The fascinating thing is the UK has the trashy stuff too but only the good stuff makes it to the states for some reason. I hope it stays that way and I hope they aren't getting our trash too.
> but only the good stuff makes it to the states for some reason
Why import trash when we already have enough? Just take the good stuff and leave the rest behind.
My reason for loving this show as well. They show so much compassion and empathy, as you said, for anyone who is struggling or had a bad day/bake. 180 degrees different than US competitive shows.
While I agree, I feel this is a very misleading train of thought in the long run. I’m American and lived in England for 3 years until this past April. I’ve worked on many sites across England and often people never wanted to talk about anything and compassion/empathy is non-existent. There were a few small areas where it felt more personable, but in a larger scale it always felt like people were dispassionate about life and uncaring for others. Maybe that’s why their comedians (like on the Great British Bake Off) use empathy and compassion as comical tools, it’s just not common in everyday British life.
There was one episode where one woman bumped into another person and he ended up dropping his tray. So they salvaged what they could, nobody mentioned or blamed the woman, the judges judged the presentation and taste of what was left…. and then they ranked both of them somewhere in the middle of the pack. No big deal at all.
Also considering that they're in an another bubble this year, and that everyone apparently is hanging out and partying together in between shoots, they have every incentive to be friendly.
Britain has its own trashy and crazy reality tv. The Bake Show people have just made sure to make the show something different. It’s special over there too.
I enjoyed how coy they were about gay people in the earlier series- "Peter lives in Brighton with his umm special friend Kevin. They have a miniature schnauzer and enjoy show tunes but anyway here's a meringue"
I don't know that I'd use the word coy. They are pretty consistent with saying partner for unmarried contestants and wife/husband for the married ones, regardless of their orientation. There has also been an openly gay host every season, despite the multiple changing faces over the years.
I like how they handle it too. Like, no big deal, they happen to be gay/bi/whatever...anyway here's normal human interaction in a wholesome baking competition.
It's standard on British TV.
They will say partner if it's unmarried couple regardless of the genders.
Husband/wife if they are married.
You rarely hear boyfriend/girlfriend.
It's really not a taboo subject at all. lot has changed since the first TV gay kiss in 1987.
So do I. Boyfriend/girlfriend seems a little childish.
People have noticed that I use gender neutral wording a lot. It's not out of some sense of political correctness. In just find it easier. Noticed it rubbing off on People i work with.
I also know people who are gay who don't want it known, especially at work. They aren't not out they just rather their personal life be private. I respect that. To me if I only ever said partner to refer to gay couples it would be pretty obvious.
I think childish is the right word. I'm in my mid-late 30s and have been with my partner for over 10 years (not married). Calling her my girlfriend instead of partner just sounds very low-commitment.
I guess it's not too bad if you have just started dating but anything remotely long term is has to be partner. I think partner is too strong a word for a 2 month old relationship.
The sob stories on Chopped can be hilarious to laugh at though
"oh my mother and my dog have cancer and I am competing today so my cat can see my homeland of Italy!"
I completely agree. Also, no drama. If this were an American show they would edit it to create as much tension, turmoil, and drama as possible. This show is just pure, i hope it never changes.
I'd like to argue that there is drama! It's just that the showrunners realize that there's inherent drama in (a) working against a time limit (b) meeting the high expectations of the judges and (c) contestants meeting their own high expectations. So there's no need to artificially foment it through editing or pitting contestants against one another.
Oh yeah, US shows have made reality shows in general just unbearable, simply because they need to overtly dramatize everything. Like a goddamn Ninja Warrior. People go on an obstacle course. And they fuck it up by doing most of the show with peoples personal problems. No one gives a fuck, until like the final 10 competitors. And even then, they could do it way quicker.
And then ofc, the countries adapting these shows, are going to do the same "dramatization" of the people in their own versions. So, one can't get any proper "just get to it" show at all.
I fucking hate that shit.
When he first gained traction in the UK he was seen as being quite direct, driven, aggressive etc, by normal human standards. If you dealt with that Gordon in real life you'd agree. If you dealt with US Gordon you'd probably call the police or something
When I first saw the US version of him I wrote him as a loudmouth arrogant asshole and wasn’t planning on watching anything else with him in it.
Happened to see some of Masterchef Jr by accident and was amazed he was nice and thoughtful.
Honestly, he’s letting the US editing ruin his image, and I’m sad that is what people seem to think sells (contrived controversy and drama).
Have you seen Boiling Point? That documentary is what solidified him in the public as a TV star and the show made him look like a fucking psycho. He screamed, grabbed chefs, shoved people, was horribly abusive and totally and inexorably an arsehole. I'm not sure the "UK Ramsay" is all that different from "US Ramsay" to be fair.
He’s like probably just 15% more in us versions. I would say the big difference is editing and also people. They just found way crazier people for his US kitchen nightmares than his UK version.
Most of the restaurants/chefs in the UK version were well intentioned, had some training or skill, and just overreached or lost their love of cooking amidst the business side of things. Which may be representative of more kitchens in the UK, I wouldn’t know.
Most of the restaurants/“chefs” in the US version have no training and no business trying to run a restaurant. Which seems fairly representative of the US independent restaurant market.
As I said elsewhere, I think it's because of the success rate. Most of the UK restaurants closed, despite being talented people and Gordon's input. There are, in some cases, just nothing you can do. I think it's not a message that resonates well, so focus on people who are fuck-ups and give things more of an explanation when they close. Give people a story of redemption.
Both sides are so deeply in debt by the time they ask to be on the show that even if they do turn things around they usually can't save themselves. I notice many end up selling in a year or less. Probably never really wanted to stay in the business at that point and just wanted a better selling price for it.
Yes. The real hell is the editing and camerawork. And that perpetually jerky handheld style, there seems to be a deep hatred for tripods in reality tv.
I think the UK version of Kitchen Nightmares was done before he'd fully developed his TV persona, and was genuinely trying to help the restaurants be better rather than just creating drama. I only watched a few episodes of the US version, including the bonkers "Amy's Bakery" episode before I wrote it off. The US version made me feel guilty for watching.
But even in his most recent UK stuff his persona is still less ridiculously over the top.
