Netflix Review: The Great British Baking Show

By Alexis Sheere

British accents, the politest of put downs, and food that is “absolutely scrummy” all find their home in The Great British Baking Show. In this quirky series, amateur bakers face various challenges that test their technique, knowledge, and creativity.

Refreshingly, the contestants are all civil and friendly towards one another. Maybe it’s a British thing (or maybe it’s the fact that there is no grand prize).

That’s not to say that they don’t take their bakes very seriously – tensions run high each week as the contestants await the verdict of the judges. It’s amazing how stressed one can feel while watching  aesthetic shots of delicate pastries being piped or shimmering glaze being poured. Equally impressive is the judges’ ability to convey so much disappointment in so few words: “It was only five minutes short of perfection. Shame, really.”

The best part of the show? Watching it with someone else – if you’re lucky like me, they may become inspired to try their hand at scones and a proper cup of tea!