Metal Shop Masters

I want to love this show. I like the glassblowing and blacksmith shows, so welding is right up my alley. But just in the first episode, I have a lot of issues with it.

The first challenge should have followed the same formula as Forged In Fire: the first challenge should be an equal playing field. Give them the same equipment, the same starting materials, same equipment, and requirements that are actually clear. Letting people do their own work with their own material at their own workshops is not a fair first challenge. Once the competitors show they have the creativity and the fitness to continue on, then give them the freedom to be creative. In the second round, again, sculptures were judged unfairly because the requirements weren't clear.

I'll have to watch more episodes to make a final judgment, but for now, though I love the concept, I'm frustrated with the execution. There are a lot of improvements to be made.

The show is fun. The art is awesome. The co hosts are great. But the main host knows next to nothing about metal working and could not be more annoying to watch. They really should have gotten a host that has some sort of knowledge or at least interest in metal working.

Oh, when will producers learn. It is not necessary to have an irritating comic as a host. Jo Koy may be a decent standup (I don't know) but if his performance on the show is any indication, I wouldn't be going to a gig. His 'jokes' are forced, annoying, awkward, very unfunny and distracting from what could be an enjoyable show, and it is very obvious he knows as much about metalwork as I do about brain surgery.

Aside from that, the talent of the contestants is amazing. The designs and fabrication are amazing and while I have little understanding of the process, I can still appreciate the skill and the art.

The judges are a bit meh. I would prefer them to input a bit more into the process rather then just critique without context.

Overall, ditch the host. Just use the judges or include a host with a genuine personality and with an understanding of what is going.

Some cool builds and good welders. The assignments were interesting and brought out unique design ideas from the welders. Where this show lacked was in the host and judges. The host had no idea about welding, and didn't make good jokes. The judges were stiff and didn't interact well with the contestants or each other.

This is a pretty decent reality show, with extremely talented people. Jo koy as a host is terrible, but the judges are the worst, makes watching the show a hard experience of its own. If Netflix plans a second season replace the judges and the host, will make the show more interesting and a lot more entertaining.