The Great British Bake Off has become a microcosm of the age of streaming. While the show remains thoroughly British, with Paul scoffing at American fruit pies (“to make a good American pie, you almost have to make it British”), audiences around the world have found its universal themes addictive.
The Great British Bake Off started broadcasting on BBC Two, and after becoming the most popular show on that channel, it was moved to BBC One. While airing on BBC One, it was licensed by PBS, introduced to American audiences, and continued its meteoric rise to popularity. After Season 7 aired to a record-breaking audience, contract negotiations between the BBC and Love Productions, the company that produces the show, fell apart, and it moved to Channel 4.
Paul Hollywood stayed on, moving to Channel 4 where he was joined by fellow judge Prue Leith, and presenters Noel Fielding, and Sandi Toksvig, but loyalty to the BBC prompted beloved presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins to leave the show, followed shortly by judge Mary Berry.
After moving to Channel 4, the show saw a drop in viewership, but was also picked up by Netflix.