New Food TV Format

I haven't watched much food network since Football season started, but it has been going downhill for about 6mo-12mo in my opinion.
D,D,&D isnt bad. Alton Brown is always good, but the "Neeley's?
What changes did they make recently?

Did they fire Emeril Lagasse and replace him with the blonde guy with the big gold watches? I noticed that Emeril teamed up with Martha on her network. I don't care much for the new Emeril Green show.

I really like the Emeril Live show. I think he's a good teacher and a great showman. His corny humor is kind of predictable and I've eaten at two of his restaurants and was surprised to find them only "just OK". The music was good and the audience participation was kinda fun. I guess his popularity was dwindling and they felt that they had to replace him. They sure haven't found anyone as good yet, IMHO.

I agree the Neeley's are kind of lame. Alton Brown is good. I can't think of the show name but where the guy cooks for a thousand people with limited time is horrible in my opinion.

I wish they would drop the ads. It makes me wonder if they are having financial problems or what. On avergae they have 2 different banner ads per page and I got at least 3 pop ups for Net Flix.

Ahhh I miss the old school cooking shows days. Julia Child (although we have Max now), Jacques peppin, The Great Chefs series, Jeff Smith (before he went all child molestor), Justin Wilson, Graham Kerr, Yan Can Cook. Life was very good back then.

I agree, bobby. I used to like them too, and I wasn't even into cooking back then, like I am now. There was another one too...Chef Tel. He had a thick German accent and he always said "Add a little pebba in it"

Alton Brown is the king for me because he shows you why you need to do something while cooking and describes the "science" that's going on.

Right now I have to say I'm enjoying Rick Bayless on PBS more than anything on TFN. His show is in high def and the food and places he goes to look outstanding.

...and WCKY, Cincinnati OOOOONNNNEEEEE, Ohio!

Still can see most of them on PBS, they are my favorites too. -RP

In a word - ugh.

Seems they're wanting more "lifestyle" and entertainment and less cooking. There are a few we watch, like Giada, Ina, Alton of course, and sometimes Tyler and Bobby Flay (if it's a cooking show, not that "Throwdown" nonsense).

Quite a few of the true chefs are now on PBS. I've heard Ming Tsai, Mario Batali, and Sarah Moulton, possibly others.

So who remembers the early days of Food Network with David Rosengarten (Taste), "Ready, Set, Cook", "In Food Today", and the classic "Three Dog Bakery"?

Michelle

Bobby Flay's best show is still "Grillin' And Chillin'" with Jack McDavid. I have most of them on VHS and watch them now and again.

Bill

Most of the real cooking shows are on during the daytime, and even many of them I can't stand (Paula, Rachael, etc). Even the ones whose food looks good (Giada, Ina), I can't get past the "touchy feely" feel. Too much pausing to smile at the camera and tell stories about your family...just COOK darn it. And nighttime programming is just terrible reality-tv...with the exception of AB, of course.

Even though their production and editing is abit lower than FN, I prefer the PBS shows. I can't wait for Mario's new show about Spain. Sounds like it's going to be similar to Bourdain, or AB's "Feasting On" shows.

Didn't FN just change their website a few months ago? Now another big change?

i could not agree more except
graham kerr [before he got sober and healthy]

Chef Tell! I remember he was on TV in the 80's when I lived in Roanoke, VA. I met him at a demonstration and still have his autographed cookbook. You're right, his accent was very strong. Back then his tagline at the end of the show was "I see you!"

Paul