Halloween Wars

Watch Halloween Wars

  • TV-G
  • 2011
  • 15 Seasons
  • 7.6  (745)

Halloween Wars is a reality competition show that premiered on Food Network in 2011. The show features teams of pumpkin carvers, cake decorators, and sugar artists who compete against each other to create the best Halloween-themed display. The show is hosted by Shinmin Li, a well-known sugar artist, and actor Jonathan Bennett who plays the role of a commentator. The show also features Todd Tucker who serves as a judge.

Each team consists of three members who are assigned a Halloween-themed challenge to complete within a specific amount of time. The challenges range from creating a haunted house to baking a cake with a spooky surprise inside. Throughout the competition, the teams must demonstrate their creativity and ability to work under pressure as they try to impress the judges.

The first round of the show is the pumpkin carving challenge. The teams are given a giant pumpkin and they must use their tools to carve it into a spooky sculpture. The carving must be intricate and detailed enough to impress the judges. The pumpkin carving challenge is particularly challenging because pumpkin is a difficult medium to work with, and the teams must be skilled in using various carving tools.

The second round of the competition is the cake decorating challenge. The teams are given a large cake and a specific theme to work with. They must incorporate the theme into their cake design and use their creativity to create a masterpiece. The cake decorating challenge requires the teams to have a deep understanding of flavor combinations, texture, and the technique of sugar art.

The final round of the competition is the sugar art challenge. The teams are given a brief and must create an intricate sculpture or centerpiece entirely out of sugar. This round is particularly challenging because sugar is a very delicate medium that requires skilled hands and careful attention to detail.

Throughout the show, the teams face many challenges, and their work is evaluated by a panel of judges, including Todd Tucker. The judging criteria include creativity, technique, and overall aesthetic appeal. The judges are very strict and will provide constructive feedback on the teams' work, giving them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills.

One of the unique features of Halloween Wars is the use of special effects. The show uses special lighting, fog machines, and other effects to enhance the spooky Halloween atmosphere. These effects add an extra layer of excitement and energy to the show and help to elevate the teams' work.

Overall, Halloween Wars is an exciting, high-energy competition show that showcases the skills of some of the best pumpkin carvers, cake decorators, and sugar artists in the industry. The show is full of twists and turns, and the challenges are both fun and challenging. With Shinmin Li's guidance, Jonathan Bennett's commentary, and Todd Tucker's expertise in the field, the show is a must-watch for anyone who loves Halloween and sweet treats.

Halloween Wars is a series that ran for 15 seasons (97 episodes) between October 2, 2011 and on Food Network

Halloween Wars
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Seasons
Spellbound
6. Spellbound
October 26, 2025
For their final challenge, the last two teams standing must create a scene that shows a modern-day spell being cast and includes one special effect plus three complete characters. Then, it's up to Jonathan Bennett, Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira to make their toughest decision yet: who will be crowned Halloween Wars champion and take home the grand prize of $25,000?
The Boogeyman's Lair
5. The Boogeyman's Lair
October 19, 2025
Host Jonathan Bennett asks the three remaining teams to imagine what the boogeyman's evil lair would look like. This week, the cake artist is in the hot seat as their entire victim must be made of cake. Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira determine which two teams head to the finale, where they will battle it out for the title of Halloween Wars champion and $25,000!
Halloween Word Games
4. Halloween Word Games
October 12, 2025
Host Jonathan Bennett challenges the four remaining teams to create a scene based on three random words -- a noun, an adverb and a monster. This week, the pumpkin artists are in the spotlight as their monster must be completely made of pumpkin. Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira determine which three teams move forward and which team is sent home.
The Scary Square-Off
3. The Scary Square-Off
October 5, 2025
The five remaining teams of amazingly talented cake, pumpkin and sugar artists face off for the first time! Host Jonathan Bennett tasks the teams with creating a scene of two of Halloween's biggest monsters competing against each other in various sports. Plus, the teams must highlight one team member's skill in their display -- first up, sugar artists! Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira evaluate the designs and ultimately, one team is eliminated.
G.S.I.: Ghost Scene Investigators
2. G.S.I.: Ghost Scene Investigators
September 28, 2025
Three new teams face off as host Jonathan Bennett challenges them to create their own crime scene. Given a case file that indicates the who and the where, the teams must imagine the what and the why. Plus, in tribute to all the crime solvers out there, the teams make tasting elements that include coffee and doughnuts. Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira move two more teams through, and one team is eliminated.
 Scare School
1. Scare School
September 21, 2025
Jonathan Bennett challenges the first four teams to create a scene depicting their favorite monsters when they were in school and include a classic school snack in the tasting element. Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira decide which team is eliminated.
Description
Where to Watch Halloween Wars
Halloween Wars is available for streaming on the Food Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Halloween Wars on demand at Max, Discovery+, Prime Video, Philo, Amazon, Hulu, Fandango at Home, Food Network, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 2, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (745)