Why The Food Network Sucks

You've most likely read my take on the current state of the Food Network on this site before. As I'm sure you can guess (considering my passion for all things food and cooking), I really want the Food Network to succeed.  Like you, I'm passionate about food and cooking, so why do I continue to find the Food Network such a big let down?

As you may also know, I also work in advertising and marketing.  So I've decided to combine some of my skills to dissect exactly what the problems are with the Food Network programming and marketing strategy.  I am obviously doing such an exercise for my own amusement and to hear what you think about my ideas.  It goes without saying that I don't have access to any of the viewership information the execs at Food Network use to make critical programming decisions. 

Regardless, I don't think it takes a decade of programming experience to understand what's wrong with the Food Network.

Just so you know, I am intentionally pointing out the problems without giving specific ideas about how to solve the problems.  I have plenty of ideas but the Food Network would have to put me on the payroll to get them.

A Programming Strategy Poorly Executed

The current "tagline" of the Food Network is "Much More than Cooking", or something like that. Obviously, their programming strategy has been to bring people other than foodies or cooks looking for recipes to the channel, while keeping the loyal core of their "cooking passionate" viewers content by not abandoning them. 

This is an understandable strategy, as you need to keep getting new viewers to tune into your channel, most of which don't cook at home frequently and instead watch Comedy Central or reality TV on other networks.

There are a few possible ways to execute this strategy.  They could keep their cooking shows in tact, knowing that they are the bread and butter that they've utilized successfully over time - the scores of celebrity Food TV personalities they'd produced are beyond count and are becoming more and more impactful (Emeril, Rachel Ray, etc).  In addition, they could create programming that utilizes a food theme but is generally more entertainment focused.  Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen would be examples (from other networks....a telling problem). 

Instead, Food TV has chosen to create entertainment/reality programming that does not alienate their core viewers, the cooking passionates who love the cooking personality shows. This leaves their reality shows with the burden of delivering enough of the food values their core target craves rather than focusing on entertainment and the buzzfactor that will make their reality shows intriguing and entertaining for non-Food TV viewers .

Need some specific examples?  OK, happy to provide them.  Now, keep in mind the tagline "More than Just Cooking".

Iron Chef/Iron Chef America:  OK, not a bad start but I'd argue this is for cooking passionates.  This is not "more than just cooking" - it is cooking to the highest order.

Next Food Network Star:  Awful.  Do people even watch this? I'm sorry, but I've never heard anyone mention this show, however Top Chef is a mainstream TV hit. The reason is that 1) it is poorly executed and 2) it's behind the scenes of a cooking show.  Do Top Chef viewers care whether the winning chef prepped their carrots perfectly? Obviously not.  No drama.  No entertainment.  No personalities.  No buzz. No results.

Ham on the Street:  Terrible.  Would this guy be on any mainstream network that needed to captivate audiences? But somehow, he's OK enough for Food Network.  That mindset obviously leads to B talent when it comes to entertainment.

Any of the "Competition" shows:  Um, not entertaining to non-food lovers.  Why would a 20 something that watches Comedy Central turn the channel to see a forgettable person win the Hamburger Challenge in Shittown, USA? Yeah, they wouldn't.  Have you ever seen anyone rush over to you and ask who won the pie making contest at the ShitFestival, in NoOne Cares, Idaho? How is this entertaining or buzzworthy? Imagine going into work and asking your boss if he/she saw the Burger Contest in Ohio last night? You'd be fired.

Behind the Bash? No. Who wants to see Johnny Average get married in a car dealership? I saw this episode and lost 20 IQ points.  This show would need to be a celeb party in which Paris bitchslapps Lindsay Lohan on camera to be successful (Giada's cleav should have her own show..now that would do it).

Restaurant Makeover? This could be interesting but it's just poorly done.  Who would turn the channel to see a restaurant in Shitsville turned from terrible to average? Is there any drama in showing this done over the course of only one show? Don't people realize this is just Trading Spaces on the Food Network? Yeah, they do.

