Cake Boss (TLC)

Cake Boss is clearly taking its cues from the Food Network's Ace of Cakes, a popular reality show following the day-to-day shenanigans at a spirited Baltimore bakery. (Sound familiar?) But while Cake Boss does at-home bakers one better by offering a bit more explanation of complex cake design and difficult decorating techniques, it relies so heavily on interpersonal conflict between Buddy and his extended family that it runs the risk of forgetting that cakes can be fun.

While it's true that Buddy isn't quite as intimidating as, say, Gordon Ramsay, he's less likable than Ace of Cake's jovial baker-in-chief, Duff Goldman. And in a head-to-head taste test between two shows built around baked goods, that could prove to be Cake Boss's downfall.