Fans are ready to walk away from the show over one returning decision they can’t stand. The Food Network series faces growing backlash as viewers react to a controversial format change confirmed for its upcoming season.
Baking Championship faces backlash over format change
Fans of Holiday Baking Championship expressed outrage after learning the team format will return for Season 13. The Food Network series first introduced the divisive change during Season 12 last year. That season split 12 contestants into Team Naughty and Team Nice for early challenges.
The two teams competed against each other for advantages and immunity throughout the first half of the season. Bakers from the losing team faced elimination each week under the format. The network released a Season 13 preview on its official Instagram page this week confirming the team structure’s return.
Fans flooded the comments section with frustrated reactions to the announcement. “HATE the team format, especially last year when they made the team decide who left,” one viewer wrote. Another fan compared it unfavorably to reality competition shows. “If I wanted to watch a show with alliances I would watch Survivor,” they said.
A third commenter questioned the logic behind the decision. “If this is an individual championship show, why use teams,” they wrote. “Each person should be responsible for their own winning or losing.” Another viewer offered a conditional warning. “Not a fan of the team format. I’ll give it one more season,” they said.
The team format backlash adds to existing frustrations among the show’s fanbase. Longtime judge Nancy Fuller recently announced she stepped down after judging since 2014. Cookbook author Molly Yeh replaces her alongside returning judges Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown. Brown herself replaced fan-favorite judge Carla Hall last season. Jesse Palmer returns as host for Season 13, premiering on November 2 at 8:00 p.m. EST on the Food Network.
