Summary
Easy to watch and with things to teach you about glass blowing, Blown Away: Christmas is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
Netflix reality series Blown Away: Christmas season 1 was released on November 19, 2021.
Netflix reality series Blown Away: Christmas sees talented glass blowers take on Christmas-themed challenges to win a cash prize of $10,000. This 4-part Christmas special is based on the Netflix series Blown Away which currently is in its second season. So, if you haven’t watched either, this could be the place to start. It will also start that Christmas mood if you’ve been looking for it like I have. This series sees the return of 5 previous contestants getting a second chance to claim the prize and Christmas crown.
Glass blowing is a wonderful, technical art, and this series brings in a whimsical side to that. I remember watching glassblowers in workshops in North Yorkshire and being mesmerized and scared. Scared of the fire/heat and that they would hurt themselves. Then in complete awe at what they had made. One man quickly made me a little black cat, and I still have it 20 years on. (Wow that made me feel old typing that)
This series has a simple reality format with fun, humble contestants. Not only do the contestants win this amazing cash prize, this season, the winners choose a charity, and that charity will also receive $10, 000. I think it makes a lovely Christmas gift. This also creates even higher stakes in the challenge. In each episode, they are given a Christmas-themed challenge, such as remaking their favorite presents they have ever received.
Bobby Burkes from Queer Eye makes a fun and gentle host. The host and the guest evaluators have a nice, tame banter. I feel like there could be more chemistry and energy between them. There’s nothing better than seeing hosts act cheekily, having a laugh, and sometimes distracting the contestants. Make it harder for them.
The Holiday Hot Shop where all the magic takes place is a fantastic setting, big, spacious, and creative. Decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, it’s hard not to get into the Christmas spirit. Again, in this large space, you could have had more than one judge/expert evaluating their work. Different opinions would have been nice to witness.
Overall, I was entertained, this series is easy to watch, and you can learn something about the art of glass blowing. You’ll also learn about some charities that you might never have heard of and may want to look up and support in the future. You’ll enjoy this series if you enjoyed the series Blown Away, series such as The Great British Bake Off, anything artistic like shows Landscape Artist of The Year or Portrait Artist of The Year. Each episode lasts for 30 minutes which makes for a great Christmas binge watch.
What did you think of the Netflix reality series Blown Away: Christmas season 1? Comment below.
