Just in time for what promises to be a stressful few months of American political news, a new season of reigning comfort-watch The Great British Bake Off will hit Netflix later this month. The first episode of what it’s calling “Collection 12” will air on Friday, September 27, according to a press release from the streaming service.
As Netflix has been doing, new episodes of the show will become available in the United States three days after airing in the United Kingdom. The 10-episode season will continue weekly on Fridays until November 29, which means it’ll be ready for both alternative election-night viewing and Thanksgiving-weekend gatherings — what better way to defray family tension in the kitchen than by watching some wholesome baking instead of getting stressed out doing it? As usual, the cast promises the typical motley crew of home bakers, including a car mechanic, a menswear designer, a midwife, and a farm manager.
While Bake Off struggled with some of its charm in recent seasons (never forget the “glockymolo” of “Mexican Week”), the last season suggested that the show was back on the right track. Part of that was thanks to the addition of Alison Hammond, an affable and natural co-host whose personality and rapport with Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and Noel Fielding helped bring the show back to its wholesome roots. This revamp was prompted by record-low ratings and viewership during the final season with Matt Lucas.
Hammond will, luckily, be joining Fielding under the Bake-Off tent once again.
