Cake Boss: Next Great Baker

While most reality shows go for the jugular, this one goes more for the belly. Audiences will likely be salivating over the yummy looking cakes. But while there's plenty of high temperature baking going on,  the show ulitmately has little fire. Then again, this may not be a serious fault. True, there are few shocking moments in the show, but there is something for everyone in the family. From clever decorating tips (use rice cereal treats for sculpting cake elements) to the use of pyrotechnics (one contestant fills his cakes with confetti, smoke, and even dynamite), every member of the family may have to scratch a baking itch after each episode ends.

Of course, what sets the show apart is the force of Valastro's personality, as well as the personalities of the contestants, and personalities certainly abound. There's also a nice representation of diversity, too, with pastry chefs from a variety of backgrounds. But the formula of the show -- where contestants have to quit their jobs or leave their successful businesses to compete on this show -- makes little sense given the relatively small payout. The only logical answer is that contestants are hoping to capitalize on the show's publicity, which may or may not ultimately pan out.