The first season was a bit of a rough start as the show finds its rhythm. The judges will grow on you, the host is comforting and familiar, and the contestants are interesting and diverse enough to be memorable (a problem most of these shows have)
23 Reviews
Interesting people, incredible skills!
goodbones0926 November 2021
Really enjoyed the different people in this series. This showed in their creative and surprising interpretations of the challenges they were given each week. Inspiring to see people who I can identify with. No narrow minded old white men here!
Could be so much better
tmccheyne2 November 2022
I so love to see them working with wood. However wish we didn't have to have the smutty innuendo comments, but then it is channel 4 who love that. Have all the typical stereotypes, ie gay, etc etc. Don't mind this but wish it wasn't pushed down your throat all the time. It is the art work that's interesting.
The judges say all the same things they do in all these shows, and have to be too critical at times. Would like to see them doing some of the tasks, they do on the pottery show. And on other shows of a similar ilk we know their experience in tasks.
The show could be so much better with better, interesting fair judges and a compère who doesn't spoil everything.
The judges say all the same things they do in all these shows, and have to be too critical at times. Would like to see them doing some of the tasks, they do on the pottery show. And on other shows of a similar ilk we know their experience in tasks.
The show could be so much better with better, interesting fair judges and a compère who doesn't spoil everything.
Don't bother with season 1
nrjlane15 November 2022
I was lucky and started with season 2 and went back to season 1. I'm glad I did, season 2 has some talented people on show with some good fine woodworking and nice joints. Compare that to season 1 where they were at best mediocre with mostly screws and glue, almost no handcut joints or precision joinery. Definitely not Britain's best woodworkers. Stick with season 2.
Mel Giedroyc as ever is a delight and the best thing in season 1.
The show itself is interesting but sometimes focuses too much on the judges subjective design preferences, rather than showcasing woodworking skills. Hopefully it'll continue to evolve as time goes on.
Mel Giedroyc as ever is a delight and the best thing in season 1.
The show itself is interesting but sometimes focuses too much on the judges subjective design preferences, rather than showcasing woodworking skills. Hopefully it'll continue to evolve as time goes on.
Just awesome TV
atrebel30 November 2021
Loved it to a point!
gregdtc28 January 2024
I whole heartedly adore wood and it's fluidity with skilled workers, but I find the judges quite ignorant even a little bit incompetent. Thus I have to give this a 7! Getting rid of highly skilled individuals over being fair to certain others is highly inaccurate and unfair in my humble opinion. And for this reason you have nearly ruined the show. In addition, it's useful to have the skill to express constructive Criticism as an expert, and he humble, rather than be negative for the sake of it.
Therefore the judges pretentiousness on the show gives me a bit of a peeved attitude.
Even though the students are on the whole skilled and passionate enough to create some semblance of a solid product, they are still heavily criticised and critiqued without a fun perspective. Sure, I understand the need for cohesion, consistency and competence, but unnecessary aggression isn't required in my humble opinion.
So, please consider judges that actually are not stuck up their own back passages. And aware enough to communicate constructively and less judgemental in outwardly draconian ways.
Therefore the judges pretentiousness on the show gives me a bit of a peeved attitude.
Even though the students are on the whole skilled and passionate enough to create some semblance of a solid product, they are still heavily criticised and critiqued without a fun perspective. Sure, I understand the need for cohesion, consistency and competence, but unnecessary aggression isn't required in my humble opinion.
So, please consider judges that actually are not stuck up their own back passages. And aware enough to communicate constructively and less judgemental in outwardly draconian ways.
Strangely enough, this is a love letter to Wales
hmb-5177826 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As Beloved and I watched this competition reality series, we were both struck with the breathtaking beauty of the Welch countryside.
The stunning scenic wonder that is this place just bowled us over.
The casting of the show is well done with a variety of folks.
One thing I found interesting was the way the judges seemed to be interested in keeping the white young man on, despite his off and on weaknesses.
I'm sure the demographic that wants a white young man to prosper is something you might have to consider.
Eventually, the winner was the person who was the most off-putting of the bunch. She's a talented person, no doubt, but not as photogenic as much of the other contestants.
I honestly thought the young black man would win the contest as he seemed almost like a ringer.
But in the end, a trans woman won. Not because she was beautiful but because she was talented.
The stunning scenic wonder that is this place just bowled us over.