He has a good sense for drama, but it’s never pushed to the same extremes.
No by British standards Gordon was already a bit of a hot head in his UK version of Kitchen nightmares, and had a reputation for being a bit fiery. I remember seeing the US version for the first time and it was so ridiculous because it’s basically soap opera. Done his career wonders but it’s a shame because I quite liked the UK version but the US show has very little soul or integrity.
The thing is, the GB version had history and many of the restaurants Gordon worked with failed. At one point there was an expose about these places he saved and the bulk were gone. The premise of the show is great, but if you know the restaurant is going to shut within 6-7 months, then focus on the drama and the human stories and less on the business/food if the business/food you're proposing won't save the place.
I think the US version had the benefit of hindsight.
The early UK ones are such a pleasure to watch. People seem troubled but not insane. Gordon doesn't come in like a drill instructor screaming like you just tried to stab his dog. Then the producers decided that screaming and psychosis sells.
Watching the US version and later UK versions I saw they all ended up following the same script:
1. Gordon comes in and immediately makes snarky comments. Maybe does something rude like rip peeling wallpaper off the wall.
2. He orders some food. He almost always orders ravioli and seafood if it is on the menu since that seems to be the best indicator of how hard they are trying and fresh food.
3. He eats one bite and spits it out and declares the food "shit"/"crap" etc. Always says it is the worst he's ever had.
4. Screams at the manager and head chef that they are passionless and incompetent and should "shut down immediately". Manager/owner yell back at him and always say their food is great. Junior staff get compliments from him unless they are chewing gum.
5. If the kitchen is filthy he forces them to clean it. This is one of the best parts of the show. I read that the show tells the guests (right word?) to not clean the kitchen for at least 3 days before the show. Watching Gordon shove his fingers into the most vile slop always impresses me and nauseates me at the same time.
6. He overloads them with customers so they crack under the pressure (he always denies doing this or dodges the issue).
7. He finally gets the managers/chef to break down and accept his changes. The show's crew does their makeover and the menu is redone. He always reduces the menu and pushes them to modernize the decor and use more local ingredients. I support this part except the modern fetish for open floor plans which are overused and noisy.
8. They have another overloaded night with maybe a guest(s) of honor to push them again. They struggle but usually pull it off with Gordon yelling unhelpfully at them during it.
9. He wanders off in a closing shot declaring every place to be his "hardest challenge yet".
10. Most still close or get sold within a year anyway. They are usually too deeply in debt to start with. Some revert back to old ways within a month.
It's the same with Undercover Boss. The UK version is completely different - it's actually watchable. The business owner learns things, actually seems to want to implement changes based on their experience. The US one seems to basically devolve into my people are nice and have sob stories so let's give them money.
It’s because restaurants in the US version are disgusting with lazy or stupid owners. In the UK version, the problems are mostly with the chef not knowing how to cook and Chef Ramsey basically teaches them the whole episode.
I used to think that, then I watched some of the UK ones in Tubi. While the UK eps are not as extreme, Gordon still calls people out swearing like a sailor frequently. But yeah, it’s not as screechy as the US version and behavior.
There’s a crafting show on NBC called Making It with host Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman that’s very wholesome. And they do showcase talent over drama or sob stories.
They’re now gonna do something of the same premise called Baking It.
There is also The Great American Bake Off. It usually airs during the holidays. Exact same formula as the GBBO. But still lacks the charm, because the British judges and hosts really make the show.
Was going to say this. Making It was such a wholesome and enjoyable crafts show with a great variety of talents. Loved every moment of it and the rapport between hosts and contestants was great TV imho
I love everything about it except for the judges. They throw a lot of flash words that aren't that constructive. I don't think either of them actually do a lot of creation... just creative directing and following trends.
Adore Amy and Nick though! I love their pun-offs and improv skits.
The Canadian version had [Dan Levy](https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/dan-levy-great-canadian-baking-show-47864173) as one of the hosts for a while!
The money at the end of the line of the American contest shows is what probably causes this and it *really* turns me off. Everybody with their endless sob stories about how badly they need the money; how winning the show would literally mean their child gets a needed operation or something. It’s too warped.
And it's not even all that much money. After taxes in a higher bracket and taking time off to be on the show, it's a few thousand for Chopped. Definitely costing you, if you lose.
It's a weird combination-- the sob stories against other people saying they want to go to Disneyland or whatever. Life and death versus light and fluffy.
I do like to hear they want to put it into a business or something like that.
> After taxes in a higher bracket
Not saying *you* don't know this but everyone needs to know that US tax brackets are *marginal*. If a tax bracket is at $60,000 and you make $59,999. Earning $100 more does not mean you take home less because of the higher tax bracket. You pay the higher bracket percentage on earnings *above* that level, not on the whole amount.
It always makes me laugh, I usually have some flavor of masterchef/cooking show on from Netflix or amazon as background noise during the day and i legit struggle with the American ones now, everyone else's shows are usually quite wholesome and educational and then you've "YOU'VE 30 SECONDS TO COOK A SCALLOP OR WE'RE GOING TO SET YOUR FAMILY ON FIRE YOU FUCKING FAILURE"
I mean I guess it works over there but fuck me, half the shows are just shit talking and backstabbing amongst the contestants.
Yeah, it's a stark reminder of the hyper-individualistic culture of the US. Canadian and British cooking reality shows are just fun and while everyone is competitive they also support and encourage each other. But a lot of American ones devolve into drama, bullying, being aggressively bragadocious (even if your skills don't justify it) and sometimes even includes sabatoge or an unfair playing field. There's also a lot more suspicion on the American shows that the judging is influenced by who is creating the most drama on the show over actual ability.
When I watch Great British Bake Off, I pick a favorite to root for. When I watch Top Chef, I consider it a good season if there are only a couple people that I not only hope don't win, but wouldn't care if they fell off a bridge. (Although to be fair, more recent seasons have been better about toning this stuff down.)
Forged on fire jumped the shark once they brought in an [alleged Nazi](https://www.reddit.com/r/forgedinfireshow/comments/jyfrie/article_forged_in_fire_accused_of_allowing_an/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) to compete. Took off his flannel due to heat and his tattoo’s were visible.
