Why it didn't work as well as the Brit version

This is my opinion of course but here goes. I ADORE The Great British Bake Off. I've seen each episode. It's charming, educational, amusing and all around enjoyable. So why does the American version fall short?

First off is chemistry. I'm not talking the baking kind of chemistry but that of the hosts. TGBBO: Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry balance each other. Paul is stern and blunt and MAry always finds something positive to say. The contestants dread Paul's stare and strive for Mary's approval. TABC: Paul and Marcella obviously had sexual chemistry but as co-hosts? Meh. Marcella did not join the party with the decades of respect that Mary boasts and her critique delivery doesn't balance with Paul's.

Second is comic relief. TGBBO: Mel and Sue are both a source of endless support and tension relief but also a bit of a hindrance when they get in the way(but always with good intentions). As a team the feed off of each other and the contestants with witty retorts and off the cuff humor. They are a large part of the entertainment factor of the show. TABC: Jeff Foxworthy is a funny comedian but as a host it feels as if his jokes are ALL scripted and his constant taste testing is forced because that is what Mel and Sue ALWAYS do. Also, Jeff talks to the bakers essentially stopping them during a timed challenge to ask questions that makes them cry half the time. It feels contrived and it's annoying.

History. TGBBO: Throughout the series the history of certain baking recipes and how they came to evolve is sprinkled the shows. It's quite interesting. TABC: They have it sprinkled in but it's too brief and mostly Jeff talking.

Timeframe. TGBBO: The bakers compete for several weeks but only over the weekends and have the following week to practice and still have a life. TABC: This was a continuous affair where the bakers were away from their families almost the entire time. No one can prepare or practice and it shows.

Next is the prize. TGBBO: All these bakers in Britain compete for nothing more than flowers, a decorative plate, and bragging rights. Being a participant on the show may lead to life changing opportunities, but there is no huge prize. TABC: They compete for $250,000 and that makes it more cut throat and changes the dynamic. Most of the time they are fine but it becomes about the money and not the baking.

The contestants are fine on both but on TABC they seem to have been chosen based on personality instead of baking ability. This of course is the Americans thinking they must cast instead of find contestants. Fact is you just don't know who will be annoying and who will be entertaining when filmed. Just choose contestants that are the top bakers and let the rest fall into place. It works on TGBBO.