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A magical culinary journey: Harry Potter-themed baking show set to premiere
Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing a touch of magic to the holiday season with the launch of its new baking competition, “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” The show is set to premiere on November 14 at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network and will be available for streaming globally on Max.
A spellbinding competition
The “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” competition promises to be a groundbreaking series that combines the enchanting world of Harry Potter with the art of baking. Described by Food Network as a series that “blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations,” this show is set to captivate audiences with its unique format and magical themes.
Hosts and judges
The competition will be hosted by James and Oliver Phelps, known for their roles as Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films. The judging panel includes renowned chefs Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, along with special guest judges and Harry Potter alums Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).
The challenge
The series kicks off with a super-sized episode where nine teams of pastry chefs and cake artists are tasked with creating massive, spellbinding edible showpieces inspired by moments and themes from the Harry Potter saga. Each week, the culinary artists will design eye-popping creations that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer surprising and enchanting visual elements.
Iconic locations
Fans of Harry Potter will recognize many familiar places, as the series was produced at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The competition takes place amidst the backdrop of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, on some of the original sets where Harry Potter’s journey was brought to life on screen. Contestants will have the unprecedented opportunity to present their creations in famed locations such as Platform 9¾, The Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and more.
The prize
At the end of the competition, the winners will be awarded the “Wizards of Baking Cup” and will have the opportunity to appear in a new Harry Potter cookbook.
Meet the contestants
The teams competing in “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” include:
- Kimberly Adams (Milwaukee, MI) and Ashley Cardona (Charleston, SC)
- Lisa Altfest (Orange County, CA) and Mitzi Reyes (Los Angeles, CA)
- Hemu Basumatary (Katy, TX) and Riccardo Menicucci (Los Angeles, CA)
- Zoe Burmester (Brooklyn, NY) and Jordan Pilarski (Ojai, CA)
- Jess Lewis (Washington, DC) and Jamie Louks (Seattle, WA)
- Kayla Giddings (Lafayette, LA) and Yohann Le Bescond (Ocala, FL)
- Juan Gutierrez (Chicago, IL) and Elizabeth Rowe (Dallas, TX)
- Michael Russ II (Modesto, CA) and Conner Strackman (Smithville, TX)
- Christopher Teixeira (Chicago, IL) and Miko Uy (Astoria, NY)
A magical experience
Betsy Ayala, Warner Bros. Discovery head of food content, expressed her excitement about the show, stating, “With ‘Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,’ the confectionary magic coming this November is splendidly real and unlike anything seen before. By tapping into the incredible fandom of Harry Potter, as well as that of Food Network’s holiday programming, it is a culinary competition that delivers on multiple levels with elevated culinary craftsmanship executed in an enchanted setting and airing during the most wonderful time of year.”
Production details
“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” is produced by Warner Horizon and theoldschool for Food Network. Warner Horizon’s Bridgette Theriault and Dan Sacks serve as executive producers alongside theoldschool’s Robin Ashbrook and Yasmin Shackleton.
Watch the trailer
Get a sneak peek of the magical culinary journey by watching the trailer for “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” here.
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