Another Halloween season is almost here, and Food Network is once again preparing to unleash its biggest spooky competitions. But this year, fans are facing a major change: Carla Hall is officially stepping away from Halloween Baking Championship after 11 seasons.

For years, Carla has been one of the defining faces of the series. Her colorful costumes, infectious personality and unmistakable judging style became part of what made Halloween Baking Championship feel different from an ordinary baking competition. Her departure therefore leaves a surprisingly large hole just as the franchise enters another Halloween season.

And now, one question is dominating the conversation: Who can possibly replace Carla Hall?

The answer has already emerged — and it is a familiar Food Network face.

Aarti Sequeira is stepping into Carla’s seat. She will join returning judges Stephanie Boswell and Zac Young for Season 12, while John Henson remains the host.

The change represents a major shake-up for the judging panel. Carla was the only judge to appear across every season of the series since its 2015 debut, making her departure feel like the end of an era rather than a routine cast change.

However, Carla’s exit does not appear to be a dramatic fallout with Food Network. Reports indicate that she stepped away amid a busy schedule and personal projects, while her relationship with the network remains active. Carla’s own recent farewell message also described the moment as “an end of an era,” while celebrating the years she spent on the show.

Meanwhile, Aarti Sequeira enters a very different Halloween kitchen.

Season 12 moves the competition into the Museum of Unnatural History, where 10 bakers will face creepy challenges inspired by exhibits including Possessed Pests, Demon Masks and a Vault of Bones.

The first episode will immediately put the new judging panel to work as contestants battle through a “Haunted Heat” challenge before facing a “Bake for Your Life” round featuring hideous mask-inspired desserts.

So the real question is no longer whether Halloween Baking Championship can survive without Carla Hall.

It is whether Aarti Sequeira can make the judge’s seat her own without losing the personality that made Carla such an iconic part of the Halloween franchise.

Carla Hall may be gone from the Halloween kitchen, but Food Network has chosen Aarti Sequeira to step directly into the spotlight — and Season 12 is about to reveal whether she can fill those very big Halloween shoes.