvi's work, in particular, struck a chord with me.)
To have the judges then award the win to Mark was so disheartening. Not that he didn't pull off a very nice collection, but the judges themselves had all previously agreed that they had to take the whole season into consideration, and Arielle had consistently come up with beautifully crafted, elegant minimalist pieces. For Brigette Romanek to then state that she wants to work with designers who are not necessarily consistent but who will "give her" something... well, not cool. In the end, I too have a sense that perhaps Mark - who, by the way, didn't sound terribly authentic in his comments about his mother and minority kids, comments that seemed studied to me, designed (pardon the pun) to elicit sympathy - perhaps Mark had been intended to win from the start.
So, I feel cheated. And that makes me mad. Which is why I'm only giving the series a 5-star rating, instead of the 7 stars it might have garnered otherwise.
I'd read a few reviews here - something I nearly always do to help me decide whether or not to invest time in a series - and thought that viewers who felt the competition was rigged were probably unable to take disappointment well. But after watching the first four episodes, as I listened to the judges' reasoning in the penultimate one, I found myself wondering, "Are they on the level?!" Mark's stuff kept coming apart from one challenge to the next, and if, as Scott Foley mentioned in the last episode, craftsmanship was one of the judging criteria, then how did Mark even make it to the semifinals? I would have been happy to see either Urvi or Erica go up against Arielle for the final challenge. (Urvi's work, in particular, struck a chord with me.)
To have the judges then award the win to Mark was so disheartening. Not that he didn't pull off a very nice collection, but the judges themselves had all previously agreed that they had to take the whole season into consideration, and Arielle had consistently come up with beautifully crafted, elegant minimalist pieces. For Brigette Romanek to then state that she wants to work with designers who are not necessarily consistent but who will "give her" something... well, not cool. In the end, I too have a sense that perhaps Mark - who, by the way, didn't sound terribly authentic in his comments about his mother and minority kids, comments that seemed studied to me, designed (pardon the pun) to elicit sympathy - perhaps Mark had been intended to win from the start.
So, I feel cheated. And that makes me mad. Which is why I'm only giving the series a 5-star rating, instead of the 7 stars it might have garnered otherwise.
I have invested too much into this
allenshapiro16 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
End of episode 5 synopsis.
Host: Mark, prior to today, 3 out of 4 of your pieces broke while on the air. And today's piece, didn't even work (not to mention looked rushed).
Mark: I know.... I'm going home...I don't deserv........
Host: You're going to the finale!!!!
Mark:........did you mispronounce Urvi's name??????
Seriously, Christina and Urvi are the best designers on the show. The show is less about who is a good designer, and more about designers personal drama and how well that is received by the audience.
Host: Mark, prior to today, 3 out of 4 of your pieces broke while on the air. And today's piece, didn't even work (not to mention looked rushed).
Mark: I know.... I'm going home...I don't deserv........
Host: You're going to the finale!!!!
Mark:........did you mispronounce Urvi's name??????
Seriously, Christina and Urvi are the best designers on the show. The show is less about who is a good designer, and more about designers personal drama and how well that is received by the audience.
Judges are mind numbingly dumb.
vishva-2038621 May 2021
Must be rigged
subscriptionscancela21 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed the show at first. I loved the concept and the furniture pieces were gorgeous. The contestants are truly talented. Scott Foley is a surprisingly good host and I didn't mind that Ellen was hardly involved. This was the designers time to shine.
I am so disappointed with the ending and looking back, it seems like the show was biased or maybe rigged. The winner was the most inconsistent contestant and should have been the first to be let go. The judges excuses for not doing so and awarding this designer the grand prize did not make sense. If I were a contestant, I would be so upset by the outcome. Imagine pouring you time and heart into a competition only to find out it was rigged from the start? As a viewer, I was let down.
I am so disappointed with the ending and looking back, it seems like the show was biased or maybe rigged. The winner was the most inconsistent contestant and should have been the first to be let go. The judges excuses for not doing so and awarding this designer the grand prize did not make sense. If I were a contestant, I would be so upset by the outcome. Imagine pouring you time and heart into a competition only to find out it was rigged from the start? As a viewer, I was let down.
