HD Ratings: Will Bake Off Take the Cake?

After a week of on-demand streaming, a primetime re-run and an “extra slice” episode on Sunday, and icing-on-the-cake reviews, can The Great Kiwi Bake Off  tonight surpass Married at First Sight NZ in the ratings?

It started competitively last week, averaging 5.9% of viewers 25-54 (vs 6.2% for MAFS) and 4.4% of 18-49 (vs 4.8%), and won the 18-39 vote (3.7% vs 3.5%) but trailed distantly among household shoppers with kids (6.2% vs 7.5%).

However, it averaged fewer viewers than the previous week’s season finale of The Middle in all the core commercial demographics except 25-54 (where it won by only one-tenth of a rating point).

But given the extent of the post-premiere publicity, extra screenings and tasty reviews, tonight’s contest should be closer.

“With its colourful characters, in sync hosting duo and requisite food porn, The Great Kiwi Bake Off has all the ingredients for success” was Stuff’s verdict.

“To be fair, it doesn’t really deviate from the much-loved tried and tested format, but despite feeling a little ragged around the edges, it delivers glossy looking culinary-based reality drama without My Kitchen Rules‘ bitter aftertaste.”

“Contrasted with the barrage of bad news and toxic vibes we’re confronted with across all of our screens right now, I reckon The Great Kiwi Bake Off and its charming mix of baking and banter might just be the perfect escapism to end the day with,” said the NZ Herald.

“I know I’ll be going back for another slice.”