As a new round of bakers enter the tent on the Great American Baking Show, Prue Leith joins her fellow judge Paul Hollywood to taste and guide the talented men and women on this sweet journey. While Prue has had numerous accolades over her stellar career, this role as a judge allows her to celebrate the joy of baking. In this interview, the talented chef shares why she feels the Great American Baking Show on The Roku Channel truly resonates with its audience.
Food television shows have surged in popularity. While the competition aspect has viewers rooting for a potential fan favorite or winner, it is more than just earning the coveted glass cake plate after a series of challenges. The journey, the process, and the enthusiasm are vital to engaging the viewer episode after episode.
With the Great American Baking Show, available to stream on The Roku Channel, the positive, highly entertaining show is more than delving into some of pastry world’s most intricate recipes. It is how and why these bakers are drawn to the exploration of sweetness one bite at a time.
Recently, Prue Leith graciously spoke to FoodSided about her role as judge on the Great American Baking Show. Without giving away any spoilers to the final outcome of the current season, Leith offered some thoughtful commentary on why people are drawn to devouring every challenge.
When asked why this food television show is both enjoyable and aspirational, Prue said, “I think that anything that encourages people to get into the kitchen is a good thing. People see the joy that bakers get from what they are doing. There is such a nice spirit in the baking show. They bond very quickly and there are moments where they are a team rather than competitors. I think those moments are very inspiring.”
As the bakers tackle the various challenges from week to week, the constant is the spirited conversation between both Prue and Paul. It is another aspect why people enjoy each episode.
Prue said, “people like it when they see people getting on together and there is a sort of teasing. We both respect each other a lot. There is no doubt that Paul is the most knowledgeable and best baker I have ever met. He is keen on getting other people to enjoy baking. He wanted me as a fellow judge because he wanted someone who knew what they were talking about.”
From her Michelin star restaurant to her catering business, Prue’s depth and breath of knowledge is tremendous. It is one of the reasons why her technical bakes can stump the baker. Still, it is more than giving them an insurmountable challenge.
When asked about those technical bakes and the bakers’ approach to those challenges, Prue explained, “I think from a television point of view, the most fascinating thing is watching how they do it, how they get there. From my point of view, we are only interested in the final product. We do not care how they get there. Sometimes Paul and I watch in absolute horror as we watch it back. But, all we can do is judge the final outcome, that perfect cake. I might not appreciate the messy cook if I was interviewing him for a job, but that is not the point.”
Prue Leith shares a keen piece of advice for bakers on the Great American Baking Show.
While the whats, wheres, and whys do not impact the final presentation to the judges, Prue Leith does have some simple advice for anyone competing in this food television program. It is about one challenge, one bake at a time.
“I always say to them, all you have to be is not the worst. You could be the second worst, but not the worst. The journey to stay there, just above that line. They have to remember that even if they have a bad week, they are still in it. It does not matter what happened because the last week is gone. We judge with no reference to what has happened before. Theorically you can have six weeks where you can be Star Baker only to be thrown out because you had a terrible day. It is a brutal competition.”
Since the title comes down to earning the win in the final week, the bakers need to deliver a dish that tastes amazing, looks perfect, and feels right. It is a tall order for anyone.
Even with all her seasons as a judge, Prue does not necessarily know who will be one of the final bakers standing at the end. She said, “after eight years, I should know that there is no point in trying because we never get it right. Every year, Paul and I agree on who we think will win and every year we are wrong.”
“The joy of Bake Off is that it is such a brutal thing. There is always jeopardy and surprise. But, it is like a big warm duvet. You put it on and relax. You know that you are in good hands. No one is going to nasty to someone else. It is all about cake. It is relaxing and addictive.”
Whether viewers cheer for one baker all season or go through the roller coaster of emotions with each one of the contestants, one thing remains constant on every season of the Great American Baking Show. Baking is the sweetness that makes any day a little brighter.
The Great American Baking Show can be streamed on The Roku Channel. It is available on various streaming platforms and online.