I have a serious confession to make. I love baking shows. I also love watching cookie tutorials on Instagram, but I digress…
Baking shows are some of the most soothing TV series you will ever watch — and if it’s a competition, even better.
Lately, I’ve been having some pretty terrible sleep. So bad in fact, that I lie awake twiddling my thumbs trying not to scroll Instagram and or send an SOS “can’t sleep” to anyone that will listen.
While sleep studies prove that watching TV in bed is the total opposite of what you should be doing, I have to say, watching a good old baking show is truly the perfect way to end my day.
Cooking shows, in general, have always been something I’ve loved. In fact, when I was a kid, I wanted to be the first TV lawyer chef (don’t ask), but it was my love of baking the sweet stuff that really had me hooked.
More recently — since streaming began — it’s been the competition shows more than watching just a celebrity chef.
If you haven’t seen Cupcake Wars, I suggest a trip to the Lifestyle Channel as four professional bakers battle it for $10k. But don’t be fooled by them being professionals, cupcakes can be underbaked, too hot, too moist or not moist enough.
One of my favourite parts of a baking show by far is the judges who do not have a mean bone in their body (Well except for Paul Hollywood, but, have you seen him?).
They are there, alongside the cooky hosts of the show, to make negative feedback more palatable, always sandwiched between two niceties.
“Oh, those decorations were just so colourful, however, your cake was a little dry, but loved the flavours. They were delicious!” See what I’m saying?
Ultimately, baking shows are the purest of TV.
There’s not a shred of toxic masculinity, bitching, nastiness or anger. They’re just a sugary sweet good time.
If you’ve made it this far, and want to see what all the fuss is about, here are my personal favourites:
The Great British Bake Off
What it is: Firstly, Paul Hollywood with a dash of Mary Berry in the earlier seasons. Delicious.
Now up to its eleventh season, 12 new bakers don their aprons and head for the iconic tent in the heart of the British Countryside.
The original seasons (my favourites) even had some fascinating looks at the history of baking, from why bread was first baked and how cupcakes came to be.
Where you can watch it: Binge
James Buckley from The Inbetweeners even got in on the fun for a Stand Up to Cancer charity version of the series. Watch below!
The Great Canadian Bake Off
What it is: Love Schitt’s Creek? Me too. Well, you can get another fix of Dan Levy as host of The Great Canadian Bake Off. You’d think he’d be the highlight, but he’s not.
Just like the British format, 12 new bakers don their aprons and faceoff with wonderous challenges of baking delight.
Where you can watch it: Binge
Nailed It!
What it is: Ever tried baking a cake worthy of the ‘gram? Me neither…and neither have these cooks.
Nailed It! is a bake-off competition where three amateur bakers compete to replicate complicated cakes and confectionery in order to win a $10,000 cash prize and a “nailed it” trophy.
It’s so much fun, it’s incredibly awkward and host, comedian Nicole Byers, has truly got “it”.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Sugar Rush + Sugar Rush: Extra Sweet
What it is: This American series actually features Aussie baker extraordinaire, Adriano Zumbo as a judge, alongside the delightful Sprinkles Cupcakes creator, Candace Nelson, alongside a guest judge. In the most recent season, the late Naya Rivera was a judge, marking her last ever TV appearance.
Each episode features four professional teams of two competing in a baking competition for a prize of $10,000. Teams compete in baking cakes, cupcakes, and confections.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Extreme Cake Makers
What it is: I stumbled across this UK marvel by literally typing “cake” into Binge.
This series is not a competition, however, showcases some of the most incredible and best cake makers Britain has to offer.
If you like to be “wowed” by insane talent, then this is a must-see.
Where you can watch it: Binge
Read more stories from TheLatch— and follow us on Facebook.
