Emeril Still Alive at Food Network
According to a spokesperson for the Food Network, Emeril Lagasse is not severing all his ties with the cable network that give him his start, contrary to what was mentioned here earlier today.
Emeril Live, however, is no longer in production (repeats will probably air into the next century). Essence of Emeril, his daytime cooking show ("stand and stir," as these shows are called in the biz), will continue in production. It airs at 2 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. Saturdays. He will also continue to host and participate in specials on the Food Network.
The spokesperson would not comment on whether the cancelation of Emeril Live means that Emeril is no longer involved in an exclusive arrangement with the Food Network.
Having worked in the cable television business for a long time, I have to surmise that he is indeed now free to pursue other television opportunities, prime-time and otherwise.
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6 Comments:
Okay, this was the compromise that I hoped would be worked out.
I just blogged on the subject at Annie's New York Eats; hope you will take a look at
http://www.annienewman.typepad.com/anniesnyeats/2007/11/a-farewell-to-e.html
annien at 4:14PM on 11/26/07
What makes me sad about Emeril's quasi-departure is that his was one of the last shows on the network that actually involves, you know, cooking. I don't LIKE his cooking, and his relationship with the audience makes me a little queasy, but at least he does occasionally chop things up and apply heat to them and mix them with other things. From here on in it's just going to be increasing variations on the "Welcome to the Skittles factory" theme, and Sandra Lee on endless loop.
maggiesara at 4:45PM on 11/26/07
I love the work Emeril has done but I got a beef. For years I have always put my name into the "lottery" to go to the Emeril show even before it was live and did I get a ticket NOPE NEVER! About 3 years ago even though I signed up for the lottery I was a bit ticked (well more than a bit, picture foaming from the mouth like a rabid squirrel). I was watching foodtv on day 1. I signed up for tickets first time they were ever available. I know people who have been multiple times. So obviously the "lottery" is flawed. I know someone from Florida who has been 7 times. I often talk to people that say we are going to Emeril Live again this year. I shake my head and say WHAT THE BAM???
I feel like I missed out on something of a phenomena. So here is the demise of the show I never got to see in person.
Sometimes people forget about their fans.
JerzeeTomato at 4:55PM on 11/26/07
I think it's sad, but it's also long overdue. Everything has it's day and his shows have been past prime for a long while. I went full circle with Emeril, at first I didn't like him, then I came to like him and watch every single night and then it got really old a few years ago. I don't necessarily like the direction that the Food Network is moving, but it's not too late for them to pull back on the mindless cooking shows and get some fresh, new, real talent in there.
jonfoxx at 5:16PM on 11/26/07
Personally, I find it a bit of a blow since even though my parents don't care for Emeril in the slightest (although they do like a few of his recipes), it was pretty much the last show in FN's lineup at night that we could use in cooking dinner. That sounds a bit odd, of course, but since we all get home late due to our own job requirements a solid episode of, say, Good Eats or even an interesting Emeril recipe is all the difference between cooking up a good meal (even when exhausted) and ordering out.
So it's going to be a loss for us, at least. I know, we can still hit up sites and print out recipes but we still enjoy cooking along with a program, as outdated as that may be. I just hope that FN will replace the 8 to 9 PM bracket with one or two shows that actually focus on cooking rather than "let's take a look at ______".
I'll leave the "what is FN's definition of 'cooking'?" discussion up to everyone else. ;)
First Chair at 5:39AM on 11/27/07
Emeril's show had run it's course. Redundant phrases, sloppy presentations, and I never did understand the relationship with Doc and the band. Cooking is what I want to watch. FN needs to seriously do some house cleaning and view those shows left standing with a critical eye. The formats have become over "staged" . I want to see cooking - not personalities with cleavage and the fakest of smiles. I watch Good Eats once in awhile, but it has become too scripted for my taste. Basically, FN lost me sometime ago. I now watch Create TV (PBS) and watch "real" chefs such as Lidia Bastianich. Also watch cooking shows on Travel Channel, Fine Living, and Discovery. NOW, if FN could get rid the rest of the shows listed below - they may get me back!
Rachael Ray - all of her programs showcase her irritating personality. Now they have her cooking for pets, highlighting her pit bull 'Isaboo'. Glad she hasn't at least hurt the dog with a her exuberant hand guestures - watch out for that knife Isaboo. FN - give us a break - enough is enough of Rachel Ray, her dog, and her husband trying to fit into one of the episodes. Catch phrases such as Yum-o, EVOO, into the spa - nauseating. Does the FN consider her nervous laugh, carrying the armful of ingredients from the pantry to the counter, as cute? Get real with food, not the personalities.
Giada DeLaurentis - I'm Italian and love food. Is this a cooking show or a photo shoot for models? Smile as large as you can, show the cleavage, and over-pronounce those Italian words - wow. Every dish is either sharp, creamy, crispy, tender or tart. Uhg! The best part of her shows has been her aunt, Robbie, who challeges what she is doing to an authentic dish. Another show where "hubby" is trying to fit into the script.
Sandra Lee - Good grief! Gag me with a spoon! I am so-so-so tired of her "Valley Girl" phrases. I believe she is from Canada, but would bet she was picked up in streets of L.A. Her favorite phrase is 'simple, simple, simple". Basically, that is how I describe the format for this show, and her personality. Perhaps her neices, nephew, sister and "best" friends enjoy her creations - I do not. Who doesn't know how to add fresh berries to pound cake and top it with Cool Whip spiked with a bit of alcohol?
Paula Deen - Her earlier shows were entertaining and interestesting. Southern cooking is new to me and I was interested. However, I soon realized every recipe contained cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, sour cream and butter. I don't think this represents southern cooking. Now, there is 'Paula's Party'. When I watched the episode with the "Butter Boys", I thought no, this is not funny. Actually, I felt sorry for what she was scripted to do. I continued to watch couple of other episodes on Friday - things got worse. I like having fun like anyone else. BUT, not to the point of embarassing myself, and the suspect audience members. What in the world is FN thinking of? FN apparently finds the flirtation, and shoving food into the other's mouth appealing to the audience - NOT. Here is another card in the deck of FN's "star" personalites in which their families have been incorporated into the scripts. If "Paula's Party" is being aired, I switch to the Weather Channel, or some other programming. Just can't stand the scripts - perhaps she is willing to embarass herself, perhaps not.
Iron Chef - liked the original format. The American version reminds me of ants trying to find their way to the queen. It it sooooooo phoney! Get rid of the original chairman's nephew! The quest for the new Iron Chef series is also phoney - especially the executive staff making the decisions - so much drama. I just can't control my emotions?
Also do not like Charm City Cakes; and most of the cake challenges with the same participants and judges. Do like Guy's Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. However, the newest offering with Mark and Guy could be successful - IF it weren't so dramatic. After all, it's only a hamburger or macaroni and cheese challenge. FN, are you listening? Get back to food, and how to prepare it; i.e. the likes of David Rosenburg.
Willow at 8:43PM on 03/19/08