CBS Picks Up BAKE OFF for 2013; Based Off Hit UK Reality Series

By: Tyler Peterson Oct. 17, 2012

CBS has ordered a new alternative series, BAKE OFF (Working Title), based on the hit UK format "The Great British Bake Off" for broadcast next year.

The series will feature skilled amateur Americans competing in baking challenges with one ultimately being crowned the winner.

"The Great British Bake Off" has become a ratings sensation in the UK. The third season finale, which aired last night (Oct. 16), was one of the highest-rated BBC2 originated shows in the last six years, earning a 25.3% share among British viewers, a series high.

The format is also sweeping Europe and other international territories, delivering big ratings on DR-1 in Denmark and on TV4 in Sweden, where it ranks as the highest rated show in the channel's history. The series is also entertaining audiences in Belgium and Poland and has been sold in Australia, Ireland, Norway and France.

The executive producer of "Bake Off" is Richard McKerrow and the series is produced by Love Productions USA.