The first day of fall isn't technically until Sept. 23, but that doesn't mean the Food Network isn't fully embracing spooky season a little bit early. Every year, the network has a slew of entertaining competition shows centered on Halloween, and this year is no different. From cookie contests to carving the craziest pumpkins you've ever seen, the Food Network has officially released its 2023 Halloween schedule. And it's good — spooky good. As much as we love a classic Halloween movie, these annual programs should definitely be added to your holiday watch list.
Kathleen Finch, Warner Bros. Discovery chairman and chief content officer of US Networks Group, told Variety that the Halloween content is not only a fun way to lead into the holiday season but also boosts the network's ratings by a whopping 50%. As much as Food Network fans love tuning in for holiday content, the network is also fully on board. They recognize it's a fun and organic way to kick off the season, so rest assured that these shows won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Fan-favorites Halloween Baking Championship and Halloween Wars will be back for Seasons 9 and 13, respectively; and last year's hit Halloween Cookie Challenge will be back for Season 2, as will host Duff Goldman.
Here's the full lineup of what's coming to the Food Network as part of its new 2023 schedule. Whip up a batch of your favorite fall cocktails and sit back to enjoy some serious (and spooky) Halloween fun.
Halloween Baking Championship
Food Network
Premiere date: Sept. 11, 9 p.m./8 Central
The Food Network's spooky competition series is back this year with its ninth season. Twelve bakers have bought their tickets to a haunted carnival and will battle it out in a series of creepy challenges to see who gets to go home with $25,000 and earn the coveted title of Halloween Baking Champion. Stephanie Boswell, Carla Hall and Zac Young will act as judges — and will undoubtedly, as in seasons past, fully embrace this year's theme with their own festive (and delightfully frightening) costumes.
Halloween Wars
Food Network/Sean Rosenthal
Premiere date: Sept. 17, 9 p.m./8 Central
Hallmark star Jonathan Bennett is returning as host for this year's unlucky Season 13 alongside judges Aarti Sequeira and Shinmin Li. Nine teams — composed of pumpkin carvers, cake bakers and sugar artists — will embark on a ghoulish journey to create some seriously nightmarish challenges that are haunted house-inspired. From spooky desserts to sinister pumpkins, this might be one of the most epic seasons yet.
Outrageous Pumpkins
Food Network/Matt Odom
Premiere date: Sept. 24, 10 p.m./9 Central
The most talented pumpkin carvers from across the country will compete in epic challenges for this year's third season of Outrageous Pumpkins. Host Sunny Anderson and judges Paul Dever and Terri Hardin will lead seven carvers on a quest to win every outrageous challenge and ultimately land the title of Outrageous Pumpkin Champion, which includes taking home a check for $25,000.
Kids Baking Championship: Bloodcurdling Bakes
Food Network
Premiere date: Sept. 25, 8 p.m./7 Central
Four fan-favorite chefs from Kids Baking Championship return to the kitchen, which has been transformed into a Halloween haunt. Hosts Duff Goldman and Maneet Chauhan will co-host this holiday special, which will have these young bakers battling it out as they prepare an epic Halloween mask pie. The winner heads home with a $10,000 baking tools and equipment package.
Halloween Cookie Challenge
Food Network
Premiere date: Sept. 25, 10 p.m./9 Central
Duff Goldman and Rosanna Pansino are back to co-host Season 2 of the spookiest cookie challenge on TV. Talented bakers from across the country will compete in Halloween challenges that judge their cookie decorating skills as well as the taste. Whoever has what it takes to become this year's champion heads home with a grand prize of $10,000.