I cannot even bore you by naming the other "More than Just Cooking" shows that fail to deliver top notch entertainment or the buzz value that gets people talking and spreading the word. I don't recall reading any media about the Food TV shows other than articles about their celeb personalities.

The moral of this story is that when you offer extensions to your core product (in this case personality based cooking shows in kitchens) to your consumer, it better be good, or you run the risk of alienating them IN ADDITION to not bringing new viewers into the fold.

I'd assess the execution of their strategy with a limp, overcooked, chewy, undersalted and unripe F.

A Lack of Innovation

Let me take you behind the scenes of a fictional meeting at Food Network HQ.

Programming Director:  "So Guys, we are here to talk about the fact that we need some new shows that are "More than Just Cooking" (she makes the quote signs with her hands) and bring new viewers to the channel. 

Junior Programming Director, who just started last week.  He is best know for his contributions in selecting the USA "Saturday Night Movie":  "Iron Chef is the best reality show we have.  Cooking battles are all the rage.  We must own competitions."

Programming Director:  "Interesting, Johnny.  I like that.  So let's come up with some ideas..."

Junior Programming Director, who now has his finger in his ear.  "Ideas?"

Programming Director:  "He's got a point there, Sally (looking at the Marketing Director).  We don't do ideas."

Sally, the Marketing Director:  "We sure don't.  Christ, it's not like we came up with Iron Chef.  We've just been running their re-runs from Japan from 10 years ago!"

They all start laughing.  Johnny, the Junior Programming Director, is on the floor.

Programming Director:  "OK, come on now.  We have two ideas.  One is to take our Food TV personalities and send them "on the road".  If we need to get cooks out of the kitchen, just send them out of the kitchen.  Duh.  So we sent Mario to Italy already.  And Rachel around the country.  Then we did Bobby.  For God's sake, my head hurts."

Marketing Director:  "Let's send Alton Brown on the road." 

All:  "PERFECT!!!!!

Programming Director:  So we need one more idea.  The competition again.  We did Iron Chef America.  We did the Pie Cookoff.  We did the Hamburger competition.  We did the Food Network star.  Cmon guys, help!

Junior Programmer is distracted staring at a picture of Giada's cleav on the wall.

Marketing Director is looking at a poster of Bobby Flay as Iron Chef America, but then perks up.

Marketing Director: "I've got it.  How about Bobby Flay does the Iron Chef competition on the road.  We combine both ideas.  Bobby battles against people...not chefs because that would be Iron Chef! But.....Other people!"

Programming Director:  "I am so there. Since we can't think about how to execute these properly, let's shoot tomorrow."

Now, this is obviously a joke.   But it's really not.  These shows are actually coming out.  And that's the Food Network for you.  In a focus group they learned that women 35-54 like cooking shows in which they serve their guests who come over for dinner.  Then they duplicate this over EVERY show - Giada, Barefoot Contessa, Dave Liebercrunk, the list goes on and on.  Now they just duplicate their ideas of "chef on the road" and "competition" over and over again until we all get bored and change the channel.

What the Food Network needs is innovative, entertaining, NEW ideas.  The Food Network should be pioneers in Food  TV programming. They should be thought leaders in food programming and creating a new frontier of entertainment that happens to be food focused.  But unfortunately, they are far from that. 

We, the food lovers - those that watch the Food Network hoping and praying for a glimpse of entertainment- are the ones who lose.

Comments

[ariela]

I personally love the food network... and yet, I agree with most everything you've said. The competition shows are the -worst-, but I'll always come back to the channel for Everyday Italian, Paula Deen, Molto Mario, etc.

[miles]

so with you on this, joe. i really cant stand the festival shows. horrendous.

[Kathleen]

I hate everyday Italian her head is abnormally large she is annoying! Like the recipes can’t stand the chef.

[Cal]

I love to hate the Food Network. After being a loyal viewer for years I finally had enough. They have succeeded in ruining every enjoyment related to cooking, and even offended me in new areas. It is pretty bad when the phony chefs become soooo bad that eventually Bobby Flay starts to look good. It’s clear there is a bias in the ridiculous non-professional chefs they pimp. Perhaps these phony chefs have 20 year contracts with Food TV? I just hope the idiot making decisions at the Food Network does not molest the Fine Living Channel. At least we have those fresh Canadian cooking shows now from that other channel.