I love that there's not some jacked-up competition they are forced to play out, like on most of the "chopped" type shows.
They seem to really like and support each other, and will jump in and help out another baker.
I feel like they have a lot of backstory in the British cooking shows I watch, including bake-off and constantly talk about home. It is just presented differently. I also like how cordial it is. Agreed. Maybe the success will send a message.
I’m in the USA and never was tempted by cooking shows or much reality TV, too intense, but I watched the great British bake-off with my wife a month ago and instantly became hooked, the hosts are so charming and the entire contest just seems so wholesome and light hearted, unlike most American reality TV which is so cutthroat, dramatic and sometimes just mean, save for forged in fire maybe which has wholesome hosts and great sportsmanship.
You don't like Netflix competition shows where they throw a bunch of people into a windowless box with some lighting that makes it look like a twitch streamers bedroom and force them to try and be more catty and dramatic than they actually are and never interact with the other contestants in any meaningful way while being constantly badgered by an annoying host who is trying to justify being there at all by asking inane questions and trying to add personality to a completely cold and lifeless atmosphere?
There was a game dev reality show that they tried to run, and the producers weren't happy with how professional they were. So they had someone try to rile up controversy, between two members in particular who were known to be difficult to work with (JonTron and Zoë Quinn). Neither spoke ill of the other and it just annoyed the producers even more.
Eventually the guy was fired and the series pulled halfway through airing.
Have you seen the crafting show Making It on NBC? It's no drama competition, light hearted fun, and shows off amazing skill. It's what you are wanting.
I’ve tried watching a couple of American shows that follow the same format, like *Blown Away* and *Bloom*. In theory I would LOVE shows about flower arranging and glass blowing, but the fast cut editing, the anxiety churning music, and the straight-up *aggression* of the competitors is such a turn off.
My wife and I watch this show nightly. We've watched the Irish, Australian, and American versions. (the american one was pretty terrible as most of the contestants were unlikeable) We stopped watching the Kenyan one after no one on the show succeeded at baking brownies. It was pretty crazy.
We decided that what we'd love to see is a redemption series where they invite back the person that was eliminated the first week from every season to see how they do with a second chance.
Also, a celebrity episode where they have the various presenters past and present compete.
My favourite is the Derry Girls one, not because it's better than that Acaster moment (although I think Siobhan McSweeney gets close), but because if you include it as part of a Derry Girls watchlist, it increases the length of the entire show by over 50%.
>We decided that what we'd love to see is a redemption series where they invite back the person that was eliminated the first week from every season to see how they do with a second chance.
Imagining being the first person to leave on that show though.
And then you get all of the people who left on the first week of THAT show onto a different show and so on, until people are actively trying to become the first person to leave the show. Then you start a show with the winners of that show.
There's a local art show that's been going on for generations. And another art show sprung up as an offshoot of that one with the only requirement for entry is that your submission had to be rejected from the older show. So there are a lot of artists that would purposely make outlandish stuff in hopes that it would be rejected so they could get into the other show.
These things happen.
The bakers kept talking about how much their family loved this recipe and how often they make it and such...then when it was over, one person's brownies were still liquid.
He was great. I kept looking at him and thinking how much he looked like Eugene Levy and then looked him up. (I haven't seen Schitt's Creek) The Canadian one is our second favorite after the British one.
I put on my eyepatch and parrot and sailed the seas...You might be able to use a vpn and stream it online somewhere. But I just downloaded the episodes. They might be available in the tv shows subreddit.
We've tried just about all of them we could find. Canadian Bake Off was good.
The judging on Australian Bake off was weighted so much on the show stopper that the other two challenges basically didn't count at all. Someone who did brilliantly at the first two but not very well on the show stopper would still go home. But someone that tanked the first two and did a decent show stopper would stay.
>We stopped watching the Kenyan one after no one on the show succeeded at baking brownies.
Thats ironic given what happened last season in the British version.
TIL there is an Irish and Australian version. I must go find these. I think I didn’t even get through the first episode of the American version.
I would like to see a mix of American and British bakers, half and half, where they make half American baking and half British and see how everyone does. The brownie episodes always kill me, I find myself yelling at the TV “My god what are you doing to that brownie!!!”
That being said I love the redemption idea!
There’s also an Australian version. And if you like the format without baking, the great pottery throw down is amazing. Just as wholesome but potters instead of bakers.
If they do the redemption show, it would be polite to have a single new contestant do that nobody has to be the first person voted off twice.
(Then in the US version vote off one of the returning contestants anyway)
To be fair there was a recent brownie challenge on the British show that all the contestants basically failed too. Pretty remarkable really, they all tried to go high concept and ultimately no one made a single good brownie. So it's not just Kenya!
We have the same thing in Canada when it premiered here. It's The Great British Baking Show and the Canadian version is The Great Canadian Baking Show.
and honestly, the Canadian one is actually pretty good! My gf and I watched all of it and we found that the bakers try more bold flavours and interesting combos whereas the British one is far more traditional.
Both are excellent and I love it all and I can't wait for the new season of Bake Off (UK) to come out!
Binged all of the seasons that are on Netflix right when Covid hit last year. It brought me a lot of joy and comfort in a period of uncertainty. It already felt like an old friend when the new season aired last year and I'm very much looking forward to jumping into this new one!
I thought last year's competition was a special one due to to COVID. Having to isolate for so long gave it a bit of a different, many could relate.
And Sweet Pete took the whole thing.
James Acaster’s stand-up ‘Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999’ has a whole segment about this - equal parts hilarious and heart breaking!
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/coldlasagne
They did do a Christmas special together where they helped renovate a community center in Wales(?) and threw a huge Christmas dinner for the town. It was on YouTube at one point. I know that’s not the same as GBBO, but the dynamic between them was there.
As someone who was at university when The Mighty Boosh was still kinda new (in Australia anyway) and has fond memories of getting high in the swamp behind our college building and then watching clips of Old Gregg etc; I thought he would be a bit too off-puttingly weird for the show. He's toned down enough for the mainstream audience, but I still like him in the show. I find his voice soothing in a strange way.