The casting of the show is well done with a variety of folks.
One thing I found interesting was the way the judges seemed to be interested in keeping the white young man on, despite his off and on weaknesses.
I'm sure the demographic that wants a white young man to prosper is something you might have to consider.
Eventually, the winner was the person who was the most off-putting of the bunch. She's a talented person, no doubt, but not as photogenic as much of the other contestants.
I honestly thought the young black man would win the contest as he seemed almost like a ringer.
But in the end, a trans woman won. Not because she was beautiful but because she was talented.
Great show
SelfDestructACowPatT25 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really like Mel so that's mostly why I watched, although I do love programmes when they make things. Sometimes it feels like the contestants find Mel annoying and like wanting her near them. I did laugh and was shocked at when she leant on the tree bed and broke it lol I have to say tho! It was pretty flimsy, she hardly touched it so the tree bit on the bed was poorly made! Overall it's a good laugh and educational show. I haven't watched it all but I'm wanting Misti to win.
Edit. Towards the end it felt like Mel and everyone got along and enjoyed what they was doing.
Edit. Towards the end it felt like Mel and everyone got along and enjoyed what they was doing.
Let's Judge
koen-564 February 2022
A pleasant show to watch, I was really glad I found it. The concept was good and the location interesting. It ceratinly was something my wife and I looked forward to each week. But let's get down to judging....
Contestants ...great, 10 out of 10. Host 5 , humour was good. Inappropriate humour...not so good. Judges... plain annoying. 2.
Wasted opportunity
davetrem-0122617 January 2022
Hard to find anything to praise. Judges are both obnoxious and we never get any sense that they can make so much as a breadboard themselves. I have no idea why the bloke dresses the way he does. Contestants seem uniformly amateurish ie not very good with wood. Tasks are bizarre and unrealizable. No idea what the sheepish technicians actually do except presumably prevent accidental amputations.
I make boats and guitars and wouldn't let any of the contestants in my workshop without a responsible adult in charge.
I make boats and guitars and wouldn't let any of the contestants in my workshop without a responsible adult in charge.
Ridiculous judging
katunja-6113315 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Was a decent show until the judges lost their minds and sent home Joe when clearly other contestants sculptors were much worst. They chose based on subject matter rather then actual skills shown... the show is called good with wood, not best subject matter in wood... After that decision I lost all interest and faith in the judges so would not recommend bothering to watch the show as the best person will not win. They should change judges if they do another season.
Blatantly agenda driven
lilfin00724 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The judging is often questionable and the wokeness and agenda is really obvious. It must be a hate crime to critique a transgender person's work because they can't say one mean thing about their work even though it's obviously not the best. They literally carry them to the end even though their work is often lacking. The judges will say they don't like something about someone's work but then they won't critique the trans person's work even though it has the same problem. It gets really obvious and annoying the more you watch.
Annoying host. Bias judges
lilfin00724 December 2021
The host is annoying and often inappropriate and you can see the contestants are uncomfortable around her. She even breaks one of the contestants work at one point. The judges are totally bias and it gets more obvious the more you watch. They carry one person who obviously is not the best there all the way to the end. The winner does not deserve to win AT ALL. Really annoying show that I had to rage watch to the end. Don't waste your time.
Judges are so bias for the trans it is aggravating
bzpuvu24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I've never seen such blatant favoritism for LGBT on any reality show ever. Who knew that all you had to do was identify as a girl and the judges will carry you all the way. Not only do you not have to transition, you don't have to dress or talk like a girl. Only say you are a girl and the judges will direct all their critiques and eliminations elsewhere. It's like reliving Chelsea Manning experience all over again.
Totally unfair judging! Aggravating to watch!
israelmahoney1 February 2022
I made it to the semi-finals, but seeing the judges eliminate who they did just was the final straw. They didn't eliminate the one who did not finish and missed the parameters of making a lockable cabinet, but they eliminate the one that looked and worked good!
Save yourself the aggravation don't watch this!
Save yourself the aggravation don't watch this!
Great idea but obvious agenda ruined it.
fqszbtwqpv25 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As a craftsman for nearly 30yrs I was looking forward to this Great British baking show style woodworking competition when i found it. If you've watched the GBBS you know there's some obligatory motions they go through to keep things interesting for demographics.
