ELITE CAKE ARTISTS AND POP CULTURE COLLIDE IN HIGH-STAKES COMPETITION SERIES "FOOD NETWORK CHALLENGE" HOSTED BY IAN ZIERING

Hit Series Reboot Premieres Monday, December 23rd at 10pm ET/PT with A Christmas Story-Themed Competition

New York - November 18, 2019 - Fan-favorite competition series Food Network Challenge is back and better than ever with new host Ian Ziering and a fresh roster of the country's top cake makers, bakers and sugar artists going head-to-head in pop culture-themed battles to create mind-blowing works of delicious art. The six-episode season kicks off on Monday, December 23rd at 10pm ET/PT with a celebration of the beloved holiday classic A Christmas Story, complete with over-the-top edible recreations of the iconic film's most memorable moments. Upcoming episode themes include Back to the Future, Pokémon, Monopoly and The Wizard of Oz.

"Every Food Network Challenge contestant has risen to the top of the competitive baking world by winning multiple awards, so these expert bakers are extremely competitive," said Courtney White, President, Food Network. "The culinary action combined with pop culture nostalgia and host Ian Ziering's charm make for a fun and compelling show for the whole family."

In the season premiere, four top-notch cake artists compete in a celebration of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time: A Christmas Story. From edible pink bunny suits and leg lamps to a visit from Scott Schwartz, who played Flick, there are tons of "oh fudge" moments in this wild ride. Judges Matt Allard, Keegan Gerhard and Claudia Sandoval determine who wins $10,000 for their Christmas stocking, along with the title Food Network Challenge champion.

Viewers can learn more about Ian Ziering, meet the contestants and follow the competition at FoodNetwork.com/FNChallenge. Plus, follow on social channels using # FNChallenge for an exclusive Q&A with Ian and to see top moments from the competition.

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FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine's rate base has grown 13 times and is the No. 2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.5 million readers. Food Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories; the portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.