[Jayson]

Foodnetwork sucks now.I was a loyal veiwer for years.I still like watching the original chefs on the show but all that other junk with competition has gone to far and kitchen accomplished and i hate that fag Dave Leiberman.They lost me as a veiwer pretty much.It focuses on the gay community too much.And Racheal Ray is fun in her cooking but a talk show.Now you know the network is primarily aiming for the gay audience.I know fruitcakes that hate the show now So you figure it out.Flay,Florence,Brown,Giada and a couple of others can stay but the rest of the shows can go back to the burners.

[Jayson]

It's becoming HGTV...with guys in tight clothes and a lisp when they talk.Now I know why I watch O'reiley factor and SpikeTV allday.Cause the foodnetwork screwed up big time!!They should rename the channel food out the closet.LOL..

[Jayson]

It's becoming HGTV...with guys in tight clothes and a lisp when they talk.Now I know why I watch O'reiley factor and SpikeTV allday.Cause the foodnetwork screwed up big time!!They should rename the channel food out the closet.LOL..

[Jayson]

How about a show about Fudge packing?Pickle smuggling...hahahaha

[Lisa]

I cant' stand giada,or her cooking, my opinion is don't we have ENOUGH Italian chefs on the food network.The food network sures knows how to promote diversity.

[Chef Frog]

In my opinion, the only great show that the food network ever had was the original Iron Chef. Saki was such a bad ass. Now I have to watch Bobby Gay battle one of his unknown butt buddies so he can get some camera time and promote his unknown restaurant. As a professional chef, I view the food network as nothing more than a poorly written video cook book for wanna be home cooks looking for a reason to bust out their orange handled, Rachel Ray Knife set. Oh yeah, and if I have watch Emeril take a whole segment to explain how to make a roux one more time I'm going to fucking shoot myself. BAM! YOU'RE JUST ADDING SALT ASS WHOLE, THAT DOESN'T DESERVE APPLAUSE!!! My primetime line-up for food network: 8pm: "Supper Cool Shit with Wylie Dufrense;" 9pm: "How I Kicked Saki's Ass and Other Cool Techniques with Ron Siegel;" 10pm: "Kevin Brausch Gets Punched In the Mouth for Never Having Anything Intelligent to Say and Stuttering Like a Retard"

[tdard]

Your site is to the point. What is with Food Network?

Even on a non taste subject they are clueless.

On Iron Chef America they begin the contest with the phrase "Allez Cuisine"; the same phrase is written out on the web site.
IT MAKES NO SENSE!
The mispronounced Japanese French of the original show is " A LA CUISINE"
and that phrase does make sense.

The incorrect American version "allez cuisine" means "Go Kitchen".

The original, correct version, in indeed a challenge and means "..On to the Kitchen!"
or "Let's Go to the Kitchen".

How stupid can these high paid people be?

But in a world which praises "EVOO" what can you expect?

[Sam]

Tdard, Babelfish aside, "cuisine" is also a verb, meaning "to cook". So "allez cuisine!" in this context means "get cooking!".

Jayson, it doesn't really surprise me that your brain can handle watching Spike and O'Reilly all day, what with your double-posted fag jokes. Hint - getting your T&A and political debate from basic cable isn't something to brag about.

[chef frog]

In response to TDARD.
French is my natural second language.
The verb you suggest is "cuisiner" If it were the verb form the phrase would be "Allez cuisiner" ( in the infinitive).
Furthermore, "cuisiner" is not used in that way.
Know whereof you speak.

[tdard]

CORRECTION:
The above response about the incorrect French
it should be addressed to:SAM

[Carrie]

When it all started. I couldn't get enough Foodnetwork. Now, I'm bored to death. There's No new idea's for shows. Same faces doing the same thing. I can't stand Giada. Besides making simple meals all the time with her cookies. Giada's boobs are always in your face.Doesn't she have anyother shirts? I was happy to see Rayturd kick Giada's butt.
Alton Brown, three days to make sticky buns. Come on, give me a break. Let's not forget the golden boy. Emeril, great with people. But he can't cook.
I don't want to see Giada go on the road. Like Brownbutter, Rayturd, Bobby and the Deens. I'm really bored, as you can tell.

