Netflix’s Baking Impossible stands out from traditional baking competitions by combining pastry arts with real-world engineering challenges. Contestants don’t just bake impressive desserts. They build edible structures that must survive stress tests involving motion, weight, vibration, water, and physics.
At the center of the action is a judging panel that evaluates both sides of the competition. Andrew Smyth, Joanne Chang, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi each bring a unique perspective, ensuring that teams are rewarded for both delicious baking and smart engineering.
If you’re wondering who the judges are, what they look for, and whether Baking Impossible is returning for another season, here’s everything you need to know.
Is Baking Impossible Coming Back for Season 2?
Baking Impossible premiered on Netflix in October 2021 and quickly gained attention for its unique “bakineering” concept.
As of June 2026, Netflix has not announced a second season. The show’s original judging panel remains Andrew Smyth, Joanne Chang, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi.
Should Netflix renew the series in the future, any updates regarding returning judges or format changes would likely be announced through official Netflix channels.
Who Are the Judges on Baking Impossible?
The judging panel consists of three experts from different fields:
| Judge | Expertise | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Smyth | Aerospace Engineering & Baking | Design, Innovation, Functionality |
| Joanne Chang | Professional Pastry Arts | Flavor, Technique, Texture |
| Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi | Astrophysics & Science Communication | Physics, Safety, Structural Integrity |
Together, they evaluate whether each edible creation successfully balances engineering performance and baking excellence.
How Judging Works on Baking Impossible
Each episode pairs a professional baker with an engineer. These two-person teams are known as “bakineers.”
Teams are challenged to build edible creations that must complete real-world tests. Depending on the challenge, contestants may need to create:
- Edible boats that float
- Earthquake-resistant cakes
- Dessert bridges
- Remote-controlled edible vehicles
- Load-bearing structures
Judging generally occurs in two stages.
Performance Test
Before tasting begins, every creation must complete a practical engineering challenge.
The judges observe:
- Structural performance
- Reliability under stress
- Engineering decisions
- Safety considerations
- Problem-solving approaches
A visually impressive build may struggle if it cannot complete the assigned task.
Taste Test
Once the challenge concludes, the judges evaluate the dessert itself.
Key considerations include:
- Flavor balance
- Texture
- Baking technique
- Presentation
- Ingredient quality
- Integration of edible and engineered elements
Success on Baking Impossible requires both functionality and flavor. Teams that excel in only one area often find themselves at a disadvantage.
Meet the Baking Impossible Judges
Andrew Smyth: The Bakineering Expert
Andrew Smyth first became known to television audiences as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2016.
Outside television, Smyth is an aerospace engineer who has spent years exploring the relationship between baking and engineering. He is widely associated with the term “bakineering,” which describes the creative fusion of pastry and engineering principles.
On Baking Impossible, Smyth helps evaluate how effectively teams combine engineering concepts with edible design. He pays close attention to functionality, innovation, and how efficiently moving parts are incorporated into a build.
Rather than focusing solely on appearance, Smyth often examines whether a design choice serves a practical purpose and contributes to overall performance.
His background makes him uniquely qualified to judge projects that must work in the real world rather than simply look impressive.
Joanne Chang: The Flavor Authority
Joanne Chang is one of America’s most respected pastry chefs.
She is the owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe and co-owner of Myers + Chang in Boston. In 2016, she received the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker.
On Baking Impossible, Chang serves as the culinary voice of the judging panel.
She evaluates:
- Flavor combinations
- Baking fundamentals
- Texture
- Pastry technique
- Execution quality
Even when a structure performs well during testing, contestants must still impress Chang with the quality of their baking.
Her critiques often focus on whether the engineering concept enhances the dessert rather than distracting from it.
As a successful restaurateur and cookbook author, Chang brings decades of professional pastry experience to the competition.
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi: The Science Specialist
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi is an astrophysicist, educator, author, and science communicator.
Many viewers recognize him from science-focused television programming and public STEM outreach initiatives.
On Baking Impossible, Oluseyi examines the scientific principles behind each build.
His feedback frequently focuses on:
- Structural stability
- Weight distribution
- Material performance
- Physics concepts
- Real-world engineering considerations
During testing, he often helps explain why certain designs succeed while others fail.
His ability to translate complex scientific concepts into understandable explanations adds an educational element that sets the show apart from traditional baking competitions.
What Each Judge Looks For
Although the judges deliberate together, each expert brings a distinct perspective.
Andrew Smyth
- Innovative design
- Functional engineering
- Efficient problem-solving
- Integration of edible components
Joanne Chang
- Flavor
- Texture
- Baking technique
- Overall dessert quality
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
- Structural integrity
- Scientific reasoning
- Safety
- Performance under stress
The strongest teams consistently satisfy all three judges by delivering a creation that works mechanically and tastes exceptional.
Why This Judging Panel Works So Well
Many baking competitions focus exclusively on flavor and presentation.
Baking Impossible requires a broader skill set.
The panel succeeds because each judge represents a different aspect of the challenge:
- Smyth evaluates engineering creativity.
- Chang protects the culinary standards.
- Oluseyi assesses scientific validity.
Together, they create a balanced evaluation system that rewards both innovation and craftsmanship.
This approach prevents teams from relying solely on visual spectacle or technical gimmicks. Every decision must support both performance and taste.
Where Are the Judges Now?
Andrew Smyth
Andrew Smyth continues to work as an engineer, presenter, and creator of science-focused live experiences. He remains active in STEM education and public engagement projects.
Joanne Chang
Joanne Chang continues overseeing Flour Bakery + Cafe and remains a prominent voice in the culinary world through media appearances, books, and industry events.
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi remains active in science communication, education, and public speaking while continuing to advocate for STEM outreach and diversity in science.
Does Baking Impossible Use Guest Experts?
Some episodes feature specialists who assist with challenge design, safety procedures, or technical testing.
However, these contributors do not replace the main judging panel.
Final critiques and elimination decisions remain the responsibility of Andrew Smyth, Joanne Chang, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi.
Is Justin Willman a Judge?
No.
Justin Willman serves as the show’s host rather than a judge.
Known for Magic for Humans and Cupcake Wars, Willman guides contestants through challenges, explains the rules, and helps viewers understand the engineering tests.
While he plays an important role in the show’s presentation, judging decisions belong exclusively to the three-member panel.
Where to Watch Baking Impossible
Baking Impossible is available to stream on Netflix in regions where the series is licensed.
The show currently consists of a single season featuring increasingly ambitious challenges that test both engineering skills and baking expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the judges on Baking Impossible?
The judges are Andrew Smyth, Joanne Chang, and Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi.
What does Andrew Smyth do on Baking Impossible?
Andrew Smyth evaluates engineering design, innovation, functionality, and how effectively contestants integrate baking with engineering concepts.
Is Joanne Chang a real pastry chef?
Yes. Joanne Chang is a James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and the owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston.
What does Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi evaluate?
He focuses on scientific principles, structural integrity, safety considerations, and how well each design performs during testing.
Is Justin Willman a judge?
No. Justin Willman is the host of the series.
Has Netflix renewed Baking Impossible for Season 2?
As of June 2026, Netflix has not announced a second season.
Sources
- Netflix
- Official Baking Impossible production materials
- Andrew Smyth official website and public interviews
- Flour Bakery + Cafe
- Joanne Chang professional biography
- Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi official biography and public profiles
Related Reading
- Baking Impossible Cast Guide
- Best Netflix Baking Competition Shows
- Andrew Smyth Biography and Career
- Joanne Chang Net Worth and Career Highlights
- Netflix Reality Competition Shows Ranked