I’m looking for recommendations for reality competition shows that are based purely (or at least mostly) on skill. I love watching people who are passionate about something complete against each other. But I loathe manufactured drama.
Some of my favorites for context:
Forged in Fire - knifesmiths completing against each other and the clock. Think Chopped for blacksmiths.
Alone - Just people trying to survive on their own in the wilderness. No camera crews, no backstabbing, no tribal councils, no voting, just people versus the elements and their own minds.
The Great British Bake Off - my comfort watch. I love how everyone supports each other.
I also enjoyed A Cut Above and Blown. I tried to watch the Pottery one on HBO, but couldn’t get into it.
I saw an interviewwith the first host of Forged In Fire were he revealed that the execs forced them to award the win to the Judge instead of the contestant in one of the early “Beat The Judges” competitions and that’s one of the reasons he left. I’m not saying that is rampant or anything, but ever since then it’s planted a kernel of doubt in my mind that kind of ruined the fairness, if that makes sense.
Show is still one of the better competitions out there and the smiths are absolutely amazing