It’s almost time for Food Network’s hit competition, Halloween Baking Championship, to return. Unfortunately for diehard fans, Carla Hall will not be back as a judge, and she has been a staple since the series premiered in 2015. Now, after 11 seasons, she is exiting, but who will take her place? Keep reading for more details on what to expect.
Carla Hall Is OUT
After eleven seasons on the Halloween Baking Championship, Carla Hall is gone from the show. She was a fan-favorite judge and always had impeccable insight. So, why would she leave the series after all of this time? As it turns out, she did not have an exclusive Food Network contract and was allowed to do other things if she so chose. An insider shared this regarding Carla and her existing contracts:
“She prefers not to be tethered down to a single network so she has the ability to explore other opportunities, like she did by going to Fox for Next Level Baker.”
Moreover, there was allegedly no bad blood between Carla and the network. It was an understanding that she could go and pursue her other projects for this season. That is not saying she won’t return next year.
As for who will be coming in to take over for Carla Hall, it is someone who Food Network fans will be familiar with. Aarti Sequeira will sit alongside host John Henson and judges Stephanie Boswell and Zac Young. She won Season 6 of The Next Food Network Star, so she is perfect for this next challenge. As for when Season 12 will premiere, it is set for September 14th, which is perfect timing. Halloween cocktails and treats have already begun to roll out all over and will soon arrive at Dunkin on August 19th. Starbucks will follow around a week later.
All Of The Seasons
The hardest part about losing Carla Hall is that she has been the only consistent person on the Halloween Baking Championship. The series has had rotating judges and hosts, but Carla has been a staple since the show premiered in 2015. So, it will be an adjustment, but viewers love the creations and the holiday spirit. Therefore, as much as they will miss her, they will likely adjust. Moreover, old episodes are available to stream on multiple platforms. Aarti Sequeira has also amassed quite a fanbase on YouTube, which could help her immensely:
- My new favorite You Tube show!
- This show is such a delight to watch!!
- Great job Aarti you’re amazing
Hopefully, viewers will appreciate her as they did Carla Hall. Are you excited for the new season of Halloween Baking Championship? Let us know in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.