Crafting shows don’t have to be reserved for Saturday mornings on PBS anymore.
“Making It,” hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, first aired July 31 on NBC and recently wrapped up its initial, five episode season — the perfect amount for an afternoon binge session.
The show is not aimed teaching you how to knit, crochet or quilt — much like the ones I watch with my grandma — but it is a competition, as well as a unique American take on a British idea.
With a 100 percent score on the Rotten Tomatometer, I must say I agree with the overall consensus, “Making It” adds a whimsical and refreshing spin to the competition television genre in the U.S.
Kali Nelson | Argonaut
What makes “Making It” so distinct is the resemblance to “The Great British Baking Show,” where everyone is nice to each other, having fun and celebrating their unique talents.
It is also truly unique because of how almost non-competitive it is. Every crafter is doing their best work, but they are compassionate with their competitors as well.
One example from the show is when they were asked to create an animal that represents them. Two of the crafters choose bees, but instead of teasing one another, they offered support.
“Making It” goes against the idea that competition shows must be uber-competitive. Rather, it slows down an otherwise fast-paced genre and highlights American creativity, ingenuity and brings a sense of community to viewers.
Hosts Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman add a layer of fun skits and different attitudes to the show. They complement each other, bringing a unique outlook and experience to the screen.
Poehler is a spunky, happy-go-lucky person, who describes her ability to craft as less than ideal, especially compared to Offerman, an experienced woodworker.
Viewers of all skill levels are then able to have their questions answered because Poehler can ask the basics of each craft; whereas Offerman can ask those more experienced inquiries
“Making It,” in its humor and good-natured feel, brings the versatility of crafting to viewers who might not have thought about crafting as anything more than an activity done by parents or grandparents.
It diversifies a genre characterized by fast music, high adrenaline and lots of yelling.
The show slows down the competition, so viewers can get to know the crafters, seeing who they like and don’t like from the get-go. It allows viewers to admire each competitors’ work, too.
“Making It” is a breath of fresh air in a television genre of hot air and stress.
Kali Nelson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kalinelson6