The Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge is a reality TV show that features 10 teams of amateur bakers who compete in various challenges inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. The show is hosted by actress and comedian Kristen Schaal and judged by pastry chef Duff Goldman, author and illustrator Mo Willems, and a rotating guest judge. The show premiered on September 18, 2023, on ABC and has been a hit with viewers and critics alike.
However, the show also sparked some controversy and speculation when one of the teams, Chris and Alene, mysteriously withdrew from the competition after winning the first two episodes. The orange team, composed of a married couple from Texas, impressed the judges with their creative and delicious creations, such as a Horton Hears a Who cake and a Green Eggs and Ham pie. They seemed to be the frontrunners of the show and had a strong fan base.
Why Did Chris and Alene Leave the Show?
The reason behind Chris and Alene’s departure was not revealed on the show, except for a brief announcement by Schaal at the beginning of the fourth episode. She said that the orange team had to leave the show due to “personal reasons” and that the judges had decided to bring back another team, Nikki and Alejandra, who had been eliminated in the previous episode.
This left many fans wondering what had happened to Chris and Alene and why they had decided to quit the show. Some speculated that they had a family emergency or a health issue that forced them to leave. Others suggested that they had a conflict with the production team or the other contestants. Some even wondered if they had cheated or violated some rules of the show.
However, none of these theories have been confirmed or denied by Chris and Alene themselves, who have remained silent on social media since their exit. Their official Instagram account, @chrisandalenebakes, has not posted anything since September 25, 2023, when they shared a picture of their second win on the show. Their bio still reads “We are Chris and Alene, a husband and wife team who love baking and Dr. Seuss! Follow us on our journey on the Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge on ABC!”
How Did the Show and the Fans React to Their Exit?
The show did not address Chris and Alene’s exit any further after the fourth episode, except for some occasional mentions by Schaal or the judges. For example, in the fifth episode, Schaal joked that “the orange team is still missing” when introducing the remaining teams. In the sixth episode, Goldman said that he missed Chris and Alene’s baking skills when tasting a disappointing dessert.
The fans of the show also expressed their disappointment and curiosity about Chris and Alene’s exit on social media. Many of them commented on their Instagram posts, asking them to come back or explain what happened. Some of them also tweeted at Schaal or ABC, demanding more information or clarification. However, none of them received any response from Chris and Alene or the show.
Some fans also created online petitions or hashtags to support Chris and Alene or demand their return. For example, one petition on Change.org titled “Bring Back Chris and Alene to the Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge” has gathered over 10,000 signatures as of October 10, 2023. Another hashtag on Twitter, #JusticeForChrisAndAlene, has been trending since September 29, 2023.
What Will Happen Next?
The Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge is scheduled to air its finale on October 15, 2023, where the winner of the show will be announced. The winner will receive $100,000 and a trip to Universal Studios Orlando to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Seuss Landing. The remaining teams are Nikki and Alejandra (purple), Ryan and Kelly (blue), Jake and Mia (green), and Omar and Sofia (red).
It is unclear if Chris and Alene will make an appearance on the finale or if they will ever reveal why they left the show. It is also unknown if they will continue baking or pursue other endeavors in their lives. However, it is evident that they have left a lasting impression on the show and its fans with their talent, passion, and personality.
According to Wikipedia1, Chris and Alene are both teachers who have been married for 12 years. They have two children, a son named Noah (9) and a daughter named Lily (6). They started baking as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 and discovered their love for Dr. Seuss books through their kids. They decided to apply for the show after seeing an advertisement online and were thrilled to be selected.
Whatever the reason behind their exit, we hope that Chris and Alene are doing well and that they will find happiness and success in their future endeavors. We also thank them for sharing their amazing baking creations with us and for bringing some joy and magic to our screens. We wish them all the best and hope to see them again soon.