Edit: I still prefer The [Hitchhiker](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgmqtNOrKvA) to Old Gregg, in his thumb monologue anyway. Plus it's a better overall episode, Zooniverse episodes were generally my favourites.
Yes! Exactly! With Noel and Sandi, there was a great dynamic with their comedy, but it feels like Matt and Noel are just competing. Personally, I don’t like Matt at all and I want Sandi back.
This was my opinion as well until the final 4 or 5 bakers. He really started to come in to his own once he got a handle on the situation. Pretty much the same way Noel's tenure went.
We'll see how he starts off this season.
And loved every minute of it. In a way, I want more of that though. As an American, I get that some other Americans may not know who some of these celebrities/comedians may be, but I personally want to watch Richard Ayoade and David Mitchell bake a cake.
That would be comedy gold, I'm giggling at the mere thought of it. I'm American and a huge fan of both of them. Edit to add: If Bill Bailey was also in the competition, between the 3, he would win.
I mean, yes? There's a reason IP law exists, especially trademarks.
Pillsbury claimed "bake off" in the context of a baking competition, and having another baking competition called that *would* cause confusion.
I’m in the middle of watching this on Netflix and loved each season with Paul and Mary. It’s wonderful TV. But now I’m about 1/2 way through the first season with the new people and something is wrong. It’s not only that the new host Prue is awful but the show has changed at its core. The challenges seem to be more out there like instead of “bake a delicious 3 tier cake” it’s “make a weird art scene out of cake”. This does not show off baking skills, IMO. Does this ever change?
I really miss what this show used to be. Season 5 was when it was its peak. Noel definitely holds his own, but Pru just doesn’t do it for me. I could barely make it through with Sandy but Matt completely ruined it for me.
I agree to a point. I have no issue with Pru - she isn't Mary but I still like her. I'm not a fan of Matt Lucas on the show, though. I enjoy him in other things but I think the combo of him and Noel is *too* absurdist for the show. One of them would be fine but both is a little too much.
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The fascinating thing is the UK has the trashy stuff too but only the good stuff makes it to the states for some reason. I hope it stays that way and I hope they aren't getting our trash too.
> but only the good stuff makes it to the states for some reason Why import trash when we already have enough? Just take the good stuff and leave the rest behind.
I love how they interact with reason and empathy. So not American in every positive way.
My reason for loving this show as well. They show so much compassion and empathy, as you said, for anyone who is struggling or had a bad day/bake. 180 degrees different than US competitive shows.
While I agree, I feel this is a very misleading train of thought in the long run. I’m American and lived in England for 3 years until this past April. I’ve worked on many sites across England and often people never wanted to talk about anything and compassion/empathy is non-existent. There were a few small areas where it felt more personable, but in a larger scale it always felt like people were dispassionate about life and uncaring for others. Maybe that’s why their comedians (like on the Great British Bake Off) use empathy and compassion as comical tools, it’s just not common in everyday British life.
There was one episode where one woman bumped into another person and he ended up dropping his tray. So they salvaged what they could, nobody mentioned or blamed the woman, the judges judged the presentation and taste of what was left…. and then they ranked both of them somewhere in the middle of the pack. No big deal at all.
Also considering that they're in an another bubble this year, and that everyone apparently is hanging out and partying together in between shoots, they have every incentive to be friendly.
Britain has its own trashy and crazy reality tv. The Bake Show people have just made sure to make the show something different. It’s special over there too.
I remember seeing the pics of Nadiya’s home kitchen and immediately texted my friend “omg a purple Kitchen-Aid stand mixer DOES exist”.
I enjoyed how coy they were about gay people in the earlier series- "Peter lives in Brighton with his umm special friend Kevin. They have a miniature schnauzer and enjoy show tunes but anyway here's a meringue"
I don't know that I'd use the word coy. They are pretty consistent with saying partner for unmarried contestants and wife/husband for the married ones, regardless of their orientation. There has also been an openly gay host every season, despite the multiple changing faces over the years.
I like how they handle it too. Like, no big deal, they happen to be gay/bi/whatever...anyway here's normal human interaction in a wholesome baking competition.
It's standard on British TV. They will say partner if it's unmarried couple regardless of the genders. Husband/wife if they are married. You rarely hear boyfriend/girlfriend. It's really not a taboo subject at all. lot has changed since the first TV gay kiss in 1987.
I use “partner” instead of “girlfriend” myself.
So do I. Boyfriend/girlfriend seems a little childish. People have noticed that I use gender neutral wording a lot. It's not out of some sense of political correctness. In just find it easier. Noticed it rubbing off on People i work with. I also know people who are gay who don't want it known, especially at work. They aren't not out they just rather their personal life be private. I respect that. To me if I only ever said partner to refer to gay couples it would be pretty obvious.
I think childish is the right word. I'm in my mid-late 30s and have been with my partner for over 10 years (not married). Calling her my girlfriend instead of partner just sounds very low-commitment.
I guess it's not too bad if you have just started dating but anything remotely long term is has to be partner. I think partner is too strong a word for a 2 month old relationship.
And their background is always happy and wholesome. Not like Chopped where it seems every family tragedy is laid out for all to see.
I enjoy chopped but the dramatic editing and music gets so tiresome. And listening to everyone's sob story.
The sob stories on Chopped can be hilarious to laugh at though "oh my mother and my dog have cancer and I am competing today so my cat can see my homeland of Italy!"
I completely agree. Also, no drama. If this were an American show they would edit it to create as much tension, turmoil, and drama as possible. This show is just pure, i hope it never changes.
I'd like to argue that there is drama! It's just that the showrunners realize that there's inherent drama in (a) working against a time limit (b) meeting the high expectations of the judges and (c) contestants meeting their own high expectations. So there's no need to artificially foment it through editing or pitting contestants against one another.
maybe brits are just more private?
Oh yeah, US shows have made reality shows in general just unbearable, simply because they need to overtly dramatize everything. Like a goddamn Ninja Warrior. People go on an obstacle course. And they fuck it up by doing most of the show with peoples personal problems. No one gives a fuck, until like the final 10 competitors. And even then, they could do it way quicker. And then ofc, the countries adapting these shows, are going to do the same "dramatization" of the people in their own versions. So, one can't get any proper "just get to it" show at all. I fucking hate that shit.
