The Biggest Difference Between GBBO And School Of Chocolate

While food competition shows could fill a 24-hour day of programming, some programs celebrate the chef earning a victory on top of a pile of drama, backstabbing, and in-fighting. When looking at "The Great British Bake Off" (or "GBBO") and "School of Chocolate," the two baking competitions clearly take a different approach to the cutthroat culinary competition model.

As CNET commented, "GBBO" features a "camaraderie that blunts some of the more toxic elements of competition shows." Although bakers are eliminated along the way, it is a kinder, gentler baking competition that doesn't feel as brutal as being chopped.

While those confectionery delights rising to the occasion under the tent captivate the viewer, another show has garnered legions of fans. With "School of Chocolate," streaming on Netflix, a recent Reddit post has many people commenting on the different direction that the pastry chef competition has taken. Led by celebrated chocolate artist and chef Amaury Guichon, this chocolate and dessert competition seeks to capture the pastry chefs' cumulative journey without any eliminations. As Chef Amaury told Monsters & Critics, "In 'School of Chocolate,' we demonstrate and teach people what they can accomplish with chocolate, with the raw material." Although still a competition with a prize at stake, the show's concept has had many people watching, enjoying, and commenting on why they are obsessed with the Netflix series.

On r/BestofNetflix, a discussion was posted about "School of Chocolate." While the author asserted "the reality show competition without the anger and outbursts" was proving to be a favorite binge watch, the comments proved that many people are appreciating the different approach to a culinary competition. By focusing on seeing "contestants/students actually progress" and contestants getting extra learning versus elimination, it begs the question of whether "School of Chocolate" will change mainstream notions of what a culinary competition should be, going forward.

Many comments on the Reddit thread echoed the positive vibes, non-elimination concept. Meanwhile, while Eater has touted the popularity of "GBBO" for "its good sportsmanship and friendship among the bakers," some people feel as if the show has lost its luster. As the numbers in the tent dwindle and pressure to avoid elimination builds, bakers can stumble before the ultimate reward. That threat of elimination can badly flavor a dessert. 

Whether or not "School of Chocolate" and its lack of chef elimination per episode model becomes a new standard for food competition show remains to be seen. For now, it is time to watch, binge and drool over the chocolate show pieces and long for the bell to ring on another season of "School of Chocolate."