Netflix has added dozens of episodes of Junior Bake Off, the spin-off of The Great British Bake Off, to its catalogue. The platform lists the show under its US name, Great British Baking Show: Juniors. Seasons 6, 7 and 8 are now available to stream.
A Long-Running Companion Series
The series originally began in 2011 as a companion to The Great British Bake Off. Young bakers aged between 9 and 15 tackle challenges involving cakes, biscuits, bread and pastries, competing to be crowned Junior Bake Off Champion.
While some viewers may be concerned about not being able to watch from the very beginning, the newly added seasons are actually the best place to start. Those who watch them all can pick up where they left off on Channel 4, which is home to the most recent series, including this year's. A 12th season is set to air in 2027.
Judges and Format
Season 6 originally aired on Channel 4 in 2021, marking the show's return after the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. It also saw the debut of a new judge who is still part of the team today: pastry chef and author Ravneet Gill. She joined former Bake Off contestant and TV personality Liam Charles, with comedian Harry Hill hosting, a role he took over in season 5 when Channel 4 first took over production from the BBC.
In its current iteration, 16 contestants take part, split into two groups of eight in separate heats that typically air in consecutive weeks. Each instalment focuses on a particular baking element, such as bread day, cake day, dessert day and pastry day.
Fan Reactions
Many fans have praised the show as one of the best and most positive reality series out there. One TV critic even claimed it is 'far superior' to the original series. However, there are always tears, both when contestants leave and among viewers watching at home.
As one fan shared: "Just discovered Junior Bake Off and I was so emotional. I found myself crying and laughing so much. Those little guys are so real and vulnerable, and it just destroys me when they boot someone off the show."
Another viewer said: "These kids are amazing. We can see the bond they form with each other. I adore how supportive of one another they are. But my favourite aspect of the show is how the judges do not allow them to speak negatively about themselves or their bakes. Instead, they assertively say 'tell us what you did do, not what you haven’t' and they talk about self confidence. I am crying over many parts of this show!!"
Some viewers admit they still feel anxious while watching, notably when a contestant tries to put something in an obviously too-tall fridge. One person explained: "It’s nerve wracking enough on the adult show, but the tension definitely grows with the kids!"
Others suggest everyone should binge-watch the series, calling it 'eye opening' and 'inspiring'. One fan posted: "This show has so much heart, so many fun moments, and the things these kids bake will blow your mind. I highly recommend watching it and seeing which life lessons a bunch of young bakers can teach you."
Junior Bake Off (Great British Baking Show: Juniors) is streaming on Netflix and Channel 4.
