Pastry chefs anticipate the start of the bake-off, listening closely for the countdown.
But they’re not professionals. They’re just regular people who love to bake — and they aren’t exactly good at it.
This spin-off of Netflix’s original “Nailed It!,” which premiered in early 2019, features Mexican actor-comedian Omar Chaparro, famous pastry chef Anna Ruiz, and a guest star unique to each episode. Mexican amateur bakers compete in thematic rounds for the chance to win 200,000 pesos (approximately $10,350).
Ruiz, the owner of “Anna Ruiz Store” in Mexico City bakery, dishes up expert advice and prepares detailed recipes for the contestants. Chaparro, meanwhile, brings in jokes and dramatic emphasis to spice things up.
Guest stars such as Psycho Clown, a masked professional wrestler from Mexico, and Sylvia Weinstock, an American cake-maker famous for her wedding cakes, demonstrate that language barriers and a lack of expertise don’t affect how entertaining guest judges can be. Not only do they critique baking disasters, but they also tease the bakers about the hilarious appearance of their cakes.
With its easily understandable dialogue and storyline, “¡Nailed it! México” is a perfect Spanish-language TV show for Ver la Tele assignments in Spanish III and Spanish III Honors classes offered at Carlmont. Unlike Spanish dramas, “¡Nailed it! México” does not overdo the drama or suspense.
Contestants complete challenges inspired by Latin American culture, such as making small piñatas, “luchador” cakes, and elaborate quinceñera and telenovela wedding cakes. The ambitious “pasteleros” hope to prove that they are skilled bakers both on-air and to their families.
Unlike Food Network shows like “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Cupcake Wars,” where professional chefs compete, the stumbling bakers of “¡Nailed it! México” are easier to relate to, through their confusion and foolish mistakes.
Each episode is structured the same way as the previous one. This is at first a downside, as it can get boring quickly. However, it serves as a great way to learn Spanish. As you get familiar with the storyline, you can pick up on words that are repeated and start practicing the noteworthy vocabulary sprinkled throughout.
The explosion of silliness inspires you to set aside your fears of failing and join in on the fun. It will even help you forget that your Pinterest-inspired recipe looks like an “expectation vs. reality” meme in comparison to the original.
If you don’t mind the repetitive storyline, “¡Nailed it! México” is a fantastic way to test your Spanish knowledge. After you watch, you’ll realize you’re not the only one falling through with your cooking ambitions, and it will boost your mood.
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