The Big Brunch

The Big Brunch is a fantastic show that celebrates an oft-maligned and overlooked meal. Nothing says 'weekend' like a leisurely brunch with friends, and this show celebrates that occasion in a positive way too.

It's interesting that reality TV was the catalyst for much of the bad behaviour we now experience every day, from social media to politics. Think back twenty years to the first seasons of Survivor that encouraged disloyalty, lying, and treachery... Now, in 2022, reality TV shows like Ru Paul and Big Brunch have become models of civility, support, and encouragement.

The Big Brunch lifts your spirits as it promotes a great meal with great attitude.

Loved this show mainly because it was quality humans doing quality things. No contrived drama, no drunken fights or mishaps, no backstabbing or conniving. It was relaxing to see good people doing good things. We pulled for all of them because there was no villain. Dan Levy, Sola and Will were a delight to watch and also genuinely cared about the contestants. The food created looked amazing, the set design was very clever and the special guests were good picks. If you're looking for a relaxing show to watch with your coffee on a chilly Sunday morning, this is it. Best cooking show I've seen, can't wait for season 2.

First off, this is created and hosted by Dan Levy of Schitts Creek. And if you watch this unique and fun competition, that won't be the last time you'll hear that word, nor the F bomb.

It is a competition populated by all sorts of people all who had a goal in mind to use the $300,000 to accomplish, or boost or start a project. To a person, all those great competitors were consistently kind and helpful to anyone who needed it if they had it, be it crushed peppers or a spare burner. THAT was my favorite part of the show.

A major part of the show is to give the prize to a person to help them achieve their goal. This is literally part of this competition. Some (one) reviewer took great umbrage at that so dinged the show with all of their might. It's also why I gave the show 9 stars instead of 8.

I do wish that if there is a season 2 that they place all the equipment and ingredients they need at a level that is easily accessible to even the shortest of them.

I'm also in VERY high hopes for a Christmas special where the judges go to the homes of the contestants who invited them to join them and their families for the holiday meals. THAT would be WONDERFUL! Just a suggestion, Dan Levy.

Everyone else - Enjoy!

Of all the various American cooking shows I've seen, this show stands out in a great way. First of all, cooks from a variety of venues are invited to compete, so it's not just the sous chefs from NY hotspots. The contestants are the most humble I've seen in a professional cooking competition. Their focus is on lifting each other up, learning from the experience, and growing their personal skills. Not bragging about how they'll slay.

Of course we know they want to win the prize money to further their dreams, but the prize was only mentioned once and no one talked about it again. Instead, they focus on the challenge ahead and cheering each other on. Even the judges cheer on their accomplishments, encourage their dreams, and lavish praise where it is due.

To add to a show that celebrates rather than continually shames is a subtle score-none of the jarring or tension building music so prevalent in American competitive shows.

I'm happy to see a professional cooking competition show that reminds us that professional chefs are real people and that it's their love and passion for food, giving of themselves, and serving people that brought them to their profession rather than how many Michelin stars they can rack up or when they will become the next celebrity chef. Great job!

For those of you who enjoy Great British Baking Show/Great British Bake Off, you'll most likely enjoy this show. It follows the same format where there aren't any green screen interviews or intense judging panels or chef drama. This is a very sweet and wholesome show. Yes they swear but they're chefs and it's HBOMax so those that are complaining about that...come on. There is a great amount of humor and it's not terribly complicated or dramatic like other cooking competitions can be.

All of the chefs are people that are doing great things for their communities and with the diversity it brings a fresh take on a sometimes stale genre of television. Also Dan Levy is a gem per usual.