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.
The great Pottery throw down. There’s also a Canadian version.
The Australian, new Zealand, and Canadian versions of bake off are also great. Except season 1 of Australian, they added a real prize and it was terrible.
I knew about the US version of Bake Off, and heard it was bad. Didn’t know about the others. I’ll definitely check them out.
Side note, I watched Junior Bake Off my 10 year old daughter. We both ended up loving it. It wasn’t just geared towards kids. It was enjoyable as an adult too.