The Great American Baking Show 2026: Celebrity Contestants, Hosts and Judges
 |
| The Great American Baking Show 2026 |
The Great American Baking Show is back in the spotlight with a high-profile return timed perfectly for Super Bowl weekend. On February 1, 2026, the beloved baking competition will air a new celebrity special, reaffirming its place as one of America’s most charming and accessible food shows.
Originally adapted from the British hit The Great British Bake Off, The Great American Baking Show blends classic baking challenges with a relaxed, good-humored tone. Over the years, the show has evolved through network changes and format updates, but its core appeal has remained the same: skilled baking, friendly competition, and plenty of warmth.
When and Where It Airs
The upcoming episode, titled “Celebrity Big Game”, will premiere on February 1, 2026, streaming exclusively on The Roku Channel. The timing is intentional. Airing just ahead of the Super Bowl, the special leans into America’s biggest sports weekend, combining football culture with baking creativity.
The Roku Channel has become the permanent home of the franchise in recent years, releasing seasonal specials rather than a traditional long-running season. This strategy has helped the show reach a broader streaming audience while keeping each installment feeling fresh and event-driven.
Celebrity Contestants
This edition features a lineup of well-known sports figures and media personalities, all stepping far outside their usual arenas. Confirmed participants include:
-
Antonio Gates, former NFL star
-
Von Miller, Super Bowl champion
-
Julian Edelman, retired Patriots standout
-
Mina Kimes, sports journalist and analyst
Across three classic challenges—Signature, Technical, and Showstopper—the celebrities will compete for the coveted Star Baker title. While baking skill varies, the focus remains on effort, creativity, and entertainment rather than cutthroat competition.
Hosts and Judges
Hosting duties are handled by Casey Wilson and Andrew Rannells, whose comedic chemistry has become a defining feature of the American version. Their light banter helps put nervous contestants at ease while keeping the pacing lively.
Judging the bakes are two familiar faces to fans of the franchise: Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Hollywood’s technical precision and Leith’s thoughtful critiques bring credibility and continuity, anchoring the U.S. series firmly within the Bake Off tradition.
Why This Special Matters
The “Celebrity Big Game” episode reflects a broader trend for the show: fewer episodes, higher visibility, and stronger thematic hooks. By pairing baking with a major cultural event like the Super Bowl, the series continues to attract both longtime fans and casual viewers who might not normally watch a baking competition.
It also highlights the show’s enduring tone. Even with famous contestants and a prime sports tie-in, The Great American Baking Show remains gentle, humorous, and comfort-focused—qualities that set it apart in a crowded reality TV landscape.
What’s Next
While no full season has been announced beyond the February 2026 special, Roku has signaled continued investment in themed celebrity editions. For now, fans can look forward to a one-night event that combines flour, football, and familiar faces in a format that feels both festive and familiar.
