Holiday Baking Championship is back—but the judges' table looks a bit different this year.
Season 13 of the hit culinary competition begins on November 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network, and fans are ready to see what the incredible bakers create for the holidays. While we don’t know what the challenges will entail, we do know that beloved judge Nancy Fuller won’t be there.
Why is Nancy Fuller not on Holiday Baking Championship?
As fans saw on Instagram on November 1, longtime host Jesse Palmer and previous judges Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown are back for this season. However, chef Molly Yeh will replace Nancy as the third judge.
“We're getting into the holiday spirit! 🎂,” the caption read on the Food Network post. “A new group of talented bakers is bringing holiday magic to the kitchen. Don't miss the season premiere of #HolidayBakingChampionship Monday, November 2 at 8|7c!”
Understandably, fans were confused by Nancy’s departure.
“No Nancy??? I will have to pass this year then 😢,” one person wrote in the comments. “Ugh I’m so disappointed that Nancy is not in this season,” another agreed. “Release a statement on where our queen Nancy is!!! Or else!!! 🎄🍪,” a different follower added.
What is Nancy Fuller doing now?
While neither Food Network nor Nancy has shared insight into the casting decision, the chef teased that she’s busy spending time with loved ones and taking on personal projects at home.
“HI ... I’ve been renovating my kitchen!!!!!” she said in August on Instagram. “Can’t wait to share my adventure…. It was a tad longer than I anticipated. But worth the wait! Only another month to go. #invisacook.”
We’ll definitely miss Nancy this season!
