‘I WAS CRYING ALL NIGHT’: NETFLIX FANS OBSESSED WITH A NERVE-WRACKING REALITY SHOW THEY SAY EVERYONE SHOULD BINGE — EMOTIONAL TWISTS HAVE VIEWERS HOOKED FROM THE VERY FIRST EPISODE
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Seasons 6, 7 and 8 are now on Netflix(Image: Channel 4)
The show is labelled as inspiring while it almost always ends in tears.
A spin-off series for one of the most popular reality competition shows is now available on Netflix. The streamer have just added dozens of episodes of Junior Bake Off. However, the platform refers to it by its US name Great British Baking Show: Juniors.
It originally began back in 2011 as a companion series for The Great British Bake Off. Young bakers between the ages of 9 and 15 tackle a series of challenges involving baking cakes, biscuits, bread, and pastries, competing to be crowned the Junior Bake Off Champion.
Netflix have just added episodes from seasons 6, 7 and eight. While some viewers might be concerned that they are not able to witness the series from the very beginning of its inception, it is actually the best place to start. Those who breeze through them all can pick up where they left off on Channel 4.
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The series allows young bakers to enter the famous tent(Image: Channel 4)
The broadcaster’s own streaming platform is the home of the most recent series, including this year’s. A 12th season is set to air in 2027.
Season 6 originally aired on Channel 4 back in 2021, marking its return following the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. It also saw a debut of a new judge who is still part of the team today.
Pastry chef and author Ravneet Gill joined former Bake Off contestant turned TV personality Liam Charles to set the challenges. The duo are joined by comedian Harry Hill who had taken over hosting duties in season 5 when Channel 4 first took over production from the BBC.
In its current iteration, a total of 16 contestants take part. They are split into two groups of eight into separate heats which typically air in consecutive weeks.
Much like its adult counterpart, each instalment is focused around a particular baking element. For example there is bread day, cake day, dessert day and pastry day to name a few.
Many fans who already watch the show have sung its praises for being one of the best and most positive reality series out there. One TV critic even claimed that the show is ‘far superior’ to the original series.
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Fans admit they get emotional watching the young contestants(Image: Channel 4)
However there is always tears both when contestants have to leave and viewers watching along at home. As one fan shared: ” Just discovered Junior Bake Off and I was so emotional. I found myself crying and laughing so much. Those little guys are so real and vulnerable, and it just destroys me when they boot someone off the show.”
It’s also highlighted for its positive attitude, and fearlessness of its contestants. Such as one young star being told they’re messy baker only to respond: “No I’m not, I’m just living the dream.”
Another viewer said of the show: “These kids are amazing. We can see the bond they form with each other. I adore how supportive of one another they are. But my favourite aspect of the show is how the judges do not allow them to speak negatively about themselves or their bakes. Instead, they assertively say ‘tell us what you did do, not what you haven’t’ and they talk about self confidence. I am crying over many parts of this show!!”
However some noted that they are still anxious when watching. Notably when a contestant tries to put something in the obviously too tall fridge.
One person explained: “It’s nerve wracking enough on the adult show, but the tension definitely grows with the kids!”
Others suggest that everyone should be binge watching the series as it is ‘”eye opening” as well as “inspiring”. While a fan posted: “This show has so much heart, so many fun moments, and the things these kids bake will blow your mind. I highly recommend watching it and seeing which life lessons a bunch of young bakers can teach you.”
Junior Bake Off (Great British Baking Show: Juniors) is streaming on Netflix and Channel 4.
