Pillsbury Bake-Off Returns to Primetime After 20+ Years Pillsbury is reviving its flagship baking competition as a primetime special, airing Monday, Nov. 23 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Emmy Award-winning talk-show host Drew Barrymore will host the two-hour event, which will feature home bakers competing in five rounds of challenges.

Competition Structure and Celebrity Judges The special will showcase contestants from across the country competing in baking challenges that combine innovative twists on Pillsbury products with from-scratch technique. Celebrity chef judges Christina Tosi and Dook Chase will evaluate each round's creations. Challenges will range from cookies for cookie exchanges to Thanksgiving pies, with the top baker from each round advancing to a finale called the "Best in Bake," where finalists will create "Edible Festive Wreaths for the Holidays."

Prize and Recognition The winning baker will receive a $25,000 cash prize and a KitchenAid equipment package.

The special will also feature personal stories and traditions behind contestants and their recipes, celebrating what Pillsbury calls the cultural significance of home baking during the holiday season. "Bringing the PILLSBURY BAKE-OFF back to primetime television after more than 20 years is an exciting way to celebrate the creativity and joy home bakers have shared with us for generations," said Maria Carolina Comings, vice president and business unit director for Pillsbury at General Mills. "We're thrilled to kick off the holiday baking season on such a large stage and inspire both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers."

Production and Talent The special is produced by Studio Large Eyes, Pantheon Media Group, and Juma Entertainment.

Brielle Cohen serves as showrunner.

Why It Matters

The return of Pillsbury Bake-Off to broadcast television signals renewed appetite for competitive baking content during peak holiday season. For General Mills, the primetime slot represents a major marketing investment in reaching both legacy audiences familiar with the brand's 60+ year tradition and younger viewers discovering the franchise.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors