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Food Network Is Bringing Back 2 Iconic Halloween Baking Shows This Fall

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 18:44 GMT by Better Homes & Gardens
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Food Network Revives a Classic: “Good Eats” Returns to the Screen

In a move that has delighted both long‑time fans and newcomers to culinary entertainment, Food Network has announced that it will bring back the iconic cooking‑science series Good Eats. The revival, set to premiere later this year, will see Alton Brown—who originally hosted the show from 1999 to 2007—return to the helm in a fresh, updated format that blends his trademark wit, science‑based insights, and love of food with the digital‑era appetite for on‑demand, interactive content.

A Brief Look Back

Good Eats first aired in 1999 as a one‑hour program that quickly became a staple of the Food Network’s lineup. With its distinctive mix of pop‑culture references, quick‑fire facts, and playful humor, the show taught viewers how to cook and understand the science behind the food they ate. It also famously popularized a generation’s use of kitchen gadgets and a curiosity‑driven approach to cooking.

The show ran for eight seasons and left a lasting mark on the culinary world. Alton Brown’s approach to food—explaining “why” as well as “how”—helped viewers feel confident enough to try out more complex techniques and ingredients. In 2007, after the eighth season, the network decided to end the series, citing a desire to explore new formats and content.

Why Now?

Food Network’s decision to revive Good Eats comes at a time when audiences are looking for “edutainment” in the kitchen. With the rise of cooking shows on streaming platforms, a show that educates and entertains is a natural fit for the network’s broader strategy. In an interview with Food Network’s own media portal, Vice President of Programming, Rachel O’Neil, the network explained, “Alton’s brand of science‑based cooking has never gone out of style, and we believe that the format is perfectly suited to our current audience’s appetite for interactive, informative content.”

Alton Brown, in a statement released on his official website, expressed excitement about the opportunity. “I’ve always loved the idea of demystifying cooking for the everyday home cook. With Good Eats back, we’re going to explore modern kitchen technology, delve deeper into food science, and even bring in new collaborators from across the culinary world.”

What to Expect

1. Updated Format and Technology

While the original Good Eats episodes were structured around a 60‑minute block, the new format will vary between 30‑minute episodes and shorter “micro‑series” that focus on specific topics. Episodes will also be available on Food Network’s streaming app, as well as the network’s website, and will feature interactive elements such as clickable ingredient lists and “choose‑your‑own‑recipe” options.

2. New Guests and Collaborators

Alton Brown will be joined by a rotating cast of guest chefs, food scientists, and even food‑tech entrepreneurs. In an early teaser, the network highlighted a collaboration with the team behind the popular kitchen gadget line “KitchenLab.” Other anticipated guests include chef‑scientist Dr. John McGee, food‑policy expert Dr. Lisa Kincaid, and the dynamic duo from the YouTube channel “The Food Lab.”

3. Expanded Culinary Themes

Beyond the classic “how‑to” episodes that featured burgers, pasta, and desserts, the new series will delve into cutting‑edge topics such as molecular gastronomy, sustainable cooking practices, and the science of flavor pairing. Episodes will also feature a segment called “Ingredient Origins,” which traces the journey of key ingredients from farm to plate, complete with expert commentary and visual storytelling.

4. Digital-First Distribution

While the show will still air on Food Network’s linear channel lineup, the bulk of the content will be released digitally first on the network’s “Food Network Kitchen” app. This approach aligns with the network’s broader push toward on‑demand, binge‑able programming. A “special episode” featuring a behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of Good Eats will also be released on the network’s YouTube channel to generate buzz ahead of the premiere.

The Significance for Food Network

Reviving Good Eats is part of a larger strategy for Food Network to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive culinary media landscape. In recent years, the network has added shows like Chopped (reimagined as “Chopped: Fast & Flavorful”) and The Great Food Show (now known as The Great Food Adventure) that cater to audiences who want quick, high‑energy content. However, the network has struggled to match the “edutainment” niche that Good Eats occupied—a gap that the revival seeks to fill.

Industry analysts predict that the new format could draw in a wider demographic, including younger viewers who frequent digital platforms but still appreciate a more in‑depth, educational approach. “If the network can successfully marry Alton’s science‑centric style with the on‑demand convenience that modern viewers demand, we could see a new wave of engagement across its digital platforms,” noted food‑media analyst Maya Patel in an exclusive interview for the New York Times.

How to Watch

The first episode of Good Eats is slated to debut in September, with a 12‑episode season that will span from late September to December. Viewers can catch the premiere on the Food Network channel, and the full series will be available on Food Network’s streaming service, Food Network Kitchen, within 24 hours of broadcast. For fans who want a preview, the network has posted a 10‑minute teaser on its YouTube channel and has released a behind‑the‑scenes clip on Instagram.

In addition, the Food Network’s official Facebook page will host a live Q&A with Alton Brown during the premiere night, allowing fans to ask questions about the science of cooking in real time. The network is also partnering with culinary schools across the country to provide downloadable lesson plans tied to each episode—an initiative that highlights the show’s educational potential.

Final Thoughts

Food Network’s decision to bring back Good Eats feels both nostalgic and forward‑thinking. By reviving a show that taught viewers how to cook and understand food with humor and curiosity, the network reaffirms its commitment to high‑quality culinary education. At the same time, by updating the format and leveraging digital platforms, it shows that it’s ready to evolve with the next generation of food lovers. For anyone who watched Alton Brown explain the difference between a Maillard reaction and a caramelization in the 2000s, the news that Good Eats is back will feel like a homecoming—one that promises to be as exciting as it is instructive.