Eye-popping masterpieces abound in third season of 'Halloween Wars'

Season three premieres Sunday, Oct. 6, on Food Network

"Halloween Wars" is back for a third hair-raising season on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. Over the course of four "deliciously frightening" episodes, five teams consisting of a pumpkin-carving expert, a cake artist and candy craftsman battle it out to create heart-stopping Halloween-themed displays out of pumpkin, cake and sugar. Each week, the judging panel, made up of renowned cake decorator Shinmin Li and Emmy-nominated makeup artist Brian Kinney, will eliminate one team. The last team standing wins the $50,000 grand prize.

Hosted by Justin Willman ("Cupcake Wars"), each episode also features a rotating celebrity guest judge, including author Charlaine Harris, (Sookie Stackhouse novels), actors Danielle Harris ("Halloween"), Tony Todd ("Candyman") and Derek Mears ("Friday the 13^th").

Episodes include:

"Zombie Prom," premiering Sunday, Oct. 6

In the first of four battles, five teams made up of an expert pumpkin carver, cake decorator and sugar artist compete to create displays that depict a scene from a "Zombie Prom." At the end of the battle, one team will be eliminated. Special guest judge: Danielle Harris.

"Twisted Nursery Rhymes," premiering Sunday, Oct. 13

Four remaining teams must create a twisted version of a fairy tale. At the end of the battle, one team will be eliminated. Special guest judge: Tony Todd.

"Swamp Creatures Attack," premiering Sunday, Oct. 20

Three remaining teams go to battle to create displays that capture what happens when swamp creatures attack. At the end, one team will be eliminated, and two will move on to the final battle. Special guest judge: Charlaine Harris.

"Nightmares," premiering Sunday, Oct. 27

Two teams fight to create mind-blowing Halloween-themed displays that capture the terror of nightmares. In the end, one team will become the "Halloween Wars" champion and win a $50,000 grand prize. Special guest judge: Derek Mears.