What’s up with TV’s cake-show obsession? Tonight kicks off the second season of TLC’s Ultimate Cake-Off, which is yet another seven-layer look at bakers. How did cake shows join makeovers, families with 10 million kids, and ballroom dancing as a reality-TV staple subject? Is it that these shows act as prequels to the popular Biggest Loser? Whatever the reason, cake lovers have a plethora of options to choose from, so here’s a handy, high-calorie guide to find the right show for you.
| |
 Cake Boss TLC |
 Amazing
Wedding Cakes WE TV |
 Ace of Cakes Food Network |
 Ultimate Cake-Off TLC |
| Category |
Reality |
Reality |
Reality |
Reality competition |
| Log Line |
The shouty Valastro family yells about flour and edible roses at Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey. |
Four different bakeries around the country create couples’ dream wedding cakes. |
A staff of hipster bakers turn out desserts at Baltimore's Charm City Cakes. |
Baker contestants have nine hours to create a cake for a specific event, and are judged by technical difficulty and aesthetic appeal. |
| Main Character |
Buddy Valastro, the mafioso-like cake boss, and the toughest guy ever to create Sesame Street characters out of butter cream. |
The four bakeries offer a mix of personalities, from edgy Lauri Ditunno of Cake Alchemy in New York, to the bubbly upstarts at Merci Beaucoup Cakes in L.A. |
Tattoo-laden Duff Goldman, whose rocker style translates to blow torches and power saws in his cake construction. |
Host and Food Network personality George Duran, a more bland Tom Colicchio. |
| Cake Tastes |
In Valastro's words, “over-the-top delicious.” In other words, edible bling. |
Ethereal and floral, with lots of hearts, ribbons, and edible brides and grooms. |
Weirder theme cakes, like edible Viking ships and telescopes. |
Something for everyone, assuming everyone likes cake. |
| Target Audience |
People who love The Sopranos, but also love frosting. |
People who love Valentine's Day, but also love frosting. |
People who love American Chopper, but also love frosting. |
People who love Survivor, but also love frosting. |
