The tent is about to get a whole lot bigger. The Great British Bake Off, the beloved baking competition that has captured hearts worldwide, is officially heading to Disney+ as part of a landmark new partnership between Channel 4 and The Walt Disney Company. Starting in early 2027, the series will be available to stream on Disney+, marking the first time the show has ever been offered on the platform.
The announcement comes on the heels of a season of significant change for the long-running series. After nine years and ninety episodes alongside Paul Hollywood, judge Prue Leith made the difficult decision to step away from the tent. In her farewell statement, the 86-year-old quipped, "Now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!), there’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden." Her departure opened the door for a fresh face to join the judging panel.
Enter Nigella Lawson, the beloved British food writer and television cook, who has taken over as Hollywood's co-judge. Fans have warmly embraced Lawson's addition, praising the new energy she brings to the format. The positive reception has translated into impressive ratings, with the latest season premiere becoming not only Channel 4's most-watched show of the week but also the most-watched program across all British television platforms.
Now, with the Disney+ deal, Bake Off is poised to reach an even broader audience. The series will be part of a curated selection of Channel 4 programming available through a dedicated Channel 4-branded section on Disney+. This move is part of a broader strategy by Disney to expand its content library with high-quality local programming.
Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We’re thrilled to be working with Disney+ to give audiences even more ways to discover and enjoy Channel 4’s brilliant shows. This exciting step shows how collaboration between broadcasters and streamers can create more choice and value for audiences."
Adam Smith, chairman of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of local broadcaster partnerships. "Channel 4 has created shows with strong appeal to audiences in the UK and Ireland, and we’re excited to bring some of those favourites to Disney+. This agreement is the latest example of our global strategy, pairing high-quality local programming and cultural relevance with a complementary audience and more personalised streaming experience on Disney+."
The move is a significant one for Disney+, which has been aggressively expanding its content offerings. The streamer has seen success with original series like Coven Academy and VisionQuest, and adding a beloved British institution like Bake Off is sure to attract a new wave of subscribers.
For fans of the show, the news is a welcome one. The series has become a cultural touchstone, known for its wholesome competition, witty banter, and, of course, the iconic handshake. With Disney+ set to become the new home for Bake Off in 2027, viewers can look forward to many more seasons of soggy bottoms, showstoppers, and Hollywood handshakes.
As the baking world waits for the next chapter, one thing is certain: the tent is about to get a lot more international. And with the Percy Jackson series already drawing in viewers, Disney+ is clearly positioning itself as a go-to destination for family-friendly entertainment. The addition of Bake Off only strengthens that appeal.
