'The Great British Baking Show' Fans Are Sounding Off About the Baffling Host News
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Ever wondered what life would be like if we had an American version of The Great British Baking Show? Well you don't have to, because Britain's favorite baking competition is officially crossing the pond to American waters with The Great American Baking Show.
On August 17, Deadline announced that famed Bake Off franchise will branch out to include a U.S. adaptation of the hit U.K. series. Set to air on the Roku channel in 2023, The Great American Baking Show will have a similar premise to its predecessor. Amateur bakers will fly to England and unite in the iconic tent for a series of challenges testing their culinary skills. Based on the talent that's been showcased in the original version, it seems like it will take a lot of hard work to become the champion over the course of six episodes.
As far as who will be in the show, famed chefs Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be back at the judge's table, with The Office star Ellie Kemper and Severance actor Zach Cherry as hosts.
"We could not ask for a more perfect duo than Ellie and Zach to co-host The Great American Baking Show," Brian Tannenbaum, head of alternative originals at Roku, said in an official statement. "Our adaptation of the iconic series will continue to dish out the enduring warmth and humor that fans of the Baking Show universe love, with a twist that we know Ellie and Zach will deliver."
While fans were absolutely thrilled by the new show, there were some mixed feelings about the hosts. More specifically, many were confused by the nationality of said presenters.
"Someone tell them one of the main reasons we Americans love the show is because there are no Americans on it…" one fan wrote on Twitter. "Ooh interesting, considering that they're both American," another noted. "If Paul & Prue like them, then I’ll like them, BUT I, too, prefer non-Americans being on the show," a different follower said about Ellie and Zach's roles.
Well, some things have to change and comedians Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas won't be our hosts this time around. But before we go any further, we need to inform you this isn't the first iteration of The Great American Baking Show. The show actually began in 2015, and has gone through a number of American hosts (such as food personality Ayesha Curry and My Big Fat Greek Wedding actress Nia Vardalos)and judges.
During the most recent season in 2019, Emma Bunton and Spice Adams were tapped as hosts while Paul and American chef Sherry Yard judged the competition. In addition, the show was under a slightly different name — The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition, which you can stream on Hulu. So really, American fans have had chances to watch their fellow citizens compete. It's just now on a grander scale.
Though there isn't a premiere date for The Great American Baking Show yet, fans can catch up on (or rewatch!) the Bake Off franchise. Later seasons of the first series are currently streaming on Netflix, along with junior and holiday versions. Until then, we might occupy ourselves by baking to our hearts' content.
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