Overview

• The Food Network series returned September 15 with host John Henson and judges Stephanie Boswell, Carla Hall, and Zac Young.
• Season 11 replaces the traditional two full rounds with one main bake followed by a head-to-head elimination among the bottom three.
• Fans on Reddit criticized seeing fewer creations per episode and called the twist a departure from what made the show appealing.
• Viewers also objected to a new balcony set and increased emphasis on contestant reactions and personal backstories, drawing comparisons to MasterChef.
• The winner still earns $25,000, and coverage notes no official response from Food Network as debate over the changes continues.