Another baking competition. But even I, your resident TV curmudgeon, can’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity about Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” It’s not the usual kitchen stadium fare; this one’s setting up shop in the actual Hogwarts Great Hall and other iconic sets at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Teams of pastry chefs are tasked with conjuring edible spells in the form of Harry Potter-themed creations, and honestly, the potential for spectacular sugar-spun magic is kind of high.
Premiering Thursday, November 14 at 8:00 PM, “Wizards of Baking” isn’t just about the sweets. James and Oliver Phelps, the Weasley twins themselves, are hosting, which should add a dose of mischievous charm. Plus, they’re bringing in ringers from the films – Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch, and Bonnie Wright are among the judges slated to critique the confections and share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
Will this be a sugary disaster, a cloying mess of fandom and fondant? Or could “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” actually turn out to be…dare I say it…charming? With the Phelps twins at the helm, I’m cautiously optimistic. At the very least, it’s likely to offer up some visuals unlike anything you’ve seen on a baking show before. Now, if they can just resist the urge to make every other challenge about the Golden Snitch, I might actually stick around for more than a taste.
“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” premieres Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM on Food Network.
