The American Baking Competition
Common Sense says
- CBS
- Reality TV
- 2013
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The American Baking Competition will appeal to aspiring bakers of all ages, but contains some occasional salty vocab ("crap," "damn"), a few moments of frustration (resulting in some slammed refrigerator doors), and a few silly jokes about being drunk. Logos for Smeg and Kitchenaid are visible, and books published by the judges are briefly shown.
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What's the story?
Hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION features 10 amateur bakers from all over the United States competing for a title and a variety of prizes. Each episode features the contestants competing in three timed bakes that are focused on a specific type of baked good -- a signature bake, where they must bake something that they would make for their family; a technical bake, where they must execute the same recipe with missing instructions; and the Show Stopper, which is their last chance to impress. Judging their creations are food critic Marcela Valladolid and master baker Paul Hollywood. Every week they will select a star baker, and a fellow contestant to send home. The last baker remaining wins the title of America's Best Amateur Baker, a publishing contract to publish his or her own cookbook, and $25,000.
Is it any good?
From cookies made with curry powder to chocolate peanut butter bacon pies, these tasty, creative, or just plain weird confections make an appearance in The American Baking Competition served up by people from around the United States. Details about the bakers' personal lives and Foxworthy's jokes add some limited personality to the show. Meanwhile, the judges' blunt (but helpful) critiques offer interesting details about the best ways to produce and serve high-quality baked goods.
It's not the most action-packed competition, but kids and adults interested in cooking and baking will enjoy tuning in and picking up more tricks of the trade from the folks featured here. They may also be motivated to continue developing and/or refining their own favorite recipes, too. Those who don't usually fire up the oven might even find themselves inspired.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about cooking and baking competitions. What makes these shows popular? Are these shows designed to appeal to folks who cook, or are they trying to reach a larger audience?
What are some of the stereotypes about people who cook or bake? How do shows like this one serve to challenge these generalizations?
TV details
- Premiere date: May 29, 2013
- Cast: Jeff Foxworthy, Marcela Valladolid, Paul Hollywood
- Network: CBS
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cooking and Baking
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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