[fiddich]

Well, if you guys think that your food network is bad you should see what we have to put up with in Canada. Not only do we get the worst of your programs, but we have to put up with the mandatory Cancon (Canadian content) cooking shows. The only show worst than Restaurant Makeover is Canadian Restaurant Makeover. Give me a break.

[mymymichl]

I hate the Food Network because I feel they let us foodies down. They have one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel. Have you noticed how almost every one of their stars has gotten obese? They've lost sight of enjoying good food and eating right.

I'm happy to have found your site. I was looking for a quick Latino way to do calamari and found you.

[Lyn]

Pauls deen wants everyone to know how sexy she is always making sexual remarks licks her fingers and touches the food after...too much fat in the food...and enough YA ALL

[Lyn]

Now i know my comments went thru i have more to sayThese people are very unsanitary...long hair hanging into food...jewelry on fingers.....My favorite is tyler florence the ultimate show...The rest is just showing off...they think they are movie stars......Too much schtick...Rachel ray when she first came on she looked adorable....talked different..slower very ladylike...completely different girl now...still nice personality.....but dissapointing sick of all the spice already..I and the italian.....I miss all the old ones Rosengarten.....Monday to friday.........I am dating myself

[Lyn]

Pauls deen wants everyone to know how sexy she is always making sexual remarks licks her fingers and touches the food after...too much fat in the food...and enough YA ALL

[maggie]

I think it is ok to comment if you like a show or not...but as for commenting on ones looks ...not nice..or body either.....Sandra Lee whatever one may think of her ...She missed ,her calling she should have been a decorator....event planner for decorations....she does a good job......Everything to match a show tho in the kitchen is ridiculous.........But aside the cooking she is very femminine and sanitary....But should drop the emphisis on the letter L.....it is phoney.........

[Diana B]

Everybody here so far has mentioned WHY The food network* sucks, but I'd like to focus instead on the intensity of their sucking:

The food network sucks so bad that as I was channel hopping late in the PM looking forward to doze off, I found some kind of biography about the life and times of long spent food network star, last night was Bobby Flay, tonight was Nigella Lawson... their lives and loves their trials and successes... WTF!!!! WHO GIVES A ---- It pissed me off so bad that I had to get out of bed, turn on the computer and google "food network sucks" just so that I could vent! The food network is crap, I hate the food network!

* lower case diss

P.S. Canadian TV viewer, I feel your pain, and shame on you gay bashers

[Jessica in Hell]

Same story here. Love the concept, am loyal to the cooking shows, but very disapointed with most everything else. For a cook who turns to the Food Network for new ideas, I really don't want to be bothered with any fluff pieces on how Twinkies are made or what Rachel Ray(another Queen of Evil) thinks of the restaurant scene. I'm actually a little more than annoyed with most of the personalities on Food Network and have decided to get my fix on their website, where I don't have to listen to the babeling of idiots, just ads. It's just disapointing that such a good idea with such a large audience targeted from the getgo feels they need to cater to the masses. With so many talented chefs out there vying for a T.V. spot, I would appreciate it if the time slots were filled with them and not another ode to the horrors of reality television.

[Craig]

Ya bunch of whiners! I want to see you do a better job! It sounds to me like you think that the future of food-TV is "Top Chef." lol @ you. History will look back on your reality show fad and laugh it's ass off! I'll concede that they have too many bake-offs, and that some of the "talent" is annoying, but it's fricken Food Network! What do you expect?!

