The best Great British Baking Show seasons you can watch right now

Great British Grill (call Great British Baking Show in the US and Canada) needs almost no introduction. The baking contest is an absolute treat; Each season puts a number of amateur bakers through a series of themed baking challenges to determine the winner. The series won the hearts of viewers by focusing on the individual stories and skills of the bakers, rather than sowing competitive chaos.

While any season offers the ultimate in comfort, some seasons rise above the rest — like layers of a delicious scone. We’ve collected our favorites, including two holiday seasons, that we think are must-sees. It’s worth noting that UK season 4 is US season 1. We will follow the previous part. And if you want to play them, Roku has UK season 1-7while Netflix has seasons 8-13 in the UK (but call them 5-10 collection).

Season 4

Image: PBS

Why we think it’s great: Series 4 was the second season to air in the US and the first that made me fall in love with the show. This was back in the heyday of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosting the show, with Mary Berry being the better half of Paul Hollywood in terms of judging things (helping to curb some of the harsher criticisms or quirks). his outrageous actions). I remember how grill off used to set aside space to provide some lessons in the history of baking or some context in the geography of where baked goods come from. These sessions are really informative and add to the experience of learning about baking as a science and an art form, rather than just admiring delicious cakes. In addition to the educational segments, Mary and Paul took part in the “Advanced Class” where they took on the challenges they presented to the bakers, which provided a great additional context for the bakers. what we watched.

Favorite moment: It would be remiss not to mention Ruby Tandoh. As a teenager at the time of filming, Tandoh went on to publish great books and was a general presence of good in the otherwise toxic industry. It wasn’t “a moment” but a “series of moments that have happened since the show aired,” but I’m happy about it anyway. —Pete Volk

Part 5

Image: Roku

Why we think it’s great: This is the sweet spot for GBBO: Cakes are not fussy or too ostentatious. Mary Berry is here. Mel and Sue are at their dumbest and dirtiest moment. Paul still hasn’t become unbearable with Constantly shaking hands with self-heavy. The list of bakers is also excellent, thanks to the late great Luis; humble builder and tiny pencil enthusiast Richard; Charming, creative Chetna; Martha’s baking prodigy, who can’t help but be rooted; and ol’ Norman who really tried! But it’s the trusted baking of Nancy Birtwhistle, whose flavor and recipe are so successful — and whose chocolate-covered donuts were on the cake during advanced kneading week — and who won by talent and perfectionism.

Favorite moment: Prefer Marie Kondo, I love mess and this season is messy. Season 5 famously featured Iain dumping his half-baked Alaska in the trash, a truly memorable moment of melee (which unfortunately led to contestant Diana being the target of online trolls) that made him have to leave. Likewise, the show also pleased me to know that Jordan, my arch nemesis, who was unaware of my existence, was removed from the show. I don’t care if this makes sense to me! — Michael McWhertor

Part 6

Image: Roku

Why we think it’s great: As one of many self-taught bakers who became food stars thanks to this series, very few grill off contestant was once as warm and charismatic as Nadiya Hussain. Since appearing on the show, she has gone on to host a documentary, numerous cooking shows and in general has become a permanent presence in the British Baking Universe – and all We are all better for that. Other talented contestants like Tamal Ray and Ian Cumming are also charming, but let’s be honest: This is Nadiya’s season. Bonus points for remaining in the Mel and Sue and Mary era, Masterclasses and all.

Favorite moment: week of replacement materials. My family has dietary restrictions, and it’s always been fun to see bakers tackle the challenges we face on a regular basis. —Pete Volk

Part 9

Image: Netflix

Why we think it’s great: grill off The seasons can run together. There are only so many times you might be introduced to shy, insecure contestants with incredible skills before they mingle. But season 9, in which so many Star Baker titles have gone to scene-stealing talent Rahul Mandal, is the standout piece of that particular contestant genre.

Favorite moment: I usually don’t care much about the outcome of the contest — may the best baker win! But in one of the cut-scenes of season 9, it is revealed that Rahul has no family able to attend the event, and so these young, first-generation immigrant special guests simply elderly couple living next door. In that moment I knew that I would simply died if he doesn’t make it to the finale. —Susana Polo

Part 12

Image: Netflix

Why we think it’s great: This season was filled with excellent contestants, all of whom I enjoyed watching making delicious cakes. i feel like GBBO took a minute to hit the stride again with the debut of new host Matt Lucas (who had left). But I think we can all agree that the duel between Italian engineer Giuseppe Dell’Anno and German physicist Jürgen Krauss is the climax of the season. Both are incredibly kind and humble, and ultimately extremely enjoyable to watch.

Favorite moment: I lived for each time the camera panned to Giuseppe and Jürgen, each using a protractor and a ruler to bake a cake. Jürgen also plays the trombone and even though it’s not the season, I love it Japanese breakfast invites him to perform with her in London. —Nicole Clark

Part 13

Image: Netflix

Why we think it’s great: This is another season of big personalities, from Janusz’s wit to Carole’s optimism despite the downfall. Despite the low-scoring season – let’s forget Mexico Week happened – it was fun to see a season where the semi-finalists were all people of color. All three are incredibly talented, through Syabira Yusoff continually wowing everyone in the second half of the season with her innovative ideas and delicious flavors. I just wish the judges stopped calling her palette “too unusual.”

favorite moment: It’s a tie between Syabira being flabbergasted every time she wins a Star Baker and any time Janusz is funnier than the show’s own hosts. (He’s on TikTokby the way.) –Nicole Clark

The Great British Baking Show: Holiday Season 3, “The Great Festive Baking Show”

Image: Netflix

Why we think it’s great: This episode features the best cast of TV comedians (don’t fight me), Derry girl. It’s hysterical because the cast is absolutely amazing; it’s hard to determine if they all have personalities or if the characters on the show are just surname, but that’s part of what makes it so funny. To no one’s shock, Nicola Coughlan (who plays Clare Devlin) seems to be the one who knows her best, when it comes to baking.

favorite moment: Can I say it all? grill off contestants are often extremely successful home bakers who give incredibly detailed explanations of their process and inspiration. As the camera pans to Siobhán McSweeney (who plays Sister George Michael), she says, “I put my sponge in the oven, it was on. And I’ll put it in until it’s baked. Detail! We like it. However, if I really had to pick a moment, maybe McSweeney was reaching out to Paul Hollywood for a handshake just to make him glare and walk away. —Nicole Clark

The Great British Baking Show: Holiday Season 5, “The Great Festive Baking Show”

Image: Netflix

Why we think it’s great: Great British GrillHoliday episodes are completely underrated. I like them because they’re very sweet subscribers to some of the show’s best and hottest contestants. Great New Year’s Bake episode in 2022, called “The Great Festive Baking Show” below the Great British Baking Show: Holidays list on Netflix, is my favorite because it features two of my all-time favorite contestants, Hermine from season 11 and Kim-Joy from season 9.

Favorite moment: When Hermine gets Paul Hollywood’s handshake for her apricot custard crumb breakfast cake—she’s been robbed during her regular season, and while this isn’t true, it’s gratifying to watch. Throughout the process, Kim-Joy also made particularly cute desserts, but hers was amazing: It was made with cookies and polar bear stars Paul and penguins Prue, to the judge’s signature red glasses. A classic Kim-Joy movie, there’s also a panda in the scene. —Carpenter Nicole