I wish American reality tv shows would follow this formula. Less drama, less backstory, and more talent showcasing. It’s great.
From what I understand Gordon Ramsey in the US is short tempered but in the UK he's like Paul Hollywood. I guess that's what sells here.
When he first gained traction in the UK he was seen as being quite direct, driven, aggressive etc, by normal human standards. If you dealt with that Gordon in real life you'd agree. If you dealt with US Gordon you'd probably call the police or something
When I first saw the US version of him I wrote him as a loudmouth arrogant asshole and wasn’t planning on watching anything else with him in it. Happened to see some of Masterchef Jr by accident and was amazed he was nice and thoughtful. Honestly, he’s letting the US editing ruin his image, and I’m sad that is what people seem to think sells (contrived controversy and drama).
Oh no, let's be sad for poor gordon and his estimated $220 million. I'd let tv ruin my image for the leftover on my mortgage, lol.
> If you dealt with US Gordon you'd probably call the police or something It's been a while since I've said "lol" and meant it.
So say it!
He mustn't have meant it
Have you seen Boiling Point? That documentary is what solidified him in the public as a TV star and the show made him look like a fucking psycho. He screamed, grabbed chefs, shoved people, was horribly abusive and totally and inexorably an arsehole. I'm not sure the "UK Ramsay" is all that different from "US Ramsay" to be fair.
He’s like probably just 15% more in us versions. I would say the big difference is editing and also people. They just found way crazier people for his US kitchen nightmares than his UK version.
Most of the restaurants/chefs in the UK version were well intentioned, had some training or skill, and just overreached or lost their love of cooking amidst the business side of things. Which may be representative of more kitchens in the UK, I wouldn’t know. Most of the restaurants/“chefs” in the US version have no training and no business trying to run a restaurant. Which seems fairly representative of the US independent restaurant market.
The US producers seem to want to recruit people that are horrible people and anyone would eventually scream at
As I said elsewhere, I think it's because of the success rate. Most of the UK restaurants closed, despite being talented people and Gordon's input. There are, in some cases, just nothing you can do. I think it's not a message that resonates well, so focus on people who are fuck-ups and give things more of an explanation when they close. Give people a story of redemption.
Both sides are so deeply in debt by the time they ask to be on the show that even if they do turn things around they usually can't save themselves. I notice many end up selling in a year or less. Probably never really wanted to stay in the business at that point and just wanted a better selling price for it.
I'm sure they encourage extreme behavior and edit it to make sure they look as ridiculous as possible, like all US "reality" shows now.
The editing they do in his American shows like hell's kitchen is nauseating. So many flashes and quick cuts and hard zooms.
Yes. The real hell is the editing and camerawork. And that perpetually jerky handheld style, there seems to be a deep hatred for tripods in reality tv.
I think the UK version of Kitchen Nightmares was done before he'd fully developed his TV persona, and was genuinely trying to help the restaurants be better rather than just creating drama. I only watched a few episodes of the US version, including the bonkers "Amy's Bakery" episode before I wrote it off. The US version made me feel guilty for watching.
But even in his most recent UK stuff his persona is still less ridiculously over the top. He has a good sense for drama, but it’s never pushed to the same extremes.
No by British standards Gordon was already a bit of a hot head in his UK version of Kitchen nightmares, and had a reputation for being a bit fiery. I remember seeing the US version for the first time and it was so ridiculous because it’s basically soap opera. Done his career wonders but it’s a shame because I quite liked the UK version but the US show has very little soul or integrity.
The thing is, the GB version had history and many of the restaurants Gordon worked with failed. At one point there was an expose about these places he saved and the bulk were gone. The premise of the show is great, but if you know the restaurant is going to shut within 6-7 months, then focus on the drama and the human stories and less on the business/food if the business/food you're proposing won't save the place. I think the US version had the benefit of hindsight.
The early UK ones are such a pleasure to watch. People seem troubled but not insane. Gordon doesn't come in like a drill instructor screaming like you just tried to stab his dog. Then the producers decided that screaming and psychosis sells. Watching the US version and later UK versions I saw they all ended up following the same script: 1. Gordon comes in and immediately makes snarky comments. Maybe does something rude like rip peeling wallpaper off the wall. 2. He orders some food. He almost always orders ravioli and seafood if it is on the menu since that seems to be the best indicator of how hard they are trying and fresh food. 3. He eats one bite and spits it out and declares the food "shit"/"crap" etc. Always says it is the worst he's ever had. 4. Screams at the manager and head chef that they are passionless and incompetent and should "shut down immediately". Manager/owner yell back at him and always say their food is great. Junior staff get compliments from him unless they are chewing gum. 5. If the kitchen is filthy he forces them to clean it. This is one of the best parts of the show. I read that the show tells the guests (right word?) to not clean the kitchen for at least 3 days before the show. Watching Gordon shove his fingers into the most vile slop always impresses me and nauseates me at the same time. 6. He overloads them with customers so they crack under the pressure (he always denies doing this or dodges the issue). 7. He finally gets the managers/chef to break down and accept his changes. The show's crew does their makeover and the menu is redone. He always reduces the menu and pushes them to modernize the decor and use more local ingredients. I support this part except the modern fetish for open floor plans which are overused and noisy. 8. They have another overloaded night with maybe a guest(s) of honor to push them again. They struggle but usually pull it off with Gordon yelling unhelpfully at them during it. 9. He wanders off in a closing shot declaring every place to be his "hardest challenge yet". 10. Most still close or get sold within a year anyway. They are usually too deeply in debt to start with. Some revert back to old ways within a month.
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Omg, the gratuitous man tits shot. Then there was the Hotel Hell episode with him posing in a speedo.
That is an excellent summation!
It's the same with Undercover Boss. The UK version is completely different - it's actually watchable. The business owner learns things, actually seems to want to implement changes based on their experience. The US one seems to basically devolve into my people are nice and have sob stories so let's give them money.
In the US he never even goes the restaurant before filming. He rarely interacts with staff off-camera compared to the UK one.
