Photo compilation c/o The New York Times
Calling all foodies! Wait, that’s why you’re here right? I am so excited to learn that Food Network is launching a spinoff channel on May 31st called The Cooking Channel. Bruce Seidel, the senior vice president of programming and production for The Cooking Channel, said that it’s set to be “a little grittier, a little edgier, [and] a little hipper,” according to a report by Allen Salkin for the New York Times.
The Times article goes on to say that The Food Network is trying to regain its’ reign over the food television market after several other networks have moved in on the scene. Salkin notes Bravo’s “Top Chef” franchise, TLC’s “Cake Boss” and even ABC’s new hit, “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” which stars Jamie Oliver, a one-time Food Network personality.
The Cooking Channel will feature various new shows, many of which will be hosted by Canadian personalities including Laura Calder, Anjum Anand and David Rocco. There is also a show set to be called “Chuck’s Day Off.” I wonder if they know there’s already a show on Food Network called “Alex’s Day Off.” Hmm…
Anyway, all I have to say is…Yay! I love Food Network. Heck I grew up sucking my thumb and watching Emeril Lagasse sear duck breasts in a cast iron skillet instead of learning my shapes and numbers while watching Sesame Street. So obviously it’s only normal that I would be. But I want to know your thoughts.
Do you think it’s going to go over well? Do you think there will be rivalries between the classic Food Network greats like Emeril, Paula, Bobby, Ray-Ray and Giada? Do you think these newbies will have a hard time breaking into the celebrity chef scene? Or do you think things will turn out as smooth as a perfectly tempered chocolate truffle? Mmm…now I’m hungry.
Food for All Seasons 