November 26th 2024.
It's no secret that The Great British Bake Off used to be everyone's favorite show, a true gem of British television. However, it seems like I might be one of the few who still tunes in every week. Whenever I express my love for the show, most people respond with "I used to love it too." I agree that it was definitely a bigger deal in the past, but it's still a fantastic series. Although the format remains the same and many elements have improved, the show's viewership has dropped and it no longer holds the same cultural significance it once did.
In 2023, the show's viewership hit a low point with only 8.57 million viewers, the lowest in almost a decade. To put things into perspective, in 2016, the show reached its peak with 14 million viewers tuning in to watch the final and Candice Brown taking home the title. The following year, in 2017, the show underwent some major changes as it moved from the BBC to Channel 4 and beloved host Mary Berry and presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc stepped down from their roles. This change definitely affected the show's viewership, but it managed to slowly climb back up to 11.28 million viewers in 2020.
However, since then, the viewership has dropped significantly. And I just can't understand why. The format hasn't changed, the bakers keep getting better, and the new hosts, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, are doing a great job. Yet, it seems like viewers just don't care anymore. So what went wrong?
One of the factors that could be contributing to the lack of hype is the quality of the bakers. Every year, we see some incredibly talented bakers enter the tent, and this has only improved in recent seasons. However, having excellent bakers doesn't always make for great television. The show thrives on drama, and some of the most iconic moments are usually the ones filled with tension, like a failed bake or a disastrous mistake, such as the infamous Baked Alaska incident. While having skilled bakers is great for the show's quality, it also means that there are fewer eccentric characters. And let's be honest, as fans, we love rooting for the underdog who may not be the most skilled baker but provides us with entertaining moments.
Moreover, with each passing season, we see the contestants quickly fade into oblivion after the show ends, which may also lower the stakes for viewers. On top of that, Bake Off has also spawned various spin-offs, such as The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, Junior Bake Off, and Bake Off The Professionals. While these shows are great, they provide viewers with a choice, and it's not surprising that some may have shifted their attention towards these more engaging versions of the same show. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch professional comedians take on the challenges and provide hilarious entertainment? Some of the funniest moments in the tent have come from celebrities like James Acaster, Nadine Coyle, and the cast of Derry Girls.
But despite all these problems, the show remains fantastic in my eyes. The change in hosts was a bit tricky, with Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas not quite meshing with Noel Fielding's hosting style. However, Alison Hammond has been a brilliant addition to the team, bringing a much-needed dose of wholesome zaniness that perfectly complements Noel's quirky personality. The show's format remains the same, with the bakers facing the same three challenges - the 'Signature', 'Technical', and 'Showstopper' - and the beautiful illustrations highlighting the stunning bakes and the occasional disastrous ones.
In fact, with each passing season, we see the bakers getting more creative and pushing themselves to make more complicated and impressive bakes. And let's not forget that the show also provides a platform for vulnerability and emotional expression, as we saw this year when one of the bakers openly shared their experience with baby loss.
Perhaps the real problem with Bake Off is that it's burdened by its own legacy. The show captured the nation's hearts in a unique way, and it's almost impossible for it to live up to its past success. But in my opinion, the show is still fantastic, and while there are always ways to improve, I hope that viewers will give it another chance and see what they've been missing. As for me, I'll be eagerly tuning in to the final tonight, sitting on the edge of my seat, because let's be real, what could be better than spending a Tuesday night on the couch, critiquing someone's attempt at a chocolate eclair, even though I can barely boil an egg?
If you have a story to share, don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency. You can send us an email, give us a call, or visit our Submit Stuff page. We'd love to hear from you!
As the series concludes this evening, I can't help but reflect on the journey of The Great British Bake Off. It first launched in 2010 and has since become a beloved part of British television. Even with its ups and downs, the show remains a staple for many viewers, and I hope it continues to bring joy and entertainment for years to come.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