The young "attractive" bratty female always makes it to right before the semi finals no matter how badly they mess up. The older experienced talented amateur gets eliminated on a spurious excuse despite out doing 3/4 of the contestants. There's always one dismal failure put in to start the eliminations off with a bang. And there's alway at least or two obvious favorites of the producers that makes it through no matter what to the semi-finals/ finals. It's a given process but the journey is fun and we all watch to see what people come up with and dream what we would do in their place. But at the end, most often (but not always), the deserving person wins of the chosen final few.
This show was NOT that. Sure there was an attempt at the same formula but the blatant favoritism was so obvious I called the final decision after watching the first episode. I stuck with it hoping I was wrong. I wasn't. The "winner's" semi-final project didn't follow any of the criteria and their final project wouldn't last a week in the elements. The only possible excuse was it appeared more finished despite being obviously doomed to failure. To choose a blatant novice over two obviously technically superior builders is a slap in the face of anyone trained in carpentry.
Such blatant favoritism destroyed any credibility in the illusion of an actual competition or belief in any competence of the judges beyond doing exactly what the producers wanted. At least pretend better people.
If by some chance Radha ever reads this review, you did an excellent job demonstrating superior knowledge of joinery technique, wood usage, balance and form though time wasn't on your side. You're a true maker and have obviously begun laying a strong foundation of fundamentals. Keep it up and don't let underhanded criticism diminish the obvious joy you find in woodworking. It was a pleasure to watch such enthusiasm.
The young "attractive" bratty female always makes it to right before the semi finals no matter how badly they mess up. The older experienced talented amateur gets eliminated on a spurious excuse despite out doing 3/4 of the contestants. There's always one dismal failure put in to start the eliminations off with a bang. And there's alway at least or two obvious favorites of the producers that makes it through no matter what to the semi-finals/ finals. It's a given process but the journey is fun and we all watch to see what people come up with and dream what we would do in their place. But at the end, most often (but not always), the deserving person wins of the chosen final few.
This show was NOT that. Sure there was an attempt at the same formula but the blatant favoritism was so obvious I called the final decision after watching the first episode. I stuck with it hoping I was wrong. I wasn't. The "winner's" semi-final project didn't follow any of the criteria and their final project wouldn't last a week in the elements. The only possible excuse was it appeared more finished despite being obviously doomed to failure. To choose a blatant novice over two obviously technically superior builders is a slap in the face of anyone trained in carpentry.
Such blatant favoritism destroyed any credibility in the illusion of an actual competition or belief in any competence of the judges beyond doing exactly what the producers wanted. At least pretend better people.
If by some chance Radha ever reads this review, you did an excellent job demonstrating superior knowledge of joinery technique, wood usage, balance and form though time wasn't on your side. You're a true maker and have obviously begun laying a strong foundation of fundamentals. Keep it up and don't let underhanded criticism diminish the obvious joy you find in woodworking. It was a pleasure to watch such enthusiasm.
Shop teacher highly disappointed
nicholasfranco-8396714 April 2022
I am extremely disappointed in this show and became increasingly so as the episodes progressed. Quit watching at the semi finals. The judges are obviously biased and do not demonstrate open minded critiquing of candidate craftsmanship. It was evident that there was favoritism threaded throughout the feedback and judging favoring one transgender contestant who produced sub par work with little finesse or creativity as compared to the hard work of his co contestants.
As a 40yr carpentry instructor I am disappointed at the poor quality and lack of equal judging criteria overall.
As a 40yr carpentry instructor I am disappointed at the poor quality and lack of equal judging criteria overall.
No good judging in this show
julegruve14 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT**
If you thought you were watching a show about carpentry and capable judging on woodworking abilities, you were horribly mislead.
I'm not sure what either of these judges credentials are? Being Gay? Being an African British female? No clue. They are OBVIOUSLY bias for the one transgender male who had a couple of decent pieces but very little REAL skill.
Watched until the semi finals then "unfollowed" this show that had so much potential.
Wake up liberals. As in swim competitions and skills ability, we just want to watch FAIR JUDGING.
I'm not sure what either of these judges credentials are? Being Gay? Being an African British female? No clue. They are OBVIOUSLY bias for the one transgender male who had a couple of decent pieces but very little REAL skill.
Watched until the semi finals then "unfollowed" this show that had so much potential.
