Sue Perkins, Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry and Mel Giedroyc as seen in “The Great British Baking Show”

Move over, "MasterChef." Fox's culinary juggernaut isn't the only contest looking to find the best amateur in the kitchen this summer: PBS has a horse in the race, too. "The Great British Baking Show" premiered its third season July 1 and is continuing Friday evenings all summer.

It's a show that feels nice and familiar for fans of other amateur cooking competitions. A group of amateur but skilled home bakers are brought together and put through their paces with a series of increasingly difficult challenges that test their skill, knowledge and technique. Two judges taste and critique, someone gets sent home and, in the end, a winner is crowned.

What sets this one apart from its contemporaries, though, is the British charm that its presenters and hosts bring to the whole affair. Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc were already well known as a comedic duo across the pond before "The Great British Baking Show" was even a glimmer in its creators' eyes. Their show, "Light Lunch" on Britain's Channel 4, was a popular talk show, and they've each found independent success as well.

The duo brings a beautiful combination of wit and humor to the flour-coated proceedings, but of course, all of that lightheartedness has to have a balance. Luckily, the competition's two judges provide the necessary gravitas.

Food writer Mary Berry sure knows her stuff. With more than 70 published cookery books published to her name, she's not one to be trifled with in the kitchen; she's even been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for her contribution to culinary rights in her country.

Sitting next to Berry is Paul Hollywood. Baking is in this man's blood: his father was a baker, and he has followed in his sire's footsteps to become one of the most recognized artisan bakers in the U.K. He's a master of bread: he's written a book about it ("100 Great Breads"), hosted a TV show about it ("Paul Hollywood's Bread" on BBC Two) and even created what was said to be the most expensive bread in Britain -- an almond and Roquefort sourdough.

All in all, "The Great British Baking Show" is a unique beast that's different from anything else on TV on this side of the Atlantic. Its third season is currently airing Fridays on PBS.