Nailed It!
There are certainly plenty of reality shows out there that revolve around cooking or baking. Some of them probably even center on people who do those things poorly – or even laughably. (Looking at you, entire Hell’s Kitchen franchise.) But what sets Netflix’s Nailed It! apart is that the baking “competition” folds its big laughs – of which there are plenty – in with a lot of heart.
The premise of this show is pretty much that it’s the real life version of that Pinterest expectations vs. reality meme. The contestants love to bake, but are horrendous at it, crafting monstrosities that embarrass their families and friends. Nailed It! gives these people several hours and the chance to recreate complicated decorative baking projects for the chance to win $10,000. And it’s even more amazing than you could ever imagine.
And not because any of these folks turn out to be ringers. Oh, no, most of them are generally awful, and their struggles to put together everything from unicorn cakes to gingerbread houses and busts shaped like Donald Trump will have you choking with laughter every episode. But no matter how bad their bakes get, host Nicole Byer and pastry chef Jacques Torres never truly indulge their catty sides. Sure, sometimes there’s a bite from a dish that’s so awful that none of the judges can choke it down, and they won’t try and hide that fact. But the experience is about building people up and laughing with them, not at them.
Therefore, each failing baker gets kind words and positive reinforcement during their judging rounds. Yes, your magical princess cake might look like your fairy tale heroine’s face is melting off, but wow, it sure has a perfectly moist texture. No one’s work is too far gone to receive a compliment, and even the unavoidable laughter is done in the most kindhearted of ways.