‘Holiday Baking Championship’ Fans React to Shocking Season 13 Shakeup

Holiday Baking Championship returns to the Food Network for its 13th season on November 2, but the show’s judging panel will look a little different this year.

Longtime judge Nancy Fuller has officially left the popular competition series and will be replaced by Girl Meets Farm host Molly Yeh. Fuller has been part of the show since its debut in 2014, serving as a judge alongside Duff Goldman. However, the 77-year-old has decided to step aside for the upcoming season.

Yeh, the bestselling cookbook author, who previously hosted Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship in 2022, will step in to judge alongside the returning Goldman and Kardea Brown.

The change has divided Holiday Baking Championship fans, with many saddened by Fuller’s departure and others apprehensive about Yeh joining the show.

“I’m so sad and disappointed. Nancy is my favorite,” wrote one Instagram commenter.

Molly Yeh Instagram

Another added, “I’m sorry to see Nancy go. I enjoyed her critiques and coordinated eyeglasses. When Molly was on this year’s 24 in 24 she showed a whole different personality. I will watch HBC regardless of who’s judging but I will definitely miss Nancy.”

“Noooooo…… please no. Molly hosted the show one time and it was awful. She was not suited for that role and now they want her to replace Nancy?” said another.

“I do not like Molly. This is a bad decision in my opinion. Nancy was a great judge on that show,” wrote one Reddit user.

Another said, “I like Nancy way more than not and will miss the banter. Honestly I wish they had Damaris Philips instead of Molly.”

“Nancy and Duff work because we trust them on knowing a heat bake and all its components that make a difference to various baked goods that someone without a lifetime of experience just cannot replace,” one fan added. “Molly makes popcorn balls and marshmallow salads. She doesn’t have the chops.”

“I hadn’t heard this, I will certainly miss Nancy. I hope she chose to leave on her own. Molly would not have been my choice,” added another.

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Another wrote, “No Nancy? This is terrible news to wake up to. What a bummer.”

“I cannot stand Molly Yeh and I am so sick of FN trying to ram her down our throats,” said one fan.

Another praised Yeh as a host but said they don’t think she’d make a good judge. “I like Molly a lot. Girl Meets Farm is a fun premise, and I love how homey it is. That said, I don’t think I would care for Molly as a judge even though she is a professional. I am a good home baker, but I’d make a lousy judge,” they wrote.

“I’m happy about it because I really like Molly!!!” said another.

What do you think about the judge shakeup? Let us know your thoughts below.

Holiday Baking Championship, Season 13, Premieres, Monday, November 2, 8/7 c, Food Network