TLC SWEETENS UP MONDAY NIGHTS WITH A DOUBLE DOSE OF BUDDY

CAKE BOSS returns on December 30, leading into all-new episodes of BAKERY BOSS

TLC sets up the perfect New Year's treat with an all-new Monday night schedule featuring America's favorite baker in back-to-back series runs of CAKE BOSS and BAKERY BOSS, starting December 30. That evening, Buddy will be live on-air from 8-11pm with the Cake Boss Kickoff LIVE, as TLC offers its audience the chance to Watch-and-Win special prizes and engage directly with the "Boss" himself on the network's digital and social platforms - TLC.com and @TLC. The night will also be the launch of weekly live tweet commentary from @CakeBossBuddy around the new episodes, giving behind the scenes details and more.

CAKE BOSS, featuring Buddy and the entire Carlo's Bakery crew, anchors the night at 9/8c. This winter season will feature more crazy confections as the team creates cakes for music legend Willie Nelson's 80th birthday; a 14-foot, 800-pound alligator cake; and a special wedding cake for NEXT GREAT BAKER winner Ashley Holt. The entire Valastro family also rallies around Momma Mary, who continues to battle her ALS diagnosis with new treatment options. A sneak peek at the season can be previewed at http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/cake-boss.

Then, BAKERY BOSS moves to its new time slot, 10/9c, with all new episodes. The series follows Buddy as he brings his unique blend of baking and business skills to struggling family-run bakeries across the country, including Florida, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. On the episode airing December 30, Buddy visits Oteri's Italian Bakery in Philadelphia, PA, where owner Lisa is still reeling from the loss of her father and mentor Tom. Since then, business has slowed but Lisa and her fiancé Jimmy have not wanted to make any changes. Buddy works to help this stubborn family change their traditions, while still continuing to be true to the family legacy. Fans can watch exclusive videos - including updates from the bakeries and before-and-after photos at http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/bakery-boss.

12 new episodes of CAKE BOSS are scheduled to air, along with 10 new episodes of BAKERY BOSS. High Noon Entertainment produces both series for TLC.