FANS OUTRAGED AS ‘HOLIDAY BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP’ BRINGS BACK CONTROVERSIAL TEAM FORMAT FOR SEASON 13!
1. A Battle in Santa’s Village and Immediate Fan Backlash

Returning for its 13th season, Holiday Baking Championship brings 12 talented bakers into Santa’s Village to tackle festive dessert challenges. However, instead of an all-out individual battle, the contestants are once again split into two factions: the Elf Squad and the Reindeer Crew. This team-based setup instantly stirred up bad memories of Season 12’s Naughty vs. Nice format, where group performance directly dictated who faced the chopping block regardless of individual talent.
2. Viewers Threaten Boycott: “If I Wanted Alliances, I’d Watch ‘Survivor’!”

Underneath Food Network’s official Instagram preview, disappointed fans flooded the comment section to vent their frustration. Many questioned why an individual championship format requires group alliances and forced drama, with one viewer writing: “If I wanted to watch a show with alliances I would watch Survivor”. Others angrily recalled last season’s painful eliminations where team members had to vote each other off, claiming the forced team mechanics ruined the spirit of the show.

3. Judging Panel Shake-ups and Light at the End of the Tunnel

Adding fuel to the fire, long-standing judge Nancy Fuller is notably absent from Season 13, replaced by Girl Meets Farm host Molly Yeh alongside Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown. However, there is a silver lining for frustrated viewers: the team format will not last the entire season. Food Network confirmed that the groups will dissolve after the first two episodes, allowing the remaining bakers to finally fight individually for the $25,000 grand prize.