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Reviews
The Floor (2024)
Entertaining but can be improved
Rob Lowe is an interesting choice for host. It appears he was selected at the last minute and had no time to shave nor comb his hair. That's only the start of improvements that could be made should there be another season. It's hard to tell which contestant is answering questions as they are filmed from the side and at a distance. It also appears the time counter is still reducing while waiting for the next photo/illustration to appear. The scoring system needs more than a countdown - how about getting time back when the opponent passes and you answer correctly? Overall, it was kind of fun to watch the braggarts fail miserably being unable to succeed in their own area of "expertise".
America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation (2022)
First step in the demise of another cooking show?
Remember when Food Network used to show programs about cooking, then the entire network turned into a slate of pathetic and inane competitions? It seems like ATK is about to travel down that same sad, sorry road if this horrid show is an example of what to expect.
The main host is horribly cast. Why is she shrieking and screaming at the contestants? Okay, I'm sure the producers want to generate some enthusiasm on the set but seriously? Her shrill voice is like nails on a chalkboard! At least we have one sensible, serious judge along the way.
And where do they find some of these cooks? I would expect someone wishing to obtain a position with ATK would have a touch more than basic food knowledge. We hear several times "I've never cooked that before". The worst was the contestant that seemed unable to comprehend the brief for the challenge in addition to their horrible time management. Just because your parent was a chef doesn't endow you with those skills.
I was really looking forward to watching this program but after two episodes I'm done.
Outlast (2023)
Where were the hungry bears when you needed them?
It started off well. When the cast introduced themselves with a brief bio, I started asking myself questions. Like, why did her boyfriend shoot her in the face. After Episode 5 I began to understand why. The nastiness of some of these people boggles my mind. Why did Netflix think it was okay to air this display of viciously poor sportsmanship? I did feel sorry for a few that suddenly had to tap out. Frankly, I would have faked an illness to get away from some of these people. I keep hoping one of those hungry bears would come back and empty out one of those tents! Better yet, have TJ Lavin or Jeff Probst pop up and scold some of the players on poor gamesmanship.
This is not a program for children to watch unless you want to teach them how to be a greedy, unlikeable, nasty subhuman.
Bake Off: Crème de la Crème (2016)
Mute and fast forward are your friends
Liam Charles is a fine host on the regular series so why is he an idiot on this one? Hit the mute as soon as the hosts appear to introduce the segment. No one should have to hear, let alone watch, that stupidity. Granted, it's always been a requirement on the regular series but it's so over the top here that it's embarrassing! The judges seem competent but both tend to get overexcited when reviewing the finished products. The French judge has a very thick accent requiring closed captioning to understand what he's saying. The chefs struggle, as usual, to complete their product on time. And there are quite a few "we finished, yikes, it fell apart" moments. If you're a fan of the series it may be worth your time.