Food Network Announces Game-Changing 2025 Show Schedule—New Competitions, Celebrity Chefs & Streaming Exclusives

Food Network is kicking off the 2025 holiday season with more than 50 hours of fresh programming—just as it prepares to bid farewell to one of its longest-running staples, “The Kitchen.” The cable giant revealed a jam-packed slate featuring new specials from Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay and Jesse Palmer, even as fans brace for the talk-and-cook series’ final episode in December. Guy Fieri leads the charge on Tuesday, Nov. 5 with “Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas.” The holiday spin-off shakes up the bracket battle by pairing powerhouse chefs—think Antonia Lofaso and Alex Guarnaschelli or Michael and Bryan Voltaggio—into two-person teams chasing a $100,000 grand prize (plus $50,000 for charity). Fieri’s son Hunter handles sideline reports, adding a family twist to the high-pressure cook-offs. Two days later, Sunday, Nov. 9, Food Network debuts “Sweet Empire,” hosted by “Bachelor in Paradise” alum Wells Adams. Fourteen pastry pros will craft larger-than-life sugar sculptures for judges Jacques Torres and Yolanda Gampp, promising Instagram-ready desserts and plenty of confectionary drama. Fan favorites are also on the calendar. “Holiday Baking Championship” returns Monday, Nov. 3 with Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Kardea Brown judging 12 hopeful bakers on snow-day snack attacks and show-stopping centerpiece cakes. Bobby Flay’s “Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown” follows on Tuesday, Nov. 11, pitting the Iron Chef against Food Network regulars—and even girlfriend Brooke Williamson—for bragging rights and seasonal smack talk. Behind the festive news, viewers learned that “The Kitchen” will end its nearly 12-year run after 40 seasons and 500-plus episodes. Co-hosts Sunny Anderson, Katie Lee Biegel, Jeff Mauro, Geoffrey Zakarian and Alex Guarnaschelli confirmed the finale will air Saturday, Dec. 13, thanking fans for “countless weekends of cooking, laughter and, yes, cleanup.” The cancellation marks the end of an era for Food Network’s Saturday-morning block, but the brand is betting big on event programming to keep audiences tuning in (and streaming on Max and discovery+). Viewers can also look forward to themed one-offs like “World’s Sweetest Candy Shops” and “Gingerbread Land: The Biggest Little Holiday Competition,” plus fresh holiday episodes of “The Kitchen” taped before the goodbye announcement. How to watch: All premieres air on Food Network and stream the same day on discovery+/Max. Fans can check local listings or visit FoodNetwork.com for full schedules, recipes and behind-the-scenes clips. Key dates at a glance • Nov 2 – Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season 2 • Nov 3 – Holiday Baking Championship premiere • Nov 5 – Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas debut • Nov 9 – Sweet Empire series premiere • Nov 11 – Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown return • Dec 13 – Series finale of “The Kitchen” Whether you’re tuning in for high-stakes culinary competition or a nostalgic final toast, Food Network’s holiday lineup ensures plenty of reasons to keep the remote—and the snack tray—close at hand this season.