9 Reasons Why The Great British Baking Show Has Taken Over Your Spring Break

...and, let's be honest, your entire life.

It’s 10:10pm on a Monday evening and you, along with approximately 12 million 59-year-olds, are fully immersed in what is perhaps the most charming corner of Netflix. Yes, we're talking about the profiterole-stacked, frangipane-filled, toothache-inducing dream that is The Great British Baking Show. This televised baking competition has undoubtedly captured the hearts of both Brits and Americans alike, and for good reason.

Whether you have or haven't already seen the show, here are seven reasons why you should dive on into the "crème pâtissière" and give The Great British Baking Show a try:

1. The puns and innuendos.

So many, in fact, that the show has even garnered a bit of backlash from viewers who claim that the show’s double entendres have become unnecessarily “smuttier and smuttier.” If you're a nerd who always appreciates a well-timed pun, this should not be a problem. Here’s a list of the 28 best ones.

2. The hosts.

Relentless in their humor and sass, Sue Perkins and Mel Gierdroyc are not only fun – but fierce. When it was announced that TGBBS would be moving to Channel 4 from the BBC, both Perkins and Gierdroyc decided not to follow the show to the new network, saying that despite the substantial monetary benefits, it was “the right thing to do.” In addition, Sue Perkins has spoken out loudly about her sexuality, discussing in-depth her identification as gay and her struggle to recognize the fluidity of that identification.

3. The accents. The panning shots of sheep and English countryside. Endless rain.

Via anibundel.com

All self-explanatory.

4. Ruby Tandoh.

Via express.co.uk

Ruby Tandoh was a university student in Philosophy and Art History at the time of filming, and regularly showed up to the baking tent wearing scuffed Converse sneakers and bearing her modest, intelligent, and pensive attitude. Not only did she juggle both her schoolwork and the competition, but has since gone on to become a published author and a food writer for The Guardian. She has spoken out about her own bisexuality, about mental health and well-being, and has published numerous comments on the show's move from BBC to Channel 4, most notably her fiery tweets directed at Paul Hollywood, who decided to follow TGBBS to Channel 4.

5. Kimberley Wilson.

Via goodtoknow.co.uk

Kimberley Wilson competed in the same season as Ruby, and charmed audiences with her confidence and positivity. Wilson works as a psychologist, and regularly tweets and writes about how food affects mental health and vice versa. Wilson has also been similarly unafraid to speak out about her issues with the show’s production.

6. Nadiya Hussain.

Via standard.co.uk

Nadiya Hussain, from the sixth season (or third, if you're watching in the US on Netflix) remains the only contestant to have worn a hijab on the show. Since competing, Hussain has risen to immense popularity in the UK, and will have her own BBC spin-off The Chronicles of Nadiya which will explore many aspects of her life and cooking, including her roots in Luton and her ancestral home in rural Bangladesh.

7. Mary Berry.

Via look.co.uk

Loved by foodies, chefs, and faithful viewers on both sides of the pond, Mary Berry is truly the kind grandmother hen of The Great British Baking Show. With her wise demeanor and perky blazers, she brings both expertise (she has published more than 75 cook books, including her Baking Bible) and personality to the show. Recently, she’s been creating hubbub in the blogosphere about the fact that she’s never ordered a takeout pizza.

8. How peaceful (and kind) the show is.

This may be, hands down, the most enticing aspect of the show.

Nobody yells at each other! There are no petty “ha!” moments, or even hints of resentment! The timers are set for long, reasonable periods of time! 4 hours! Overnight, even!

On top of all of this, the show maintains uniformity and predictability. There are never random, chaotic challenges, and the show chooses to set the contestants up for success by providing them with the necessary planning time and supplies to perfect their bakes. In sharp contrast to modern cooking shows that pit contestants against each other, The Great British Baking Show instead highlights the strengths of each baker.

9. It makes you want to cook.

Mel's Kitchen Cafe / Via melskitchencafe.com

Perhaps the most pertinent reason, seeing as over the last 48 hours I have: concocted a blueberry pear crisp, baked a loaf of challah bread, cooked a veggie stew, whipped up a cake, and figured out a recipe for vegan taquitos. And so, as I take a bite out of that lemon cranberry bundt cake that I baked last night in that moment of television-induced inspiration and stare at the fresh grocery bag full of flour and sugar, I am fully aware of the effects this show has had upon me.

Ultimately, I think I’m okay with it.