Reality television has developed into a complete phenomenon with a constant stream of new shows being added to the canon. A majority of American reality shows are cutthroat and have a reputation for being viscous, but Netflix has the perfect show that runs counter to that trend. Nailed It! is a baking competition where average people attempt to recreate immaculate cakes with largely hilarious results. The show is hosted by actress Nicole Byer and French pastry chef Jacques Torres, who also serve as the show's judges along with a rotating guest judge each episode.
The show is broken into two segments. The first is called "Baker's Choice," where the three contestants get to choose one of three different existing confectionery treats, like an emoji cake or a cupcake with a matching cocktail. Then they are given the recipe and a time limit in order to recreate the confection as best that they can. The winner of that round wins a golden bakers hat and a smaller prize, like a stand mixer or a cake pan set.
The final round is "Nail It or Fail It," which is the best known category of the show and the opportunity to win $10,000. This is where the bakers are given a recipe, basic instructions and a time limit in which they must recreate the same extravagant cake. They have done things from a princess in a tower to a shark attack.
During this section, the contestants can press one of two buttons. The first one is the panic button that will get them help from Jacques or one of the guest judges, giving the contestants an opportunity to learn while competing. The second is a sabotage button. This is an example of how different this show is from other reality programs because the sabotage buttons come with a slice of humor and aren't truly ill intended. For example, one time the contestants had to run backstage and make a sandwich as a team, and while this wasted time, everyone laughed it off while participating.
The show is funny, but most importantly it is full of positive energy, and the judges always find something nice and uplifting to say to contestants. Even if they end up spitting out the food they try and remark it's horrible, the judges are still kind to the person behind the creation. This kind and considerate behavior is unlike that of the judges on other reality programs, where harsh criticism is considered more engaging. By having these judges spend more time joking with one another other than being hypercritical of the contestant, the show feels more relaxed and enjoyable, especially when one considers the fact that the contestants aren't professional chefs.
It is clear that everyone who participates in the show has a great time. There have only been 40 episodes, but even then they are able to bring back some favorite contestants. Past bakers return not just because they are enjoyable to the audience, but because these contestants genuinely enjoyed participating in the show. Some contestants from other reality shows are also eager to return to their respected shows; however, it is clear with Nailed It! that it is about the positive energy, not the prestige.
Nailed It! was inspired by the online trend of people posting their baking fails. Instead of making a show that mocks the failure of amateur bakers who lack training, the show embraces their flaws and celebrates them. The environment encourages people to try their best and learn from their experiences, and for viewers, there are little segments run by Jacques to teach them tips and tricks to improve their home baking. Furthermore, rather than talk smack, the contestants jest but always with good intentions. For theses reasons, Nailed It! is a refreshing and welcome antithesis to most reality television.