A new elimination twist in the 15th season of DR’s baking show “Den store bagedyst” has drawn criticism from the P1 program “Anmelderne”, including from former winner Frederikke Legaard.
DR reports that this season introduces a new element called “farezonen”, the danger zone, where the lowest ranked contestants must compete to stay in the show. The criticism was aired in the P1 review program “Anmelderne”, as described in DR’s own coverage of the debate.
The panel consisted of trend researcher Julia Lahme, former winner Frederikke Legaard and host Mathias Hammer, who calls himself a dedicated fan of the show. None of them were satisfied with the new format element. Legaard won the competition in 2019.
According to Lahme, the problem is not that the program develops, but how. She said the show has gone from a blood pressure lowering cake community to something that sounds more like “Vild med dans”. Per Lahme, the danger zone takes some of the spirit out of the program and places it in a performance society context.
Legaard said she feels sorry for the contestants facing the new element. She noted that participants this year open with a several hour masterpiece instead of the earlier favorite bake. As she described it, the season becomes a confusing mix of tasks, leaving her unsure what the bakers can actually do.
Hammer said the new setup means viewers simply see fewer cakes and pastries, which he finds irritating. Legaard also criticized the name itself, saying the phrase “farezonen” and the label of worst performers carry a negative ring.
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DR defends the twist
Program lead Eva Kvist said in a written reply that the team behind the format has made both small and larger adjustments over the years. The purpose is that viewers do not experience the same program year after year with only new contestants. She said this season tries a twist meant to increase suspense and unpredictability without compromising the show’s DNA.
Kvist stressed that friendships between contestants and the good atmosphere are among the program’s most important traits. She acknowledged that this year’s approach can be experienced as more reality driven than usual. In her assessment, there is still plenty of coziness and warmth in the season.
“Den store bagedyst” began on DR1 in 2012. Lahme said large television formats generally show fatigue around years 13, 14 and especially 15, pointing to “Vild med dans” and “X Factor”. She added that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are not drawn to watching people fail.
According to Billedbladet, season 15 started on 5 September 2026 on DR1 and DRTV, when the danger zone entered the format. The season is running in these weeks.
