Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Baker and the Beauty, which became an unexpected Netflix phenomenon after its controversial cancellation by ABC.
Originally premiering on ABC on April 13, 2020, this romantic comedy-drama ran for just nine episodes before being canceled in June 2020. The series is an adaptation of the Israeli romantic-comedy series “Beauty and the Baker,” which was one of the highest-rated scripted series ever in Israel. Created by Dean Georgaris and starring Victor Rasuk and Nathalie Kelley, The Baker and the Beauty found new life on Netflix in 2021, where it rose to prominence and peaked at number one on the weekly TV viewership charts. Each episode runs approximately 42 minutes, delivering a perfect blend of romance, family drama, and cultural authenticity.
The series follows a Miami baker and a fashionista who try to make romance work despite the heat they face from jealous exes, prying family members and invasive paparazzi. What makes this show special is its genuine portrayal of a working-class Cuban-American family and the challenges that arise when two worlds collide in the most unexpected way.
Daniel’s Journey from Baker to Heartthrob
Victor Rasuk delivers a charming performance as Daniel Garcia, a 29-year-old baker who works at his family’s Miami bakery, Rafael’s. Daniel is doing everything that his loving Cuban parents and siblings expect him to do, but on a wild Miami night, he meets Noa Hamilton and his life moves into the spotlight. Daniel represents the everyman caught between family expectations and personal desires, torn between his comfortable routine and the extraordinary opportunity that Noa brings into his life.
Rasuk’s portrayal captures the genuine confusion and excitement of someone whose life is turned upside down overnight. Daniel’s character development throughout the nine episodes shows a man learning to navigate fame while staying true to his roots and family values. His relationship with his parents, particularly his mother Mari, provides some of the series’ most heartfelt moments as he struggles to balance his new reality with his family’s traditional expectations.
Noa Hamilton: More Than Just a Superstar
Nathalie Kelley brings depth and vulnerability to Noa Hamilton, an international supermodel and actress who discovers that fame can’t fill the emptiness in her personal life. Despite her glamorous exterior, Noa is searching for authentic connection and finds it in the most unlikely place – a family bakery in Miami. Kelley’s performance shows a woman tired of superficial relationships and genuinely drawn to Daniel’s authenticity and his family’s warmth.
The chemistry between Kelley and Rasuk is undeniable, creating a modern fairy tale that feels grounded in reality. Noa’s character arc explores themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to find home in another person. Her interactions with Daniel’s family, particularly his protective mother, create some of the series’ most compelling dramatic moments.
When Two Worlds Collide Spectacularly
The series reaches its emotional peaks when the stark differences between Daniel’s working-class Cuban-American family life and Noa’s celebrity world create seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The couple faces heat from jealous exes, prying family members and invasive paparazzi, with each episode building tension around whether their love can survive the pressures of public scrutiny and family disapproval.
The most powerful moments occur when Daniel must choose between protecting his family’s privacy and supporting Noa’s career, while Noa faces criticism from her management team and the media for dating someone outside her social circle. These conflicts feel genuine and emotionally resonant, avoiding typical romantic comedy clichés in favor of real relationship challenges.
The Garcia Family: Heart of the Story
The supporting cast, including Dan Bucatinsky as Rafael Garcia (Daniel’s father) and Lisa Vidal as Mari Garcia (Daniel’s mother), creates an authentic portrayal of a tight-knit Cuban-American family. The family dynamics feel lived-in and real, with each member having distinct personalities and concerns about Daniel’s new relationship. David Del Rio as Mateo Garcia, Daniel’s younger brother, provides both comic relief and sibling wisdom throughout the series.
The show’s strength lies in how it portrays family loyalty, cultural identity, and the challenges of maintaining traditions while embracing change. The Garcia family’s bakery becomes a character in itself, representing stability and heritage in contrast to Noa’s unstable celebrity lifestyle.
Unexpected Success on Netflix
The Baker and the Beauty was canceled because of low viewership; the show ranked as one of ABC’s lowest-rated series pulling in around 3 million viewers each week. However, ABC’s cancellation sparked controversy, with many noting the series wasn’t exactly set up for success during its 2.5 months on air. After its move to Netflix in April 2021, the series found its true audience, with fans discovering the show’s authentic portrayal of Latino family life and cross-cultural romance.
Star Nathalie Kelley tweeted following the cancellation: “But honestly their loss will be someone else’s gain, so stay hopeful and activated about the show while we find it the right home!” The Netflix success proved her right, as the series attracted viewers who appreciated its genuine approach to modern love stories and cultural representation.
A Love Story Worth Discovering
If you love heartwarming romantic comedies that celebrate family, culture, and authentic relationships, The Baker and the Beauty is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This charming adaptation proves that the best love stories happen when two people from different worlds find common ground in the most unexpected places.
Why This Hidden Gem Deserves Your Attention
The Baker and the Beauty succeeds because it treats its characters with respect and authenticity, creating a love story that feels both aspirational and achievable. This beautifully crafted series offers viewers a chance to experience the magic of unexpected love while celebrating the importance of family, tradition, and staying true to yourself.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 9 episodes (1 season)
Platform: Netflix (originally ABC)
Release Year: 2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama, Family
Status: Canceled after 1 season
Protagonists: Victor Rasuk (Daniel Garcia), Nathalie Kelley (Noa Hamilton)
Supporting Cast: Dan Bucatinsky (Rafael Garcia), Lisa Vidal (Mari Garcia), David Del Rio (Mateo Garcia)