For Halloween lovers, things don’t feel complete without certain traditions. And one of those top-tier fall experiences is gathering around the television for spooky baking showdowns, pumpkin carving battles and creative cookie competitions. Over the years, the Food Network has become a popular hub for these types of comfort shows. This channel has certainly leaned into all the festive fun with a group of seasonal specials that combine culinary creativity with holiday thrills.
With reports having surfaced in recent months that the Food Network has quietly dropped or paused several Halloween-themed series, some disappointment has been triggered among fans. But could some top favorite October traditions be slipping off the small screen? Are there some Food Network Halloween shows that are actually cancelled? Here’s what we know.
Is ‘Halloween Baking Championship’ coming back in 2025?
Thankfully for fans, Halloween Baking Championship is not cancelled. Despite some speculation existing about a broader pullback of seasonal programming, TV Insider notes that Food Network does seem to be leaning on this flagship competition as one of its anchor seasonal offerings.
This makes sense given that it has consistently had good ratings and has a long-standing popularity with viewers. However, some slight changes are being made. For one, some of the elements of the competition are changing. Hosting duties and even parts of the judging lineup are being preserved, as Warner Bros. Discovery reports. So, John Henson is returning as host and Stephanie Boswell, Carla Hall and Zac Young are back as judges. Basically, the core cast is remaining the same but the format is being tweaked.
Season 11 introduces a bottom-three elimination structure. This structure means that the three lowest performers from earlier rounds must then “bake for their lives” in an intense head-to-head showdown. Then there is the “Haunted Heat” prelude, which gives contestants a chance to win a bonus before entering the main round. Overall, there are fewer rounds per episode and an added risk in eliminations, with the show leaning harder into suspense this season. This means that fans will still get their dose of eerie bakes and elaborate creations, but the overall experience may feel a little different than in past years.
How long will ‘Halloween Baking Championship’ be on?
The answer to that question truly depends on viewership, but things are looking good for fans. Beyond its 2025 return, Halloween Baking Championship continues to set itself apart as one of the few seasonal competitions that has managed to sustain momentum year after year. The on-screen challenges often blend culinary skill and theatrical presentation. This requires bakers to balance taste, texture and creativity under high pressure. For many, this mix of artistry and suspense is what makes the Halloween Baking Championship an unmissable part of setting the seasonal vibes in October.
Additionally, the prize money combined with national exposure also serves as a significant career boost for many participants. Past contestants have gone on to grow their baking businesses or even become social media personalities, as Mashed reports. For example, season nine’s winner, Hollie Fraser (based in British Columbia, Canada) has a business called Punk Rock Pastries. Her baking company is known for wildly creative cake designs, including anatomically accurate chocolate hearts. As some fans may know, demand for her creations surged significantly after her win.
Then there is season eight’s Blayre Wright, who has used social media to share and sell treats under the name Flouretta Sweet. She has leveraged the exposure from the show and is even expanding her reach with a podcast called Whisk Management. So, in that way, the show coming back in 2025 is more than just a seasonal treat; it’s a launching pad for more delectable creations.
What other Halloween shows are coming to Food Network this year?
Per TV Passport, Food Network’s Halloween-themed slate is a bit slimmer than it has been in the past. Halloween Baking Championship‘s eleventh season premiered Sept. 15. Afterward, Halloween Wars (season 15) returned on Sept. 21. These two shows represent the backbone of the Halloween programming this year. But what fans might have noticed is the absence of some other favorites.
This lighter Halloween slate marks a noticeable departure from prior years, when Food Network notably filled its schedule with multiple spooky specials. These used to air back-to-back in October 2022 and 2023. 2025 is already showing a clear contrast, but fans can find comfort in the fact that shows like Halloween Wars and Halloween Baking Championship have consistently delivered reliable ratings, which make them safe bets.
What seasonal shows did Food Network cancel?
Several Halloween-themed programs have either been canceled or at least pulled from the Food Network, as NewsNation reports. For example, Outrageous Pumpkins, which highlights some impressive pumpkin carving artistry, hasn’t returned. Last Bite Hotel, a new series with a spooky culinary twist, also appears to have been shelved.
In addition, Halloween Cookie Challenge (a fan-favorite competition showcasing decorating skills), is also missing from the schedule. This sad news comes right as fall is about to really begin. Yet, generally, the Food Network has not issued cancellation announcements, meaning there could still be hope for a return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jonathan Bennett hosting Halloween Wars?
Yes, he is returning as host of Halloween Wars for the fifteenth season.
Who is the new host of the Halloween Baking Championship?
Instead of the previous host, Molly Yeh, viewers can expect to experience a unique comedic style and food knowledge from Ali Khan in 2025.
How much do contestants make on Halloween Baking Championship?
Contestants typically compete for a grand prize of around $25,000, but bragging rights are also an important reward, per Citizen Times.