I’m looking for recommendations for reality competition shows that are based purely (or at least mostly) on skill. I love watching people who are passionate about something complete against each other. But I loathe manufactured drama.
Some of my favorites for context:
Forged in Fire - knifesmiths completing against each other and the clock. Think Chopped for blacksmiths.
Alone - Just people trying to survive on their own in the wilderness. No camera crews, no backstabbing, no tribal councils, no voting, just people versus the elements and their own minds.
The Great British Bake Off - my comfort watch. I love how everyone supports each other.
I also enjoyed A Cut Above and Blown. I tried to watch the Pottery one on HBO, but couldn’t get into it.
Iron Chef was great, both the OG Japanese and the Alton Brown one. He did another one where the contestants had to do ridiculous things during their cooking challenge, that was also great.
If you like Iron Chef and want something similar, but lower stakes, Gastronauts on Dropout is great. Different chefs and judges each episode, each judge creates a challenge for the chefs, and everyone has a ton of fun.