In the 1980s we had 'Saturday Superstore', a magazine programme for children. Twenty five years later the same audience , now grown-up, is probably watching 'Saturday Kitchen'. And it works on much the same format, although we now have clips of 'The Hairy Bikers' instead of cartoons. We still have the celebrity guests, audience interaction and competitions.
I doubt that many people sit and watch the whole show. I don't think I would want to, or have the time to. But this programme works because you can dip in and out of it.
James Martin is an amiable host and provides the (definitely good-looking) glue which holds it all together.
Like most mainstream cookery programmes, meat takes up the lion's share of the menu but vegetarian cookery is treated with respect and veggie dishes are often featured.
For a lightweight, entertaining morning show this is spot on. If only there was a totally vegetarian equivalent!