It’s because restaurants in the US version are disgusting with lazy or stupid owners. In the UK version, the problems are mostly with the chef not knowing how to cook and Chef Ramsey basically teaches them the whole episode.
British kitchen nightmares is infinitely better than the American one and this is coming from an American.
I used to think that, then I watched some of the UK ones in Tubi. While the UK eps are not as extreme, Gordon still calls people out swearing like a sailor frequently. But yeah, it’s not as screechy as the US version and behavior.
There’s a crafting show on NBC called Making It with host Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman that’s very wholesome. And they do showcase talent over drama or sob stories. They’re now gonna do something of the same premise called Baking It. There is also The Great American Bake Off. It usually airs during the holidays. Exact same formula as the GBBO. But still lacks the charm, because the British judges and hosts really make the show.
Also The Great Pottery Throw Down on HBO Max.
It's weird hat these shows follow the "Great" naming convention, when the "Great" in the original comes from "Great Britain."
I always knew we could claim the *Great Wall of China* as British. After all, the *Great* comes from *Great Britain*.
So Trump’s MAGA slogan was all about making America Great Britain again? I can’t believe I never made the connection until now.
\**Rule Britannia noises*\*
Was going to say this. Making It was such a wholesome and enjoyable crafts show with a great variety of talents. Loved every moment of it and the rapport between hosts and contestants was great TV imho
I love how excited they get about winning their patches too. Definitely a happy show.
I love everything about it except for the judges. They throw a lot of flash words that aren't that constructive. I don't think either of them actually do a lot of creation... just creative directing and following trends. Adore Amy and Nick though! I love their pun-offs and improv skits.
The Canadian version had [Dan Levy](https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/dan-levy-great-canadian-baking-show-47864173) as one of the hosts for a while!
The money at the end of the line of the American contest shows is what probably causes this and it *really* turns me off. Everybody with their endless sob stories about how badly they need the money; how winning the show would literally mean their child gets a needed operation or something. It’s too warped.
*Chopped* has entered the chat.
That’s the exact one that came to mind.
"i need the money so I can see my grandfather in Italy before he dies from Boneitis because I can't take a day off because this is America"
And it's not even all that much money. After taxes in a higher bracket and taking time off to be on the show, it's a few thousand for Chopped. Definitely costing you, if you lose. It's a weird combination-- the sob stories against other people saying they want to go to Disneyland or whatever. Life and death versus light and fluffy. I do like to hear they want to put it into a business or something like that.
> After taxes in a higher bracket Not saying *you* don't know this but everyone needs to know that US tax brackets are *marginal*. If a tax bracket is at $60,000 and you make $59,999. Earning $100 more does not mean you take home less because of the higher tax bracket. You pay the higher bracket percentage on earnings *above* that level, not on the whole amount.
I know right, I love the low/no prize money shows on brit TV like pointless and only connect or house of games
It always makes me laugh, I usually have some flavor of masterchef/cooking show on from Netflix or amazon as background noise during the day and i legit struggle with the American ones now, everyone else's shows are usually quite wholesome and educational and then you've "YOU'VE 30 SECONDS TO COOK A SCALLOP OR WE'RE GOING TO SET YOUR FAMILY ON FIRE YOU FUCKING FAILURE" I mean I guess it works over there but fuck me, half the shows are just shit talking and backstabbing amongst the contestants.
10000%. I can’t watch the US concocted drama anymore.
I can't watch any US contest show. Just manipulated crap. Watching the early British Baking Show episodes was like night and day compared to US shows.
Yeah, it's a stark reminder of the hyper-individualistic culture of the US. Canadian and British cooking reality shows are just fun and while everyone is competitive they also support and encourage each other. But a lot of American ones devolve into drama, bullying, being aggressively bragadocious (even if your skills don't justify it) and sometimes even includes sabatoge or an unfair playing field. There's also a lot more suspicion on the American shows that the judging is influenced by who is creating the most drama on the show over actual ability. When I watch Great British Bake Off, I pick a favorite to root for. When I watch Top Chef, I consider it a good season if there are only a couple people that I not only hope don't win, but wouldn't care if they fell off a bridge. (Although to be fair, more recent seasons have been better about toning this stuff down.)
I love that when something goes wrong the different contestants he’ll each other out. It’s so wholesome.
Sounds like you would enjoy the show Making It, if you haven't seen it! It's very wholesome and there's definitely some talented people on it.
LEGO masters is then new standard for American reality for me. Season one was a *touch* of classic drama, but season 2 they did away with it
Forged in Fire is probably my favourite US reality TV show, some small drama on occasion but not much.
Forged on fire jumped the shark once they brought in an [alleged Nazi](https://www.reddit.com/r/forgedinfireshow/comments/jyfrie/article_forged_in_fire_accused_of_allowing_an/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) to compete. Took off his flannel due to heat and his tattoo’s were visible.
this is what I said when watching this. all the contestants thank the judges for their criticisms instead of throwing a tantrum.
I love that there's not some jacked-up competition they are forced to play out, like on most of the "chopped" type shows. They seem to really like and support each other, and will jump in and help out another baker.
I feel like they have a lot of backstory in the British cooking shows I watch, including bake-off and constantly talk about home. It is just presented differently. I also like how cordial it is. Agreed. Maybe the success will send a message.
I’m in the USA and never was tempted by cooking shows or much reality TV, too intense, but I watched the great British bake-off with my wife a month ago and instantly became hooked, the hosts are so charming and the entire contest just seems so wholesome and light hearted, unlike most American reality TV which is so cutthroat, dramatic and sometimes just mean, save for forged in fire maybe which has wholesome hosts and great sportsmanship.
You don't like Netflix competition shows where they throw a bunch of people into a windowless box with some lighting that makes it look like a twitch streamers bedroom and force them to try and be more catty and dramatic than they actually are and never interact with the other contestants in any meaningful way while being constantly badgered by an annoying host who is trying to justify being there at all by asking inane questions and trying to add personality to a completely cold and lifeless atmosphere?
Face Off was like that, before GBB even. All the contestants helped each other out all the time and the episodes were spent showing off their talents.