Ellen's Next Great Disappointment
jacquelynelaine15 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler Alert 🚨
Season 1, episode 5 clearly did not favor the contestant who demonstrated the most competency and creativity throughout the entire competition. One judge in particular seemed to have an issue with this contestant from the start, that seemed to have nothing to do with her raw talent. Urvi, we were dumbfounded not to see you enter the finally, where you undoubtedly belonged.
The show itself is a decent concept, executed by a terrible semi-host and unlikeable judges. Most of the contestants also share that same, unlikeable quality. It's mediocre content, that kept me watching because one contestant continued to make incredible peace's of art, that I looked forward to seeing every week.
While this may come across as a disgruntled post, I seriously have doubts that anyone who has watched the program up to this point would disagree with what I have to say.
Season 1, episode 5 clearly did not favor the contestant who demonstrated the most competency and creativity throughout the entire competition. One judge in particular seemed to have an issue with this contestant from the start, that seemed to have nothing to do with her raw talent. Urvi, we were dumbfounded not to see you enter the finally, where you undoubtedly belonged.
The show itself is a decent concept, executed by a terrible semi-host and unlikeable judges. Most of the contestants also share that same, unlikeable quality. It's mediocre content, that kept me watching because one contestant continued to make incredible peace's of art, that I looked forward to seeing every week.
While this may come across as a disgruntled post, I seriously have doubts that anyone who has watched the program up to this point would disagree with what I have to say.
Scott Foley unexpectedly good host
fitzmary20 May 2021
Times flies in this show. Some truly innovative and quality pieces were produced by contestants. Disagree with winner who consistently turned out work with quality issues. Until the final episode when two finalists were to come up with a collection reflecting their signature look, so in their wheelhouse. Second place contestant had memorable creative chic quality pieces throughout.. Ellen hardly appeared so was not of any added value. Would watch more seasons.
Frustrating
ian-86426 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
OK so I did enjoy the show. Scott Foley was unexpectedly a good, down to earth presenter. But I'm sorry, I just don't buy that the designers made those pieces in 3 days. As for Ellen, her involvement seemed pointless. After several episodes of Mark's broken and poorly constructed pieces, he still wins. Nope, I smell BS.
Mark should NOT have won
kirstinhazelip21 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a great show full of amazing designers. Take out the drama and cheesiness and Mark still should not have won. He made broken pieces, made his partner quit and was not consistent, much less confident. Very disappointing....
Great Host and talent...but
TikkiMia27 September 2021
Great concept I hope there is more
fallingxlove14 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a great concept of a potential decade of great seasons. The first season is not always the greatest. There was some major problems with the judges. It seemed that while most thought mark should go home one judge would constantly place him on a pedestal for no reason that I can think of. But in all goodness he deserved some money. So did a lot of the other contestants.
Scott was a good host please do not replace him, the other judges seem to have no idea about furniture or design. While they may be famous or well know... I never heard of them and their terrible attitude makes me not even want to care.
I know scripted shows are lame but a little rehearsal wouldn't have killed here.
I gave it 10 stars because I want to see more, this show can really be great with a few changes. I can agree with some reviews that say the contestants were crying about how hard it is all the time. Whoever goes on this show needs to be happy, positive and have a good time. That's what make shows great. This can be seen on long running shows, maybe the drama in the shows kept them going, but the best seasons the most watched most love parts are happy positive people having a good time.
As far as the other reviews go about Urvi, I think she was an ok designer. However she was one note, young and didn't do anything that pushed her skills beyond her knowledge. If you are into her cultural style then you would think her pieces are nice. But honestly I am not and thought they were all bad and that I could make most of those pieces. If I can make your piece then you probably shouldn't win a championship show.
I hope you give the show a chance and watch it out.
Scott was a good host please do not replace him, the other judges seem to have no idea about furniture or design. While they may be famous or well know... I never heard of them and their terrible attitude makes me not even want to care.
I know scripted shows are lame but a little rehearsal wouldn't have killed here.
