Food Network's Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking Kicks Off Holiday Programming with Spectacular Ratings

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Food Network's latest competition series, debuted on Thursday, November 14th, with record-breaking ratings that set a celebratory tone for the holiday season. The premiere posted an impressive 0.57 P25-54 and 0.74 W25-54 L3 rating, more than doubling the network's previous six-week benchmarks by 148% and 124%, respectively. The series is on track to become Food Network's highest-rated freshman series of the year.

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking brought audiences together for a magical confectionery experience," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "By combining the beloved Harry Potter universe with Food Network's legacy as a holiday programming leader, this immersive competition elevates culinary craftsmanship against the iconic backdrop of the wizarding world, just in time for the festive season."

Ranking as the #2 non-news/sports cable program of the night among P/W 25-54, the show also propelled Food Network to its highest-rated Thursday night prime-time performance since 2021. With its two-hour premiere, the series has already reached over 5.2 million viewers across linear, Max, and Discovery+ platforms.

Building on the enduring global appeal of the Harry Potter franchise, the show seamlessly blends captivating storytelling with fantastical edible creations. The unique format has kept viewers enthralled as they witness the creativity and artistry of the competitors.

Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), who charm audiences with their wit and behind-the-scenes stories, the series also features an elite panel of judges, including renowned chefs Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef. Throughout the six-episode season, special guest appearances by Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) add an extra layer of enchantment. These guests not only critique the culinary masterpieces but also share cherished anecdotes from their time on set.

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking is a collaboration between Warner Horizon and theoldschool for Food Network. The series is helmed by executive producers Bridgette Theriault and Dan Sacks of Warner Horizon, alongside Robin Ashbrook and Yasmin Shackleton of theoldschool.

This innovative series sets a new standard for culinary competition by merging beloved pop culture with exceptional craftsmanship, delivering a truly magical experience for viewers of all ages.