Blown Away: Christmas

I think this special season was an improvement on the first two. I appreciated the lack of bad mouthing other contestants. I also appreciated the attempt at teaching us more about technique and what different tools are for, which I had an issue with in the other seasons. One foolish reviewer said both the hosts have no experience with glass blowing, which is absurd because Katherine Gray is very much a professional. It DOES seem counterintuitive having a host with no knowledge of the art judging and critiquing but I actually get it. Most of the viewers are not professional glass blowers and we have differing opinions on what we like and don't, so having that inexperienced judge gives the glass blowers something to work for because their art, if they want to sell it has to be appealing to others.

Terrible presenters spoiled this show and made an absolute mockery of the talented contestant. That male presenter is obnoxious and negative, has no clue about anything it seems. Waste of time.

I was enthralled with watching the glass blowers challenge themselves and display their creativity, at the end of each challenge I was so amazed. I wish there was a bit more description behind exactly what they're doing to execute the task, like what tools do what or why they don't always wear gloves.

I don't like the host, his puns and trying too hard to get a laugh annoyed me. The second judge had the personality of a mop - why not explain the complexity of the execution? Tell us how hard it is to achieve what the glass blowers have done instead of giving a short judgement. Change the host and I'd watch another season. Maybe more contestants too.

Didn't get far viewing this edition. EXTREMELY poor judging! One judge was totally unfamiliar with blowing glass and not qualified to even be a judge. I have watched all the prior shows in the series. I, will not, however, watch again in the future.

First of all, I LOVE that people keep such an awesome art form alive. Mind blown. But I wish there was more focus on the artists than on the terrible chemistry exhibited by the hosts. The guy has ZERO experience and shouldn't even be a judge (let alone try to be funny), while Katherine is definitely qualified but seems uncomfortable trying to be an "entertaining host." To the reviewers who disagree with the theme, the contestants weren't complaining so why are you? They took each challenge and interpreted it relative to their experience which I think made it even more interesting. They didn't have to go on the show if they hated the holidays, so get over it. But like most, I agree that episode 1 was ridiculous in voting off Andi who made a gorgeous piece versus the guy who didn't even finish his. Pitting contestants with similar skill levels against each other is a lot more thrilling than watching questionable judging policies. I'm a nerd and would have appreciated more "learning" but I know that wasn't the purpose here. 7 stars for gorgeous set production and cinematography without too much artist commentary/interviews cutting into the real star of the show which is the blowing. There was a Food Network holiday competition a few years ago featuring a NY glass blower vs a cake maker and it was fascinating to see the technique, stress, and choreography that goes into this art form. We don't need goofy hosts- just more glass!