[Richard]

I have always been a fan of the food netwoork
Not all hosts are perfect. Most are very exceptable and some are fantastic.
HOW DID ALTOM BROWN GET INTO THIS GROUP OF CLASSY HOSTS???
Every night (I used to look forward to the nights with the food channel since I am not a movie buff) I have to turn this channel off. I can't stand anyone who shakes their fingure at anybody!!! I have no desire to see an entainer that has this many close up face pictures from the inside of an oven, microwave, or anyway he can force you to look at him.!!!
My life started in a dirt floor log cabin in the depression. I do not have the class that most of the food channel hosts or viewers have. Surely I have a lot more class than ALTON BROWN. He has to be related to the C.E.O. or the producer. How can the food channel have so many quality entertainers and he is the only one that I constantly have to turn off my TV??
WHY DOESN'T THE FOOD CHANNEL TAKE A POLL AND SEE HOW UNPOPULAR HE IS COMPARED TO ALL OF THE OTHER HOSTS????? This channel is way to classy for Alton Brown. Brains are not always a winner.

[J]

If you all hate it so much, dont watch it or do something constructive about it. I love the food network. It opened me up to the fact that I love to cook and bake. They make cooking accessible to normal people. And by the way, their ratings are great and they are fully distributed (meaning all the cable companies want their programming) so im clearly not the only one that thinks that.

[Barbara Hazen]

This looks like a well informed group to give me some ideas for my 14 year old and I visiting NYC June 20-30th. I am looking for a good hands on baking/pastry class, or better yet, to be a guest on a food network show...Any ideas?

[Gus]

I completely agree that the Food Network has become as stale as Paula Deen's saltines. If things do not improve soon, they should rename it the "What A Body Does to Food Network".

[Foodlover]

I like to watch a few shows on food network, especially "Unwrapped", "Barefoot Contessa" and "Everyday Italian". Although I like 'Everyday Italian' and like Giada , I am very uncomfortable watching her show when my husband is around because of the cleavage she shows!! I think its a food show and there should be some dress ethic.

[Foodlover]

I like to watch a few shows on food network, especially "Unwrapped", "Barefoot Contessa" and "Everyday Italian". Although I like 'Everyday Italian' and like Giada , I am very uncomfortable watching her show when my husband is around because of the cleavage she shows!! I think its a food show and there should be some dress ethic.

[Foodlover]

I like to watch a few shows on food network, especially "Unwrapped", "Barefoot Contessa" and "Everyday Italian". Although I like 'Everyday Italian' and like Giada , I am very uncomfortable watching her show when my husband is around because of the cleavage she shows!! I think its a food show and there should be some dress ethic.

[Andria Thompson]

Personally I believe that all of you are being too hard on these people. I believe they do a great job in what they do. I would like to see any of you get up in front of the camera and do what they do with half of the confidence they do it with.

[PoisonedTv]

I just watched the Next Food Network Star finale and was truly disappointed.

First of all, they allowed that liar back on the show, Jag. Somehow his qualifications are fabrications and they let him off with a slap on the wrist, then have this ridiculously melodramatic and emotional exit meeting with him? Then, to add insult to injury they allow him back on the finale where he's actually allowed to say "it ain't over" and "thanks for the support"?

What they do not realize is that this casts everyone on the network into a bad light: imposters are allowed to be on the food network.

So what was the alternative? Instead of doing what they should have done and banned him they congratulate him by giving him a voice, showing that you can be rewarded for lying. Lying is ok, as long you get away with it, right?

Some of you might say he was redemptive in his apology, but it is quite clear from his exit interview that it was either rehearsed or otherwise prepared. FN doesn't want bubbles burst or people feeling bad about the network.

No, to stand on a moral highground would be too much, especially since children watch the network a lot. That's a great example to show them: lie, then apologize, then get what you want. Great. Good job.

And the contest itself: what a ridiculous show. The judges are seasoned pros and they are criticizing these people's performances as if they should know what they are doing. What a completely self-centered way of debasing what the point of the show was: finding a backup to Rachel Ray.

Furthermore, why are they trying to compete with RR? The only thing I can think of is that she is moving on.

Finally, the contestants. What a bunch of losers. FN wanted to have to underdog stories for heartstrings, but they forgot to include people who we might actually want to see.

The two finalists were reasonable similies of normalcy, but Amey was a whiney, spoiled brat and the blonde was self-centered, self-entitled whining pain in the ass. Where did they find them?

I suspect they left the initial interviews to 20 somethings who think this behavior is wanted and expected in the rest of the world.

