If you’re looking for what to binge-watch on Netflix over winter break, look no further than "The Great British Baking Show." The show's title says it all - it’s great, it’s British, and it’s a baking competition. Hosted by comedians Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, who use their terrible puns and pleasant demeanor to keep morale high amongst the contestants, it rests in stark contrast to American cooking shows such as "Chopped," where overzealous contestants play aggressively in their own self-interest. Indeed, there are no villains, no fights, and no cutthroat action on "The Great British Baking Show." Instead, there is a supportive atmosphere, wherein contestants all root for each other, help one another out when they can, and end each episode with hugs and handshakes amongst themselves, the co-hosts, and the two judges: Paul Hollywood, an English baker and celebrity chef, and Mary Berry, a spry octogenarian who has published over 75 cookbooks.
The season available on Netflix is set in an idyllic white tent on the sprawling grounds of Berkshire’s Welford Park, where frolicking lambs and close-ups of the park’s nature are used to cut between takes of the amateur bakers in order to maintain the show’s calm mood. This charming atmosphere is extended by the kind encouragement that makes the show so unique. Contestants are treated with warmth not only by their peers but by the judges as well, who provide constructive criticism in a gentle manner and are never too exclamatory over any one individual’s bakes. And the individuals themselves are real amateurs, as I mentioned before, whose only experience cooking is from their kitchens at home, so rather than highly competitive professional pastry chefs, we watch retirees, grandmothers, construction workers, and even a 17-year-old student.
And while I know that this whole description might be hard for those accustomed to American reality television to believe, this show is in no way disingenuous. Rather, it is perhaps the most genuine show I’ve ever seen - reality or otherwise. Its bucolic warmth with restore your faith in humanity, and make you wish that you could go and spend your days living in the tent, eating the baked goods and chatting with the sweet contestants. With its relaxing ambience and general amiability, "The Great British Baking Show" is definitely the best stress-relief available for a chill break before the frenzy of spring semester.
