Watch Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror

Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror aired on the Food Network in 2017 as part of their Halloween programming. This show takes the concept of a traditional pumpkin-carving competition and adds a spooky twist, as three teams of three compete to create intricate Halloween-themed displays using pumpkins, sugar, and chocolate. The theme of the season is "Hayride of Horror," and the teams are tasked with creating displays that evoke a terrifying hayride experience.

Each episode is divided into two rounds. In the first round, the teams must create individual pumpkin carvings that fit within the week's theme. They have just 45 minutes to complete their carvings, which include a range of spooky and sometimes humorous designs. The judges, which include veteran cake decorator Shinmin Li and special guest judge Jen Sweeney, then select the winning pumpkin and the losing team. The losing team is then sent to the "Shadow Realm," a dark, foggy area where they must create a creepy character or creature out of sugar.

In the second round, the two remaining teams are challenged to create a large-scale Halloween display that embodies that week's hayride theme. The teams have five hours to create their displays, which include everything from animatronic ghosts to edible pumpkin patches. The judges evaluate each display based on its creativity, originality, and execution, ultimately selecting one team as the winner and sending the other team home.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror is the diversity of the teams competing. Each team consists of three individuals with varying backgrounds in baking, sugar work, or pumpkin carving, and they often come from different parts of the country. This leads to some interesting clashes as the teams work together to create their displays and work under the pressure of the time constraints.

Another notable aspect of the show is the high level of skill and creativity on display. The teams must not only create intricate pumpkin carvings but also construct detailed and lifelike sugar creations that often tower above them. Despite the complexity of the challenges, the teams rise to the occasion, using techniques such as airbrushing, hand-painting, and sculpting to bring their spooky visions to life.

While Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror is certainly a competition show, it also has a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. The teams often help each other out with tips and advice, and there is a sense of camaraderie even as they compete against each other. The judges, while certainly critical, also provide constructive feedback and encourage the teams to continue improving their craft.

Overall, Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror is a fun and creative take on the standard pumpkin-carving competition. The weekly themes and challenges keep things fresh and exciting, and the high level of skill and creativity showcased by the teams is truly impressive. Whether you're a fan of Halloween or just enjoy watching talented artists at work, this show is well worth a watch.

Halloween Wars: Hayride of Horror is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between October 2, 2017 and on Food Network