I personally know people who have gone through the ringer of becoming and being a chef and they are a thousand times more worthy, humble and charismatic than this bunch of egocentric lollipops.

I feel sorry for Bobby Flay. He actually had to say "It's the food network. You have to respect the food". Did he really mean that, or has he lost sight of his ideals (does he actually spend time in the kitchens of his restaurants anymore)?

The other two judges? Who cares. Forgetful as ever. But Alton Brown? He has to get his ego in check because his humility is slipping out the door.

Overall, a very frustrating experience. I used to love this network before it discovered its secrets. This show, however, clearly demonstrates that its not about the food, but about the dollars. Yes, of course it is a business, but compromising their ethics to not piss of a few people ruins their entire platform.

Disgraceful.

[David Carlin]

Thanks for the Site. I was a loyal viewer of the Food Network. Because of clueless Corp Conglomerates that own the network, the original sensability of the shows went out the door. I remember when shows like "The Naked Chef", "The Best Of", Mario etc were on prime time. They began to shift to a different philosophy and lost many viewers in the process. I believe this started when they made Rachel Ray a star. From the moment they put 30 minute meals on, I didn't expect the change in the lineup they made to quicky perky cooks who are not chefs in the least.

Now I enjoy shows about food from places like the Travel Channel now. Anthony Bourdain is an adult show with good information about global cuisine. Food Network lost it's niche. They only have a few decent chefs left. I consider Tyler Florence, Alton Brown, Mario Batallia and a few others as real chefs. And please, Emeril is ok, but his primetime show has to go. When they redid his set and music, it absolutely sucks now. Whenever I go by the Food Network Channel, I will either get Giada, or that Semi homemade lady who looks more interested in showing her boobs.

Final Thought: Corps eventually ruin everything that had a great formula to begin with.

[Steve from Austin]

I'm glad this site exists. There needs to be a place to vent about the horrible programming that they're pumping out on the food network. I'm by no means a graduate of the CIA or any other culinary institute, but the lack of cooking on the daily lineup has been driving me nuts.

All of the shows seem to be centered more around excess than substance. Giada in her father-subsidized beverly hills kitchen. Ina Garten in her place in the Hamptons. Michael Snobarello in Napa with his 'grey salt' fetish. Who gives a crap? This 'star power' detracts from any kind of useful content that the network used to televise. I'm a big fan of America's Test Kitchen where they focus on the actual food preparation. Chris Kimball isn't as easy on the eyes as big head's (Giada's) cleavage, but he tells you what you want to know and why certain ingredients work while others didn't. I like Alton Brown, but even his show has gotten worse lately...I almost have to blame the food network. I feel sorry for the people that went out and bought terra cotta plates to cook casseroles in to emulate his incredibly over the top prep and cooking methods.

In a nutshell, if you want to learn more about food and cooking, stick to PBS cooking shows on the weekends and the History Channel for truly indepth information that you can put to good use. Foodtv is a crock and is only going to continue to get worse.

[annoyed]

If you don't like the Food Network programming, I have a suggestion...don't watch it! Some of you who claim to be professionally trained chefs obviously received no training in the English language.

[JimHart]

There is only one redeeming value to the Food Network ... Alton Brown.

Genuine info ... actually useful in the prep of actual food. No pretension and loads of good natured fun.

The worst: Emeril (nothing but a marketing joke anymore).

[J.]

I'm a little late to the game here, but to Jessica in Hell, yeah, I could do better than the Food Network does in my sleep, with one hand tied behind my back, deep in the throes of an acid trip, and after a partial lobotomy. Food Network SUCKS GIANT BALLS. They even went out of their way to make sure their Web site sucks. That's a Scripps Howard company for ya: Take something semi-decent and focus-group it until it's fucked beyond belief.

[J.]

BTW, who the fuck is JimHart? My previous comment posted as being from him. I'm not him, and I've never heard of him. My name is J.

[J.]

Oh, I get it. BELOW the comment ... .

