“The Great British Baking Show” will not continue its country-themed challenges.
In a recent interview with the Guardian, “Great British Baking Show” producer Kieran Smith noted that changes were made following criticism from culturally insensitive theme weeks in previous seasons.
“We didn’t want to offend anyone but the world has changed and the joke fell flat,” he said of Season 13’s “Mexican Week.” We’re not doing any national themes this year.”
In October 2022, “The Great British Baking Show” faced backlash over its Mexican-themed challenge, in which hosts Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding donned sombreros and serapes while uttering comments that reinforced harmful stereotypes. The show faced a similar debacle with Season 11’s “Japanese Week.”
“We’re doing all the regular weeks: cakes, biscuits, bread, patisserie, chocolate, plus party cakes is a new theme,” Smith added about the upcoming season. “No spoilers, but it features challenges I think viewers will love.”
“We chose this year’s challenges very carefully to be approachable,” said judge Paul Hollywood. “In a way, we’ve returned to the philosophy of the first three series. There are some beautiful classic ones and they’ve been a big success.”
ITV presenter Alison Hammond has joined “The Great British Baking Show” as its new co-host, replacing Matt Lucas after three seasons on the show. She’s the first person of color to serve as a host on the baking competition show, which launched in 2010.
The new season of “The Great British Baking Show” premieres this fall on the U.K.’s Channel 4 before dropping on Netflix.