Everyone with a Netflix account has probably heard of The Great British Baking Show (or Bake Off, as it is more commonly known). The British baking competition has charmed the entire world for seven seasons now, but what makes it so great to watch? Between the stress of technical challenges with only half of a recipe to cakes tumbling over and breads not rising, GBBO has everything anyone could want in a solid baking show. Here are just 10 of the reasons why it's the best.
1. The infinite amount of puns.
Any challenge that involves baking buns of any sort is specifically a good time.
2. The unnecessarily tense moments.
3. Everyone is so kind to each other.
They hug when something goes wrong. They hug when something goes right. They even have a giant group hug filled with tears every time someone is sent home.
4. Except Mary Berry, who is an actual savage.
Oh, you spent four hours constructing an Eiffel Tower out of puff pastry? That means absolutely nothing if Mary can't find your layers.
5. It's much more difficult than American baking competitions.
While American bakers are doing cupcake challenges, Paul is over in England constructing a lion out of bread.
6. Mel and Sue make the best hosting team in TV history.
And they do their best to not eat everyone's hard work during each challenge.
7. The technical challenges are no joke.
Oh, your recipe for this thing you've never heard of doesn't give you a bake time or temperature? Sad.
8. All of the bakes are never anything less than spectacular.
Each time the bakers construct their masterpieces they can be seen just casually sitting and staring pensively at it like it was no big deal.
9. Watching someone receive a Paul Hollywood handshake fills your heart with pride.
It only happens a couple of times per season, so when it does happen you know it's big.
10. Seeing your fave contestant win is enough to bring real tears to your eyes.
Everyone is so pure, and they've worked so hard just to earn the coveted glass GBBO trophy... they just deserve the world.
Yes, all baking shows are great in their own ways, but GBBO is just a step above the rest. When you take A+ hosts and mix them with ruthless, yet charming, judges and add just a dash of British humor, you're bound to end up with a combination that just can't be beat.
