Netflix’s “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” enters the baking competition scene with a familiar premise but seeks to forge its own personality. The success of shows like “The Great British Bake-Off,” Netflix has experimented with producing its own versions of famous formats.
If you’re wondering how this baking competition is and if it’s worth a watch, keep reading.
A Familiar Format with a New Twist shown in Blue Ribbon Baking Championship
“Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” and its structure is simple: each episode has bakers participating in two challenges, the “Fast Fair” and the “Blue Ribbon Bake.”
The setting is set in a quaint barn, which, while visually pleasing, has a slightly unsettling design that restricts broad shots and forces viewers to move between close-ups. This may detract from visual consistency, but it adds to the homey, intimate atmosphere.
Sandra Lee, the competition’s lead judge, makes a greeting appearance on television. Lee’s comeback to television is a highlight after a gap caused by the cancellation of her Food Network show in 2016 and her struggle with cancer.
She exudes a comforting warmth, while her beautiful appearance, particularly the bling-heavy accessories, can be distracting. Her co-host, Jason Biggs, provides much-needed humor.
Biggs, best known for his famous role in “American Pie,” acknowledges his past in a few pie-related jokes that, although initially funny, may feel a bit overplayed. Nonetheless, as the episodes pass, Biggs loosens up and his quips grow more natural, injecting much-needed levity into the show.
In addition to Sandra Lee and Jason Biggs, the judging panel consists of Bill Yosses and Bryan Ford in “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship”. The judges’ interactions with the candidates are pleasant enough, but they lack the emotional warmth and specific critiques that viewers would expect from a baking competition.
The judging procedure appears hasty, with not all contestants given equal attention, and the remarks are sometimes unoriginal. This is where the show falls short in our opinion.
What Works and What Falls Short
Despite its advantages, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” lacks uniqueness. It frequently feels like a well-executed variation of what viewers have seen before. The presentation lacks the distinct charm and spontaneity that may differentiate it from its predecessors.
The editing method in “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship”, which frequently breaks up the action with interviews, appears forced, with contestants giving lines that appear scripted rather than spontaneous. This detracts from the show’s genuineness, making it feel manufactured rather than real.
The judges give out white, red, and blue ribbons for third, second, and first place in the major challenges. This system complements the show’s theme and provides a competitive advantage.
However, the significance of these ribbons is slightly diminished, as winning one challenge does not guarantee a contestant’s safety in the next round. This can be perplexing for viewers because it disrupts the competition’s continuity.
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Conclusion
Netflix’s “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” offers a cozy, familiar take on the baking competition genre but struggles to stand out with its lack of originality and sometimes forced presentation.
While the show benefits from Sandra Lee’s warm presence and Jason Biggs’ humor, it falls short of delivering the emotional depth and unique charm seen in its predecessors.
The ribbon-based judging system adds a thematic touch, yet the competition’s overall impact is diminished by uneven pacing and generic critiques. It’s a pleasant watch for fans of the genre, but it leaves room for growth and greater authenticity.