I gave it 10 stars because I want to see more, this show can really be great with a few changes. I can agree with some reviews that say the contestants were crying about how hard it is all the time. Whoever goes on this show needs to be happy, positive and have a good time. That's what make shows great. This can be seen on long running shows, maybe the drama in the shows kept them going, but the best seasons the most watched most love parts are happy positive people having a good time.
As far as the other reviews go about Urvi, I think she was an ok designer. However she was one note, young and didn't do anything that pushed her skills beyond her knowledge. If you are into her cultural style then you would think her pieces are nice. But honestly I am not and thought they were all bad and that I could make most of those pieces. If I can make your piece then you probably shouldn't win a championship show.
I hope you give the show a chance and watch it out.
Alright
emily-cook1024 May 2021
Great idea but is let down by it's contesters
otto_tieleman13 May 2021
Designers are building pieces of furniture to win a contest.
You follow the building process and the ups and downs.
There are many of these kind of shows on television. Unfortunately the enjoyment of the show hangs on how fun the contestants are. In this case quite a few whine and moan about being tired and hard work and it is getting on my nerves. I would never ever buy something from some of these designers just based on their attitude.
Above that Ellen is hardly involved making me wonder why her name was slapped on the show.
You follow the building process and the ups and downs.
There are many of these kind of shows on television. Unfortunately the enjoyment of the show hangs on how fun the contestants are. In this case quite a few whine and moan about being tired and hard work and it is getting on my nerves. I would never ever buy something from some of these designers just based on their attitude.
Above that Ellen is hardly involved making me wonder why her name was slapped on the show.
Good Show with Trash Judging
bqfzd21 May 2021
I completely disagree with the winner. The winner's stuff was often poor quality or made of materials that made it only fit for a show room. The judges were nuts to pick this winner. That all said. I liked watching the designers and seeing what they came up with. If watch it again but hopefully they replace the judges.
Yeah... Real bad
stacieksherman-1580626 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Scott Foley was the best part. Seemed rigged from the beginning - it was hard to watch as they pushed Mark through again and again when so many of the other contestants were more deserving. Had the potential to be so much better, but hose judges be crazy.
Not a good show - contestants are whiny
Piedradura22 May 2021
The concept is good. The execution, not so much. The contestants and judges are so problematic. The former are whiny and self-absorbed, especially Mark, whose droning litany of perpetual exhaustion made my ears bleed. The judges are not fit to decide anything. They were all of the place.
Foley is a decent and affable host, though. Ellen is churning out trash to pursue big money for her own (very private) design projects. I have to imagine she would not buy most of the lousy stuff churned out on this series. Ellen, do better.
Foley is a decent and affable host, though. Ellen is churning out trash to pursue big money for her own (very private) design projects. I have to imagine she would not buy most of the lousy stuff churned out on this series. Ellen, do better.
Was only watching for the art pieces
bearfaceproductions2 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
But seriously these contestants were so whiny at every corner. Mark should have been eliminated in the first episode and his piece in the second episode made no sense. (And let's not forget how much of a jerk he was flipping the judges off in the first episode) He was kept in the show because of pity and they pronounced him the winner because (as we all know) a certain judge was totally biased. Urvi was the talented one and she should have gone to the finale instead of Mark whose piece was trash and had no second function. Truly disappointed as I wanted to see the pieces hat the true talents had, instead of someone who just stole ideas and lacked originality. Basically the only reason I kept watching was just for the pieces of art. But if they are gonna be this biased, then just cancel this show.
Love this show
nicole-4417020 May 2021
I really enjoy this show and so do both my teen daughters. The designers are already professionals so that makes it different than a lot of competition shows. The quality of their end projects are amazing and that does make judging hard. The judges were a bit inconsistent I think (one day a piece sticking out is a tripping hazard but later a similar piece sticking out is fine and ground breaking). I just chalked it up to it being hard to judge so many great projects. I liked all the contestants and it was an entertaining mix of good fun and cool design and a little drama. I like that Ellen has given designers this platform. She's not in the show much but it's fun when she pops in now and then. We binged the show in two days and had a great time talking about what we liked and didn't so to me that's a 10 star show. I hope there are more seasons.
