The moment a contestant’s trembling hands try to pipe frosting onto a lopsided cake, only for it to collapse into a sugary mess, The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge finds its groove. This 2023 spinoff of Netflix’s Nailed It! trades the original’s tight three-person format for a more ambitious, chaotic structure: ten novices, professional coaches, and rotating guest judges all crammed into a single season. The premise is simple—amateurs attempt intricate desserts with the help of experts—but the execution is where things get interesting.

What works best here is the chemistry between the hosts and judges. Nicole Byer’s hosting is as sharp and warm as ever, her deadpan reactions to baking disasters providing much-needed levity. Jacques Torres, the head judge, brings a mix of stern critique and genuine encouragement, while Erin Jeanne McDowell and Robert Lucas serve as excellent coaches, offering practical advice without stealing the spotlight. The rotating guest judges—Vanessa Bayer, Bobby Moynihan, and London Hughes—add fresh energy to each episode, their humor and expertise complementing the core team.

The structure, however, is where the show stumbles. With three categories (top, safe, bottom) and bolded/italicized contestant rankings, the season tries to cram too much into every episode. The original Nailed It! thrived on simplicity—three bakers, one clear winner or loser per challenge. Here, the added layers of coaching segments, mid-challenge critiques, and the three-tiered elimination system often feel cluttered. Some episodes struggle to maintain momentum, especially when the judges linger too long on technical details rather than the humor and heart that made the original so compelling.

The performances from the contestants are a mixed bag. While some bring genuine charm and determination, others fade into the background, overshadowed by the show’s busy structure. The coaching segments, while informative, occasionally drag down the pacing, turning what should be a fast-paced competition into something more akin to a baking tutorial.

That said, when The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge focuses on the absurdity of amateur bakers attempting professional-level desserts, it shines. The standout moments—like a contestant’s disastrous attempt at a gravity-defying cake or another’s last-minute frosting catastrophe—are pure gold. These are the scenes that remind viewers why they fell in love with Nailed It! in the first place.

Ultimately, this spinoff doesn’t quite nail the formula of its predecessor. The added complexity and longer runtime dilute the tight, punchy energy that made the original so addictive. While the chemistry between the hosts and judges is undeniable, the show’s attempt to do too much ultimately works against it. For fans of Nailed It!, there are still plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments to enjoy, but the series never quite reaches the same heights as its predecessor.

The target audience for The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge is clearly those who enjoy the original series. The humor, the baking disasters, and the occasional triumphs are all present, but the added layers of coaching and the more complex elimination system might alienate some casual viewers. For those who appreciate a deeper dive into the baking process, the coaching segments offer valuable insights, but they risk slowing down the pacing for viewers who just want to see the chaos unfold.

Comparing this spinoff to the original Nailed It!, it’s clear that simplicity is key. The original’s strength lay in its straightforward format—three bakers, one winner or loser per challenge. The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge tries to do too much, and in doing so, loses some of the charm that made the original so special. That said, it’s not without its merits. The chemistry between the hosts and judges is excellent, and the standout moments of baking disasters are as entertaining as ever.

In terms of performances, Nicole Byer continues to be a highlight. Her hosting is a perfect blend of warmth and wit, making her a pleasure to watch. Jacques Torres brings a mix of stern critique and genuine encouragement, while the rotating guest judges add fresh energy to each episode. The contestants themselves are a mixed bag, with some standing out more than others. The coaching segments, while informative, occasionally drag down the pacing, turning what should be a fast-paced competition into something more akin to a baking tutorial.

Themes of perseverance and creativity are at the heart of The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge. The contestants’ determination to improve their baking skills, despite the challenges they face, is inspiring. The show also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as the bakers work together to create their desserts under the guidance of the professional coaches.

Ultimately, while The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, it’s still a fun and entertaining watch. The chemistry between the hosts and judges is excellent, and the standout moments of baking disasters are as entertaining as ever.