Wake up liberals. As in swim competitions and skills ability, we just want to watch FAIR JUDGING.
Not worth watching
Terrymck2 November 2022
I decided to watch this as I am a woodworker but was not impressed by this "Bake Off" type show. Mel G seems to crack jokes a lot but I appreciate she is the presenter to keep everything on track.
The episode I watched was the semi final in 2022 and I was encouraged by the young people involved. Dear contestants don't be put off and carry on perfecting your craft.
The challenges they have been given are too ambitious therefore fine woodworking is not shown in this show and I feel the people involved don't have enough time to show what they are really capable of which is a pity. Too much pizzicato violin which is reminiscent of the afore mentioned Bake Off show.
I spent enough time spotting where the badly executed shortcuts were being made and the resultant products - desks and vases - were only worth placing in a skip or at best dismantling and making into something more worthwhile.
The show needs cancelling.
The episode I watched was the semi final in 2022 and I was encouraged by the young people involved. Dear contestants don't be put off and carry on perfecting your craft.
The challenges they have been given are too ambitious therefore fine woodworking is not shown in this show and I feel the people involved don't have enough time to show what they are really capable of which is a pity. Too much pizzicato violin which is reminiscent of the afore mentioned Bake Off show.
I spent enough time spotting where the badly executed shortcuts were being made and the resultant products - desks and vases - were only worth placing in a skip or at best dismantling and making into something more worthwhile.
The show needs cancelling.
Too sexualised
SunnyDaise28 September 2022
This show could have been great, apart from (1) too much glue - we don't get to see enough skill and (2) so many sexualised concepts / smutty jokes (especially season 2) - the conversation totally puts me off taking this up as a class/club activity. Although skills like woodwork are traditionally passed down through families, this really isn't a show different generations can enjoy together, despite being on at 8pm. We really need more footage of the actual making and less of the unappealing banter. It is especially off-putting for my autistic relative, who loves project/skills shows normally.
Disappointing
erniedev19 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Very bad first series but has improved in series 2. The judges and i would say channel 4 themselves have their own agenda. Some great work in series 2 and a big step up both on the talent front and the judges. This show would improve a lot more if they got rid of Mel. Please get a new host, Mel is as funny as toothache and gets on like the whole show is about her. If there is a 3rd series il watch it hoping that Mel disappears and the woodworkers are centre of attention. A bit a relaxation and interest could be even better with Mel gone. I wish i had half the tools and equipment too, its outstanding. Maybe in series 3 we will get someone who wins because of their skills and not their sexual orientation.
tedious innuendo
dcrobertson-2081422 November 2023
WlI was looking forward to the series returning. Enjoyed the first series, and finally getting around to watching to series two. But too many lame jokes. Yes, they've all got wood. We get it. Funny the first 500 times but starts to wear thin. Ew er - cheeky.
I'd guess the video editors must all be about 14 years old, but if they were there'd be more fart jokes. I suppose it's in the Benny Hill tradition of British comedy - but without the clever word play. Carry on up the woodshed.
Watched a few episodes but have given up. Very disappointing. But likely to attract a big audience with juvenile smut. Or an audience of enthusiasts.
I'd guess the video editors must all be about 14 years old, but if they were there'd be more fart jokes. I suppose it's in the Benny Hill tradition of British comedy - but without the clever word play. Carry on up the woodshed.
Watched a few episodes but have given up. Very disappointing. But likely to attract a big audience with juvenile smut. Or an audience of enthusiasts.
Watched mainly for Mel
jwenberg-3079823 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I tend to agree with the bulk of the reviews given for this show.
Most of the tasks were interesting for sure and a couple of the contestants show real promise.
Joe was sent home when his boxer carving was far superior to Billy's lion.
And how do you consider some rectangular wood blocks with a small indent carved into it a winning whittling project?
Seriously poor and obviously biased judging is this shows downfall.
I didn't hate the show but don't expect brilliant pieces, judges with personality and especially don't expect non biased results.
Most of the tasks were interesting for sure and a couple of the contestants show real promise.
Joe was sent home when his boxer carving was far superior to Billy's lion.
And how do you consider some rectangular wood blocks with a small indent carved into it a winning whittling project?
Seriously poor and obviously biased judging is this shows downfall.
I didn't hate the show but don't expect brilliant pieces, judges with personality and especially don't expect non biased results.
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