Taste TV

Piece of cake: Rudolph, Samberg move from comedy to 'Baking It'

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Michelle Rose / TV Media
Maya Rudolph joins Andy Samberg as co-host of "Baking It"

Maya Rudolph joins Andy Samberg as co-host of "Baking It"

What do you get when you combine a baking competition with famous (and funny) "Saturday Night Live" alumni? Hopefully, it's a recipe for TV success.

"Baking It" is a new six-episode event that's premiering this Thursday, Dec. 2, on Peacock. The holiday-themed competition is a spinoff — or sister series of sorts — because it comes from the same creative team that's behind the hit DIY crafting competition, "Making It": "Saturday Night Live" and "Parks and Recreation" star Amy Poehler, and producing partner Nicolle Yaron ("The Voice").

Described as a "heartfelt and joyful celebration," "Baking It" takes a comedic approach to cake competition. It's not as light as "Nailed It," mind you, but the new competition does feature a familiar format: eight teams of two talented home bakers -- siblings, spouses, best friends and more -- compete to win a cash prize by baking the most outstanding and delectable creations.

With four judges lined up to provide feedback (and sample the treats, of course), Peacock has kept mum about the identity of the panelists, instead somewhat cryptically describing the judges panel as consisting of "four opinionated real-life grandmas who happen to be fantastic bakers themselves."

Poehler, who hosts "Making It" with former "Parks & Rec" co-star Nick Offerman, is limiting her on-screen involvement with this one and is sticking to a behind-the-scenes role as creator and executive producer.

When "Baking It" was greenlit in May, Peacock announced that Poehler would be handing the hosting reins over to "two celebrity friends." Those friends have since been revealed as none other than "SNL" veterans Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg.

The comedic duo welcome the bakers to their winter cabin and lead the crew in a smattering of themed competitions (or, festivities, if you prefer) whilst providing a dose of comedic commentary that ensures the show will "evoke a joyful and comedic spirit at a time of year where we come together to honor our traditions and indulge in excessive baked goods" (per NBCUniversal).

"Baking It" debuts this Thursday, Dec. 2, on Peacock.