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CBS will air the Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic live in primetime this fall, with Drew Barrymore hosting the special on November 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+. The broadcast marks the contest’s return to a major network for the first time since 2014 and moves the long-running baking tradition into a holiday-week television slot.
Barrymore announces return to network television
Barrymore revealed the news on her daytime talk show Thursday morning, confirming she will emcee the competition as it airs simultaneously on broadcast and streaming platforms. The live event aims for a broader audience by placing the Bake-Off in an evening time slot.
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Format, judges and prizes
The contest follows its familiar multi-round structure. Home bakers will face five distinct challenges, asked to put signature spins on a range of baked goods — from cookies to Thanksgiving pies — with the winner of each round advancing toward the finale.
Celebrity chefs Christina Tosi and Dook Chase will judge the entries. Finalists in the ultimate “Best in Bake” round will be tasked with creating edible wreaths. The champion will receive a $25,000 cash prize and a KitchenAid equipment package.
Production team and corporate partner
The special is produced by Studio Large Eyes, Pantheon Media Group and Juma Entertainment in association with General Mills. Executive producers include Scott Weintrob (Studio Large Eyes); Jennifer O’Connell, Ariel Brozell, Eden Sutley and Martha Chaput (Pantheon); and Robert Horowitz (Juma Entertainment. Brielle Cohen is listed as showrunner. Lisa Balzo, Kenzie Caron and Eleanor Harkness are executive producers for General Mills.
A decades-long American tradition
First held in 1949 as the “Grand National Recipe and Baking Contest,” the Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic has celebrated home baking for more than seven decades. CBS was the program’s long-time home from 1949 until 2002, after which the special moved between cable and digital platforms and lacked a steady broadcast slot.
Over the years, a range of high-profile television personalities have hosted the event, including Bob Barker, Alex Trebek, Phylicia Rashad, Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey. General Mills says returning the Bake-Off to primetime is intended to spotlight home-baker creativity and serve as a kickoff to the holiday baking season.
