Channel 4 made Bake Off less mean after complaints, says boss
"This year, when we launched Bake Off, people said, 'Thanks for making it soft again.'"
Channel 4 boss Ian Katz has revealed that the channel aimed to make this year's season of The Great British Bake Off less "mean", after complaints about last year's season.
Katz was speaking at the BFI Southbank, as the results of the Radio Times Screen Test survey were being unveiled. In amongst the data from the survey was the fact that TV increased levels of happiness by 5% (vs sadness).
When he was a journalist, Katz had previously written about the rise of "mean TV" - however, at the event, he noted that this era has seemingly come to an end.
As was included in a feature in this week's Radio Times magazine, Katz said: "Look at shows like Ted Lasso, or the reaction to Bake Off last year, when the audience felt the show was too mean. This year, when we launched Bake Off, people said, 'Thanks for making it soft again.'
"I think it’s the end of mean TV. We’re in a new era."
More like this
The Radio Times Screen Test survey saw 21,244 people taking part, with one of the additional findings being that TV increased levels of excitement by 10% (vs boredom).
Watching TV was also said to decrease anxiety by 6% (vs relaxed), based on consuming the last programme watched on television.
Read more:
- Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas awards first 10 of 2023 series
- This Morning pays tribute to Holly Willoughby: "The show must go on"
Katz said that the thing that struck him most about the research was the "yearning for the sort of material that makes people feel better".
"I think we are going through such a phase," he explained. "We felt it in Covid, that sense that we were picking people up at a low moment. And now, in the cost of living crisis, you’ve got a responsibility as a broadcaster to provide stuff that cheers people up.
"We should just be running a campaign that says TV makes you happier. That’s the future."
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This year's season of The Great British Bake Off is now well underway, with Tasha being crowned Star Baker for the second week in a row during Bread Week.
Alison Hammond has joined the show as a host alongside Noel Fielding, taking over from Matt Lucas - who stepped down from the role after this year's New Year special.
The Great British Bake Off will continue on Channel 4 at 8pm on Tuesday 17th October.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Entertainment hub for the latest news.
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
