LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Get ready for some hilariously lopsided but oh-so-delicious treats because 'The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge' will be out this summer, offering hope to ovenless home bakers. This exciting addition to the 'Nailed It!' universe will feature 10 enthusiastic contestants, eager to improve their baking skills and compete for a generous cash prize to turn their wildest baking dreams into reality, spanning over 10 entertaining episodes.
Unlike the regular 'Nailed It!' format, where bakers only get one shot at re-creating edible masterpieces, 'The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge' provides a unique twist. Throughout the season, the contestants will receive expert guidance and a crash course in the art of chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, antigravity bakes, and more, thanks to the talented mentors Erin Jeanne McDowell and Robert Lucas. Of course, to taste success, they'll first have to impress the returning dynamic duo of host Nicole Byer and head judge Jacques Torres, while also keeping an eye on the ever-present and quirky producer Wes, who's back in the kitchen, ready to add his own flavor to the baking fun.
Who stars in 'The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge'?
Erin Jeanne McDowell
Meet Erin, a passionate baker who fell in love with baking at just 14 years old and never looked back. Her baking journey began in her mother and grandmother's kitchens. At 16, she got her first bakery job. She then pursued her culinary education at The Culinary Institute of America, determined to learn as much as she could and share her knowledge to inspire others to love baking too. Today, with more than a decade of experience in digital and print food media, Erin combines her professional training and love for teaching to create recipes, write cookbooks, and make instructional baking videos. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Food Network, Bon Appetit, and Food52. Her first book, 'The Fearless Baker', which came out in 2017, was titled one of the Best Baking Books of the Year by The New York Times. Her second book, released in 2020, 'The Book on Pie', became a New York Times Bestseller. Her latest book, 'Savory Baking', came out last year. It explores the world of baking beyond sweets, incorporating breakfast and dinner treats. Erin hosts the award-winning series 'Bake it Up a Notch' on Food52, where she delves into baking methods and offers troubleshooting tips for common mistakes. After spending 17 years in New York and New Jersey, she recently returned "home" to Kansas City to be closer to her family. She lives with her husband, Derek, and their adorable pup, Brimley, who has a soft spot for pizza crust.
Robert Lucas
Meet Robert, a self-taught professional cake artist who goes by The Sweet Impact. Despite starting his cake-making journey relatively recently, in 2019, after a career in IT, he has quickly risen to fame on TikTok, where his unique creations have amassed a massive following. With over 2.5 million followers on TikTok alone, Robert's cakes, inspired by pop culture and featuring monochromatic designs, have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. His talent has earned him great recognition, and he has had the opportunity to collaborate with major brands like Oreo, Nabisco and Disney, leaving a sweet impact on the baking world.
Nicole Byer
Nicole is a multi-talented force in the entertainment industry, excelling as a comedian, actress, television host, podcaster, and author. Her journey to success took an intriguing path, as she made her way to New York City right after high school, where she balanced her days waiting tables with taking classes at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). This legendary comedy theater has been a launching pad for stars like Amy Poehler, Neil Flynn, and Adam McKay, among others. With her wit and charm, Byer then ventured into the world of web series, creating and starring in the UCB-produced gem 'Pursuit of Sexiness'. Not only does she bring laughter to screens, but Nicole Byer also shares her candid and empowering voice through her writing. Her book '#VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini' stands as a testament to her unapologetic spirit and positive influence. As her career blossomed, she made memorable appearances in various TV shows like 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine', 'Tuca & Bertie', 'The Good Place', 'American Dad!', 'Rugrats', 'The Simpsons', 'Invincible', 'Wipeout' and 'Big City Greens', leaving her mark on the comedic landscape with a trail of laughter and inspiration.
Jacques Torres
Jacques, a renowned chef, embarked on his culinary journey at the tender age of 15, securing an apprenticeship at a pastry shop in the charming town of Bandol, nestled in the south of France. This experience set the stage for his exceptional career. He further honed his skills working alongside the esteemed Two-star Michelin Chef Jacques Maximin at the prestigious Hotel Negresco in Nice, eventually rising to the position of Executive Pastry Chef. A prodigy in his own right, Jacques achieved a remarkable feat at the age of 26 when he was awarded the coveted MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) medal in Pastry, making him the youngest chef ever to receive this esteemed honor, a record that still stands today. Fueled by a profound passion for chocolate, he established his own boutique, aptly named 'Jacques Torres Chocolate'. Today, this brand boasts 3 delightful retail locations sprinkled throughout the vibrant city of New York, renowned for its meticulously handcrafted chocolates. Not content with mastering the culinary arts alone, Jacques is also a prolific author, sharing his culinary wisdom through the pages of several celebrated cookbooks. He was also responsible for opening the first chocolate museum in New York City, named Choco-Story New York, Chocolate Museum and Experience with Jacques Torres.
'The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge' is set to release on Netflix on Friday, August 4, 2023.