The Great British Baking Show (TV series 2010 - current [8 seasons] )

on Netflix (only first 3 seasons)

Binged three seasons in a period of one week.



This BBC show has lovely people, lovely food and the hosts make lovely puns.  This program, in the reality category is really much more, it is virtual bandaid for the soul.

The closeups of the food are impeccable, but not overdone (which would be the technical equivalent of drool). The soundtrack while a little overly TV-dramatic is fine. The hosts both culinary ones (Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry) and show biz ones (Mel Giedrocy and Sue Perkins), all add essential elements to enhance the enjoyment of this series. This is not the typical reality show as the forced drama, antagonism and egotism of the hosts and even the contestants, is not present. It is enjoyable to watch people actually improve and succeed entirely because of skill and effort. The competition, excitement, ethics and judging is beyond Olympic level expectation.

Neither culinary expertise or desire to become one is necessary for enjoying this series. However the basics of what to do, or what not to do are easily absorbed by any viewer. While I only have 3 seasons (due to availability to my subscribed streaming service) to judge, this series is proofed, well-baked and quite flavorful.