Football Players in Aprons? Surprisingly Calm
At a recent SCAD TVfest chat in Atlanta, Great American Baking Show co-hosts Casey Wilson and Andrew Rannells spilled the tea on the Celebrity Big Game special — and the verdict was clear: NFL legends generally keep their composure when the oven timer starts ticking.
Antonio Gates, Von Miller and Julian Edelman (plus analyst Mina Kimes) took turns in the tent, and according to the hosts, the athletes treated recipes like game plans — focused, steady, and ready to follow instructions without turning the batter into a blitz.
Comedians: More Likely to Hit the Panic Button
If you were hoping every celebrity would be Zen in the kitchen, don’t bank on it. Wilson and Rannells say comedy folks often self-sabotage by overthinking the jokes, the judges, or the entire concept of folding egg whites. In short: comedians bring the drama — and the delightful chaos.
Think less fear of a souffle collapsing and more of a chuckle-fueled spiral that becomes part of the episode’s charm. It’s the kind of nervous energy that makes for viral moments and a lot of laughs.
Why the Difference?
According to the hosts, athletes are used to performing under pressure as part of a team — following a plan, listening to a coach, executing a play. That discipline translates to following a recipe. Comedians, by contrast, are wired to riff and react, which can be comedic gold but also a shortcut to a meltdown when a timer’s involved.
Hosts and Cameos: A Little Background
Rannells and Wilson aren’t just there for banter. Rannells has lived the contestant life on a past celebrity edition, and Wilson brings her SNL roots and improv instincts to the tent. Together they keep things playful without letting the chaos derail the bake.
The show also still features longtime judges like Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith — and with Prue stepping away from the British edition earlier this year, the specials feel extra nostalgic for fans wanting to catch her in action.
What to Expect From the Celebrity Big Game Episode
It’s an athletic-themed episode that leans into friendly competition and silly moments, not high-stakes culinary drama. You’ll get tense timers, improvisational humor, a few blink-and-you-miss-it messes, and a lot of personality wrapped in flour dust.
Where to Watch
The Celebrity Big Game special is streaming on The Roku Channel, alongside other celebrity editions and seasons of both the American and British versions. If you’re nostalgic for Prue Leith or just want to see NFL stars try their hand at bakes, now’s a perfect time to tune in.
Bottom Line
The takeaway: athletes often treat the tent like another field — focused and game-ready — while comedians bring improv-fueled mayhem that’s equal parts messy and entertaining. Either way, it’s prime reality TV comfort food.