Fix: Pinterest Fails in Real Time
Platform: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. It’s part reality contest, part hot mess.
FYA Summary:
Who among us haven’t come across a gorgeous DIY tutorial that could be easily replicated if not for a complete lack of skill? Basically, this is Cake Fails: The Show.
Familiar Faces:
Nicole Byer as herself
I actually started watching Nailed it! because Nicole Byer is such a treat on podcasts*. Understandably, her comedy’s much less raunchy on this family friendly show. (She’s mentioned that the many peen jokes she makes during shooting end up on the cutting room floor.)
*Incl. her own, Why Won’t You Date Me?, which I find highly relatable and hiliarious.
Jacques Torres as himself
A world-renowned chocolatier, Jacques is the only person who appears on all the episodes with actual verifiable culinary skills.
Wes as himself
The show’s assistant director also doubles as its Vanna White, presenting prizes and providing eye candy.
Couch-Sharing Capability: (Generally) Crowd Pleaser
For something that relies on failure for amusement, this is actually pretty fun and positive. By and large, the contestants* seem to be in on the joke and aren’t taking things too seriously, and the judges are upbeat and encouraging. It’s basically a show made for giggling, for both those on it and those watching it.
*Except at least one, which was a bit uncomfortable to watch.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Any Way You Want It
Booze isn’t required to enjoy the show, although the same can’t be said for the, uh, masterpieces that are produced. But that also makes for a quick and easy drinking game!
The Official FYA Nailed It! Drinking Game
Drink whenever someone:
- doesn’t follow the recipe
- makes an ingredient substitution
- doesn’t wait for the baked good to cool before decorating it
- doesn’t add buttercream between layers of cake
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Good
Sure, these competitors are literally set up to fail, but that’s what happens when the gap between expectations and reality is really, really wide. Which serves as an always welcome reminder that the images curated on social media are not realistic and achievable for everybody, and that’s OK! Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s still going to be fine if you never become a baking virtuoso.
The show also unravels the mystery of anytime you see a Pinterest fail and wonder HOWWWWWW IS EVEN THAT POSSIBLE?!?!? And it’s easy enough to mainline since there are so few episodes — but maybe only bingeable with breaks, since you can only watch cake fail upon cake fail for so long.