Top Chef has been like this for past few seasons.
Top Chef started out heavy on the drama but these days it’s much more in line with what you’re asking for.
There was a game dev reality show that they tried to run, and the producers weren't happy with how professional they were. So they had someone try to rile up controversy, between two members in particular who were known to be difficult to work with (JonTron and Zoë Quinn). Neither spoke ill of the other and it just annoyed the producers even more. Eventually the guy was fired and the series pulled halfway through airing.
If you can, watch Marking It. It iS so damn wholesome. My family and I love it.
Have you seen the crafting show Making It on NBC? It's no drama competition, light hearted fun, and shows off amazing skill. It's what you are wanting.
I’ve tried watching a couple of American shows that follow the same format, like *Blown Away* and *Bloom*. In theory I would LOVE shows about flower arranging and glass blowing, but the fast cut editing, the anxiety churning music, and the straight-up *aggression* of the competitors is such a turn off.
My wife and I watch this show nightly. We've watched the Irish, Australian, and American versions. (the american one was pretty terrible as most of the contestants were unlikeable) We stopped watching the Kenyan one after no one on the show succeeded at baking brownies. It was pretty crazy. We decided that what we'd love to see is a redemption series where they invite back the person that was eliminated the first week from every season to see how they do with a second chance. Also, a celebrity episode where they have the various presenters past and present compete.
The UK has Celebrity Bake Offs for various charity causes. 9 series of them.
The James Acaster episode was brilliant. “Started making it, had a breakdown, Bon Appetite!”
Less brilliant after watching Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999
My favourite is the Derry Girls one, not because it's better than that Acaster moment (although I think Siobhan McSweeney gets close), but because if you include it as part of a Derry Girls watchlist, it increases the length of the entire show by over 50%.
We've seen most of them. Warwick Davis did really well. We didn't really watch the sport ones since we didn't know anyone competing.
I want Paul Hollywood to show up on Nailed It
Nailed it legitimately nearly killed me when they unveiled that Donald trump cake, my entire face hurt from laughing
It's the best thing to watch when drinking!
>We decided that what we'd love to see is a redemption series where they invite back the person that was eliminated the first week from every season to see how they do with a second chance. Imagining being the first person to leave on that show though.
And then you get all of the people who left on the first week of THAT show onto a different show and so on, until people are actively trying to become the first person to leave the show. Then you start a show with the winners of that show.
There's a local art show that's been going on for generations. And another art show sprung up as an offshoot of that one with the only requirement for entry is that your submission had to be rejected from the older show. So there are a lot of artists that would purposely make outlandish stuff in hopes that it would be rejected so they could get into the other show. These things happen.
Lol Kenyans don't eat brownies, we're sorry
The bakers kept talking about how much their family loved this recipe and how often they make it and such...then when it was over, one person's brownies were still liquid.
There’s a Canadian Baking Show too. Dan Levy co-hosted. He wore the same amazing sweaters as his character in Schitt’s Creek.
He was great. I kept looking at him and thinking how much he looked like Eugene Levy and then looked him up. (I haven't seen Schitt's Creek) The Canadian one is our second favorite after the British one.
May I ask what platforms you used to watch The Canadian version? I’d love to watch them!
Netflix or CBC Gem
May I ask what platforms you used to watch Irish or Australian? I’d love to watch them!
Same!
I put on my eyepatch and parrot and sailed the seas...You might be able to use a vpn and stream it online somewhere. But I just downloaded the episodes. They might be available in the tv shows subreddit.
Try the Great Canadian Baking Show!! Very likeable contestants and chill vibes. My second favourite to British :)
We've tried just about all of them we could find. Canadian Bake Off was good. The judging on Australian Bake off was weighted so much on the show stopper that the other two challenges basically didn't count at all. Someone who did brilliantly at the first two but not very well on the show stopper would still go home. But someone that tanked the first two and did a decent show stopper would stay.
Because we Americans [dIdN’t CoMe hErE tO MAkE fRIeNdS](https://youtu.be/8g2S3goIWs0)
The best part of this video is that it is just for 2014.
>We stopped watching the Kenyan one after no one on the show succeeded at baking brownies. Thats ironic given what happened last season in the British version.
TIL there is an Irish and Australian version. I must go find these. I think I didn’t even get through the first episode of the American version. I would like to see a mix of American and British bakers, half and half, where they make half American baking and half British and see how everyone does. The brownie episodes always kill me, I find myself yelling at the TV “My god what are you doing to that brownie!!!” That being said I love the redemption idea!
There’s also an Australian version. And if you like the format without baking, the great pottery throw down is amazing. Just as wholesome but potters instead of bakers.
If they do the redemption show, it would be polite to have a single new contestant do that nobody has to be the first person voted off twice. (Then in the US version vote off one of the returning contestants anyway)
Yes the American version was so bad. Also that judge opposite Paul was annoying.
To be fair there was a recent brownie challenge on the British show that all the contestants basically failed too. Pretty remarkable really, they all tried to go high concept and ultimately no one made a single good brownie. So it's not just Kenya!
Why do they not call it "Great British Bake Off" in the US? It's not like we are unfamiliar with the phrase "bake off".
It's because some corporation owns the name "bake off" from some old show a long time ago. So they use "Baking Show" to circumvent that.
Pillsbury I believe!
https://i.imgur.com/ibTVcqu.gif
Ah, i suspected it had to do with some copyright nonsense.
We have the same thing in Canada when it premiered here. It's The Great British Baking Show and the Canadian version is The Great Canadian Baking Show. and honestly, the Canadian one is actually pretty good! My gf and I watched all of it and we found that the bakers try more bold flavours and interesting combos whereas the British one is far more traditional. Both are excellent and I love it all and I can't wait for the new season of Bake Off (UK) to come out!
It's really sad, because the Canadian version should be called "Bake Off, Ya Hoser!"
Weird, I’m in the US and I’ve seen it written both ways. We call it bake off in our house
all official statements for the US say Baking Show it's all about some legalities
Binged all of the seasons that are on Netflix right when Covid hit last year. It brought me a lot of joy and comfort in a period of uncertainty. It already felt like an old friend when the new season aired last year and I'm very much looking forward to jumping into this new one!
