- Network: Netflix
- Series Premiere Date: Aug 17, 2010
Critic Reviews
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The episode introduced a few twists that I won’t spoil, but may rankle Baking Show purists. There’s an elimination surprise that I enjoyed so much that I, again, unsurprisingly, teared up. And a shake-up in how the technical challenge is conducted made me raise an eyebrow. Mostly, though, I forgot how much I don’t just enjoy this show, but maybe even need it.
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This isn’t television that’s going to change the world, but the series has arguably changed television — and 2024’s Bake Off delivers a masterclass in cosy escapism. After 15 series, its recipe has been perfected.
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On this evidence, there’s still plenty of life in the old sponge yet. Most of that life comes from the contestants, and once again the Bake Off producers have chosen their cast with total command.
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An uneventful return. Fielding wasn’t overdoing the whimsy until he digressed about a goat that had walked into his home on its hind legs. But when Hollywood suddenly proffered his hand to Illiyin for a handshake, the look on her face was one of those moments when Bake Off’s warmth can transmute into small moments of joy — no hugs necessary.
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In the middle is Hammond, who in her second year in the role is clearly a natural. Effortlessly friendly and just naughty enough, she’s at ease with everyone, and puts everyone at ease. She is even rescuing Fielding by remoulding him as her doe-eyed straight man. With her on board, Bake Off can happily plateau for a while longer.
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Lovely people, too, but it is, in truth, a bit dull, a bit too wholemeal wholesome, and I’m not sure what they would have done without that chicken with a funny name to vary the pace a bit.