The 2018 schedule of The Great British Bake Off on PBS offered comfort-food viewing with methodical bakes and gentle contests. For American audiences, PBS coordinated air dates and marathons so fans could follow each series without missing a single sponge.
Below is a quick-reference table mapping key seasons and air windows on PBS in 2018, helping you plan when to bake along at home.
| Series | Season | PBS Air Dates 2018 | Weekly Slot | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Great British Bake Off | Series 1 | January 2 to January 23 | Monday 8:00 PM | Historic repeats |
| The Great British Bake Off | Series 4 | February 5 to February 26 | Monday 8:00 PM | Historic repeats |
| The Great British Bake Off | Series 6 | September 17 to October 8 | Monday 8:00 PM | Historic repeats |
| The Great British Bake Off | Series 9 | November 5 to November 26 | Monday 8:00 PM | Historic repeats |
| The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice | Season 1 | September 19 to October 10 | Friday 9:30 PM | Companion show |
Series Lineups and Marathon Air Plans
How PBS Structured the Bake Week by Week
In 2018, PBS treated each series as a mini event, grouping episodes into tight windows so viewers could anticipate a familiar rhythm. Monday nights became a dependable slot for main competitions, while Friday evenings hosted lighter companion content.
The schedule balanced nostalgic repeats with marathons of newer seasons, giving both long-time fans and curious newcomers clear entry points to the tent of bakers.
Companion Show Details and Specials
The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice in 2018
The companion show aired shortly after the main episode, featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and spirited panel debates. This Friday night block helped extend the conversation and kept the community engaged between bake weeks.
Regional Variations and Local PBS Scheduling
Why Your Local Channel Dates Might Differ
Member stations could shift start times slightly or bundle Bake Off marathons with related food programming to suit regional tastes. Viewers were encouraged to check local listings for precise minutes, ensuring no one missed a whisking or a well-timed oven ding.
Tips for Following the Schedule and Baking Along
- Check your local PBS listing the weekend before to confirm exact start times.
- Set reminders for Monday evening blocks to catch challenges and technicals.
- Use companion show air time to discuss techniques and verdicts with friends.
- Record earlier series if you want to marathon multiple heats in one session.
- Look out for special holiday-themed episodes featured in late-year marathons.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I watch the 2018 Bake Off series on demand through PBS platforms?
Many PBS stations offered streaming via their websites or apps for a limited window, but full access often required a local membership or cable login through the Passport service.
Were any 2018 series preempted by special PBS news programming?
Occasional news specials or pledge drives could shift episode times, so it was wise to verify the Monday line-up a few days before each week of baking.
Did PBS air holiday specials as part of the 2018 schedule?
The standard series did not include new holiday episodes in 2018, but marathons sometimes featured festive highlights from earlier seasons around Christmas and New Year.
How early should I set my oven and timers to follow along at home?
Sync your oven preheating with the show’s countdown in each challenge, and use a kitchen timer slightly ahead of the on-screen alerts to stay ahead of every bake.