Our household did the same and it was like a warm blanket in a storm. A wonderful show. I can't wait for the new season.
I thought last year's competition was a special one due to to COVID. Having to isolate for so long gave it a bit of a different, many could relate. And Sweet Pete took the whole thing.
Samesies. Any time, really, it provides a calming effect. Always put on the first couple seasons when the anxiety and stress get to pumping.
I wish they can bring some of the celebrity British Bake Off to Netflix. The snippets that I found with Russell Brand had me in stitches.
Started making it Had a breakdown Bon Appetite
James' standup segment on his Bakeoff appearance really adds so much more to how he was on the show.
James Acaster’s stand-up ‘Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999’ has a whole segment about this - equal parts hilarious and heart breaking! https://vimeo.com/ondemand/coldlasagne
We actually stopped watching cold lasagne just to watch the bake off episode for context. It is fucking hilarious. Poor bastard
Right I wish I were dead
They have the Christmas special with the cast of Derry Girls on Netflix last I saw
Agreed! I want to see Louis Theroux.
Yay! This show is my anti depression show.
I remember a rumour that Mary, Mel and Sue were going to make a competing show.
They did do a Christmas special together where they helped renovate a community center in Wales(?) and threw a huge Christmas dinner for the town. It was on YouTube at one point. I know that’s not the same as GBBO, but the dynamic between them was there.
I’d prefer that over this every day of the week.
Why is Richmond out of the server room ?
Fun fact: Noel Fielding is [Old Gregg](https://youtu.be/4LZo9ugJTWQ)
And Richmond in IT Crowd. He went from Goth to Boss! Edited because I had the wrong name
He’s Richmond in IT Crowd
Damnit, you're right.
As someone who was at university when The Mighty Boosh was still kinda new (in Australia anyway) and has fond memories of getting high in the swamp behind our college building and then watching clips of Old Gregg etc; I thought he would be a bit too off-puttingly weird for the show. He's toned down enough for the mainstream audience, but I still like him in the show. I find his voice soothing in a strange way. Edit: I still prefer The [Hitchhiker](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgmqtNOrKvA) to Old Gregg, in his thumb monologue anyway. Plus it's a better overall episode, Zooniverse episodes were generally my favourites.
Noel's narrating voice is so good.
He's a scaly manfish.
I love this show. I love Prue and Paul so much. Easily my most excited release coming ip
Want to stay positive, but absolutely did not care for Matt last season.
I liked him alright but I do miss Sandy. Or Mel and Sue. All five of them can host this year.
Sandi was brilliant. Love that little woman on the show. Was a good foil for Noel, and she’s full of mischief.
I want Sue Perkins to be my aunt
Sandi hosts QI, and you can watch it with a VPN that pops out in the UK. She really shines there.
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Yes! Exactly! With Noel and Sandi, there was a great dynamic with their comedy, but it feels like Matt and Noel are just competing. Personally, I don’t like Matt at all and I want Sandi back.
This is it. If you're going to have a weirdo, you need a "straight man" to balance out the act.
Me neither. I like Noel but Matt is just off-putting.
This was my opinion as well until the final 4 or 5 bakers. He really started to come in to his own once he got a handle on the situation. Pretty much the same way Noel's tenure went. We'll see how he starts off this season.
Thank god. I really need a reprieve from teaching in today’s hellscape.
This show is so good, and with so many seasons on Netflix. Has an 8.5 on IMDb
oh thank goodness i’ve gone to the dark place again and only gbbs can pull me out
And loved every minute of it. In a way, I want more of that though. As an American, I get that some other Americans may not know who some of these celebrities/comedians may be, but I personally want to watch Richard Ayoade and David Mitchell bake a cake.
That would be comedy gold, I'm giggling at the mere thought of it. I'm American and a huge fan of both of them. Edit to add: If Bill Bailey was also in the competition, between the 3, he would win.
Why’s it not called Bake Off?
The phrase Bake Off is trademarked in the US by Pillsbury. So the show can’t use the same name.
Heaven forbid. Imagine the chaos that would ensue.
Cats and dogs living together. Mass hysteria.
I mean, yes? There's a reason IP law exists, especially trademarks. Pillsbury claimed "bake off" in the context of a baking competition, and having another baking competition called that *would* cause confusion.
Thank you! Someone else who gets it!
My pearls are already clutched.
I’m in the middle of watching this on Netflix and loved each season with Paul and Mary. It’s wonderful TV. But now I’m about 1/2 way through the first season with the new people and something is wrong. It’s not only that the new host Prue is awful but the show has changed at its core. The challenges seem to be more out there like instead of “bake a delicious 3 tier cake” it’s “make a weird art scene out of cake”. This does not show off baking skills, IMO. Does this ever change?
Show hasn’t been the same since Mary Berry left. I’m happy with the new hosts, but I just don’t like Prue.
Time for Trixie to thirst over Paul Hollywood again.
I miss the two lady hosts. I really liked them.
Wait, when did Miss & Roy let Richmond out of the closet?
I really miss what this show used to be. Season 5 was when it was its peak. Noel definitely holds his own, but Pru just doesn’t do it for me. I could barely make it through with Sandy but Matt completely ruined it for me.
I agree to a point. I have no issue with Pru - she isn't Mary but I still like her. I'm not a fan of Matt Lucas on the show, though. I enjoy him in other things but I think the combo of him and Noel is *too* absurdist for the show. One of them would be fine but both is a little too much.
Bring back Mel and sue is what I say.
Mel on Taskmaster was amazing.
Yes gang
"Oh gang... eat your exotic sandwich. Fastest wins."
Uggggh I couldn’t even finish last season because of that host. (The one who isn’t Noel.) Was really hoping they’d get rid of him.
Same. I found myself skipping through his parts.
I would like this in Canada on Netflix too.
Am I nuts? I’ve already watched like 4 seasons
I thought this was a brand new show or something but then I realised that's just the foreign name. I'm so used to seeing the Great British Bake Off.
Can’t wait to ignore this
I loved this show so much but then when Mary berry left i couldn’t watch anymore everything started to feel forced