Fox is gearing up to delight audiences this festive season with the return of its popular culinary competition, “Next Level Baker.” The second series of this holiday-themed baking show is set to commence on Thursday, 19 November, and will span across five weeks of thrilling episodes.
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Prominent figures in the culinary world, including renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay and Carla Hall, will once again take on the role of mentors. They will be joined by esteemed pastry chef and author Waylynn Lucas, creating a dynamic trio dedicated to guiding competitors through the festive baking challenges.
In a light-hearted promotional video for the upcoming season, the judges are depicted riding a whimsical train around the studio, showcasing their playful spirits as they narrowly miss a Christmas tree. Ramsay teased viewers, stating that the new series would be “bigger, brighter and louder” compared to its inaugural season that aired in 2025.
The competition will commence with an energetic team reveal, wherein each mentor will select three bakers from distinct categories: home bakers, professional chefs, and social media influencers. Ramsay humorously described a disastrous bake as deserving a spot on the “naughty list,” quipping, “Even the best plastic surgeon in L.A. won’t bring that thing back,” which adds to the show’s entertaining yet high-pressure atmosphere.
This season promises to offer an exciting array of participants. The professional chefs include Ben Neumann from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Pharren Evans from South Los Angeles, and Salma Garcia from Providence, Rhode Island. Meanwhile, social media contenders comprise Courtney Carey from North Tonawanda, New York, Colby Troy from Louisville, Kentucky, and Greg Mason from Wilson, North Carolina. The home bakers feature Marlina Corbin from Clarksville, Tennessee, Trung Pham from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jimiah Albritton from Palmetto, Florida.
The stakes are high, with the ultimate winner poised to take home a hefty prize of $50,000 along with a lavish cookware package from HexClad. A press release from Fox hints at an exhilarating season ahead, promising “more unforgettable bakers and bakes, instant nostalgia, nonstop action, and pressure unlike any other baking competition on television.”
Throughout the series, audiences can expect to see exciting special guests, a musical performance by the acclaimed a cappella group Pentatonix, and unexpected twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as bakers navigate through mid-bake challenges.
In light of his ongoing successful ventures, Ramsay earlier this year received a renewal for several of his acclaimed shows, including “Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Kitchen Nightmares,” and “Next Level Chef.” Speaking to PEOPLE at the Fox Upfront event in May, Ramsay likened his role as a producer and mentor across various shows to that of a father with multiple children, stating, “I have six shows on air right now. That’s like saying, I have six kids as well, what’s my favorite kid? It depends — it’s the one that least pisses me off at the moment.”
Mark your calendars for the premiere of “Next Level Baker,” which is set to air on 19 November at 9 PM ET on Fox. For those who miss the live broadcast, episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day, allowing fans to indulge in all the festive baking excitement at their own convenience. This season promises to be an engaging blend of competition, creativity, and culinary magic, sure to resonate with baking enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.