Biased Judging
clockcity27 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the design and reveal part of the show. I like watching the process of something being conceptual and transforming to a finished piece of furniture.
That being said, I disagree with the winner Mark. He lacked consistency throughout the show, he wines a lot and he steals ideas.
He wasn't going to design a fourth piece in the finale but he did once he saw Arielle had done one. He also changed his design once he saw Arielle using metal, so he ordered metal too. He lacks originality and ethics in my opinion.
Finally, the female judge seemed bias from day 1. She always rooted for Mark even tho she's a judge so there's no room for biases. She always covered for him and would often put Arielle down to make Mark shine. That disgusted me because this is a furniture making competition, not a life story competition.
That being said, I disagree with the winner Mark. He lacked consistency throughout the show, he wines a lot and he steals ideas.
He wasn't going to design a fourth piece in the finale but he did once he saw Arielle had done one. He also changed his design once he saw Arielle using metal, so he ordered metal too. He lacks originality and ethics in my opinion.
Finally, the female judge seemed bias from day 1. She always rooted for Mark even tho she's a judge so there's no room for biases. She always covered for him and would often put Arielle down to make Mark shine. That disgusted me because this is a furniture making competition, not a life story competition.
Doesn't deserve a season 2
jcesariomd22 May 2021
Every one of these reviews are right
manojative24 May 2021
Really....?
duhuvpt29 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Tired of these Competition Shows being decided based soley off their story and personal makeup. This show was completely rigged from the jump. There is NO way Mark should have won, let alone made it to the Finale. Everyone one knows Urvi should have made it to the finals, She knew it, and the complete amazed look on everyone else's face including Mark himself knew it. Every one of Urvi's pieces were beautiful, well thought out and functional. Mark didnt even complete the last challenge with a nonfunctional piece " Supposedly turns into a bed" which NO ONE knows because it did not work. We all know why he won, sure he was talented and had a bunch of good ideas but I thought this was a competition show and judge purely on your current work, craftsmanship, functionality and not your life story or any other element. You could sum up this show with Mark's piece, should have been a great idea, but it just never worked.
Terrible judging
elilin-4815323 May 2021
I am sorry but seriously the winner of this show isn't justified. This makes me think of enabling bad craftsmanship and design. Oh and let's not even start on all the whining in this show coming from the guy who won. If the show is about talent then why is this dude wining? If they are basing it on drama and personal bias then I get it but competition shows should not be about any of these things. I wouldn't waste my time.
Not worth it, another Ellen cash grab
sami-2795023 May 2021
Ellen is just in the title. She's shown basically maybe ten minutes in the show. She's not a part of it, she lets Scott handle everything.
The judges don't seem to be that great and they have an agenda on who to keep there. In one episode everyone else builds their design, one gets 90% of it manufactured by someone else and they are applauded for it. Sure, it's not the worst thing I've seen, and this is supposedly a design competition, but still.
It's clearly just an Ellen cash grab, slap their name on something, have them show up in a couple of episodes, find people who get starstruck by Ellen and Scott regardless of their talent (most of them are talented, don't get me wrong), and you have a show. Focus on one of them whining about things, blaming their helper for breaking stuff, and then going "but he's so haaawt!"
So don't waste your time with it. It's bad. Just look up the designs and you get all you need from this show.
The judges don't seem to be that great and they have an agenda on who to keep there. In one episode everyone else builds their design, one gets 90% of it manufactured by someone else and they are applauded for it. Sure, it's not the worst thing I've seen, and this is supposedly a design competition, but still.
It's clearly just an Ellen cash grab, slap their name on something, have them show up in a couple of episodes, find people who get starstruck by Ellen and Scott regardless of their talent (most of them are talented, don't get me wrong), and you have a show. Focus on one of them whining about things, blaming their helper for breaking stuff, and then going "but he's so haaawt!"
So don't waste your time with it. It's bad. Just look up the designs and you get all you need from this show.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
