I was stuck in a hotel sick a couple months back, and unfortunately Food network was the only station that came in well enough to watch. I can't believe how terrible it's gotten. 8 HOURS and not one show about how to cook. All freaking gameshows. Which can be fun, but exactly what the video said - I miss Alton Brown on Good Eats. I miss learning how to cook, or getting ideas for what to cook. The competitions are all just cheap thrills with no substance
I hate all the "baking" competitions. So much of it is just rice crispy treat sculptures covered in fondant. They also film several competitions at the same time. I saw an interview with someone who judged for those shows. She said she was barely tasting the dishes because she had to try so many in a day, that it made her feel sick.
I've also been spoiled by British Baking Show. They only film one season at a time. They film over one weekend for each episode. Often times the best dishes look the worst, but the judges care more about flavor and texture than looks.
British Baking Show nailed it, they knew exactly what people wanted out of a baking show. Honest fun, lighthearted competition, and just watching people bake as they're enjoying it.
No stress, no gotchas, none of those stupid sound effects. Just people baking. God forbid they try an honest show here in the states.
I don't agree with the framing of the argument. The Food Network ruined itself, including Iron Chef. It's not Iron Chef's fault that it was a great show that drew viewers in.