Food Network is bringing back “Food Network Challenge.” The cable channel has begun production on a six-episode reboot of the hit series, with “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum (and “BH90210” star) Ian Ziering set as its host, Food Network president Courtney White said Thursday.
The updated series, which premieres Dec. 23, “pits the country’s top cake makers, bakers and sugar artists against each other in two rounds of themed battles to create mind-blowing edible works of art for a special event and $10,000 grand prize,” according to its description. “The season premiere celebrates the classic holiday film ‘A Christmas Story’ and upcoming episode themes include ‘Back to the Future,’ ‘Pokémon,’ ‘Monopoly’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz.’”
“Food Network Challenge” ran for six years on Food Network, from 2005 to 2011.
“‘Food Network Challenge’ gives viewers a front row seat to the real-life phenomenon that is the world of elite competitive baking,” White said. “The artists competing range from a 19-year-old cake wunderkind who started competing at age 14 to a seasoned cake maker who has been waiting eight years to come to ‘Challenge’ for a rematch.”
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the return of ‘Food Network Challenge,’” Ziering said. “Watching these contestants create edible works of art is so exciting and I can’t wait for viewers to see these mind-blowing creations.”