Halloween is almost here, and the food TV channels are wasting no time getting fans into the spooky spirit. Yep, “Halloween Wars” is back for Season 16, and this time around, the competition is bringing back plenty of familiar faces for another chance at Halloween bragging rights and a grand prize.
Food Network announced the return on Instagram Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with a video featuring Hallmark alum Jonathan Bennett. The network wrote in the caption:
“The all-stars are back, and #HalloweenWars just got a whole lot more terrifying 🎃.”
Bennett is returning as host, giving fans another season with a familiar face leading the spooky competition. Honestly, it seems like a pretty fitting time for the show to make its return, with Halloween season officially getting closer and closer.
But Bennett isn’t the only familiar face fans will see this season.
Who Is Returning for ‘Halloween Wars’ Season 16?
According to Food Network’s post (seen above):
“Eight returning teams go head-to-head in an all-new battle for the ultimate Halloween bragging rights and a grand prize of $30,000!”
And, the network is calling this season an all-star battle, so fans can expect plenty of experienced competitors bringing their best spooky creations to the table.
So, of course, there will be some familiar faces behind the judges’ table, too.
Shinmin Li (who previously appeared on the series) and Andrew Fuller will judge the creations this season, per Food Network. “Both judges are award-winning cake artists,” which means the competitors will have some serious talent looking over their work.
Andrew Fuller, who fans might know as the Season 1 winner of the Netflix reality baking competition series “Is It Cake?,” even stopped by the announcement’s comments section after being revealed as one of the judges. He joked, “I knew I smelled something! 💚”
Coco Belly Cakes artist Huiwen, also joined in on the conversation, writing, “It must have been so much more fun judging instead of competing! 😂”
Yep, it seems like fans aren’t the only ones excited to see the competition from a different perspective this time around.
The comments on Food Network’s post were already filled with excitement. One fan wrote, “These teams are STACKED 👻👻👻,” while another shared, “The most wonderful time of the year!!!🎃👻🧹”
Another fan spotted some familiar favorites and commented, “Oh my goodness, I see some of my faves, I’m so in!!🧡🎃💚🤎” Others added, “Love this show! Can’t wait! 🧡🖤🎃” and “🔥🔥🔥What a season!”
And then Gold Peak Tea got straight to the point, writing, “Spooky szn is officially here 🧛”
When Does ‘Halloween Wars’ Season 16 Premiere?
Food NetworkSo, when can fans finally see these spooky creations come to life?
Food Network’s post (seen above) revealed that “Halloween Wars” Season 16 premieres Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 9:00pm ET.
The premiere will kick off the new season with the returning teams facing off in the competition. With seven teams fighting for the grand prize, there won’t be much room for mistakes once the challenges get underway.
Let’s be real, part of the fun of “Halloween Wars” is seeing just how far the competitors are willing to take their creations. The show has always been a place for some seriously creative cakes, sugar work, and pumpkin designs, and bringing back returning teams should make the competition even more fun to watch.
Fans Have Plenty to Look Forward To
Between Jonathan Bennett returning as host and Andrew Fuller joining Shinmin Li at the judges’ table, there are already plenty of reasons for longtime viewers to tune in.
The returning teams also give fans a chance to see some familiar competitors take another shot at the title, while the $30,000 prize gives everyone plenty of motivation to bring their biggest and best ideas to the competition.
Honestly, Food Network couldn’t have picked a better time to bring “Halloween Wars” back. Spooky season is here, fans are clearly ready, and the comments on the announcement make that pretty obvious.
It seems like viewers are already counting down to the premiere, and yep, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for anyone who considers Halloween their favorite time of year.
So grab your favorite Halloween snack, settle in, and get ready to see what these returning teams have in store.
“Halloween Wars” Season 16 premieres Sunday, September 13, at 9:00pm ET on Food Network, streaming next day on HBO Max.