[Chinstrap]

I am a cook by profession. I guess you could say im a REAL foodie not a FN foodie. I have worked in kitchens for 16 years now. I block the channels on my tv that have become mindless garbage. Im sad to say that the FN is one of them. They started out well, but have managed to "sell out" along the way. They give people the feeling that they know more about Culinary Arts than they really do. Kinda like watching poker on tv, they gave away secrets that people took years to learn. So now everyone that watches the FN 3 hours a week is suddenly a "chef". Right along with everyone that works 75 hours a week in a real kitchen. I can remember watching Jeff Smith, Martin Yan, Paul Prudhomme, and Justin Wilson on PBS when I was a kid. They inspired me and they were entertaining. I still think about them from time to time. But I would take personal satisfaction in seeing Raytard Ray dead. Dont mean to sound bitter but when I hear " I am a foodie, I watch the FN all the time" It makes my stomach turn. My favorite celebrity chef is Anthony Bourdain. He is a REAL cook/chef, in my opinion. And the only one not on the FN.

[Mark]

I am no longer watching the Food Network. I have been watching since 1997 specifically to avoid the BS of politics. FOODTV is now playing Hillary ads, they are done..CLICK

[robin]

Can't relate to some food hosts particularly Rachel who blabs way to much about nothing. Who wants to listen anyone who can't pause for at least 2 entire seconds between sentences. It's very annoying.

[wxyz]

WHATS UP WITH PEEK NOSE GIADA, USING THE WORD NOWWWWWWWWWW OR ALSO SOOOOOOOOO NOWWWWWWWWWW. what a jerk. 2/8/08 her mother was baking with giada and all she did was cuttttttt her down,no respect for her mother,what a shame.

[wxyz]

WHATS UP WITH PEEK NOSE GIADA, USING THE WORD NOWWWWWWWWWW OR ALSO SOOOOOOOOO NOWWWWWWWWWW. what a jerk. 2/8/08 her mother was baking with giada and all she did was cuttttttt her down,no respect for her mother,what a shame.

[Tim]

I completely agree with the validity of this topic. My experience with the Food Network goes back to 1993/1994, and perhaps we need to return to those classic bare-bones days...

Programs like "Chef DeJour", as well as the early "Essence of Emeril" programming where he was actually hungry for an audience and relatively innovative... were fine and full of content.

I have seen the slow disinegration of true chefs and stylistic variety only to be replaced by a network too busy dumbing down their viewers. Do we really need everything to be catered to the suburbian I'm-too-busy-Soccer-Mom mentality?

The beauty of the earlier years was the assumption that most viewers could actually cook. "Chef De Jour" was perfect in this realm...the chefs for each episode didn't hold your hand on where to find ingredients, substitutions, etc. just because your life is so busy that we need to dumb down the recipe.

"Taste", with David Rosengarten was one of the finest programs I have seen on any network. Full of history, fact, anecdotes, and fine strategic cooking.

What...was this too "advanced" for the viewer?

I suppose... so let's replace it with how they get make the charms in Lucky Charms cereal.....and life-is-too-hectic-to-really- cook so I need a show with half store bought and half homemade ingredients.

Perhaps, as with most things, we will come full circle and see an improvement in programming content. One can only hope....

Thank to all for the consideration of my post !

[Steve in KAnsas City]

FoodNetwork = Paulie Shore of Cooking..
What a mess of programming! Emeril has the dumbest downed audience ever, They cheer and clap whenever garlic is mentioned, WTF!! Giada is watchable only because she has the perkiest Boobs in the history of cooking! Her highest numbers of viewers are teenage boys. The bright spring color coordinated decor and soft lens filters make me want to vomit, " today we are cooking in Technicolor fom the Willy Wanker Chocolate Factory! Bobby Flay is the douche bag of trendy flair! Cook some food and quit with the chicken and waffles contest.. Give me a F...n break. The other Homos are tiresome,..Rachel Ray the next K-mart chinese labor camp made kitchen wares peddler...Talk show host?? Who the hell watches that Shit? Iron Chef?? Tonights secret ingredient...wait for it....SOYLENT GREEN!! People, is America so blind to not realize how much they are dumbing down thier programming?? How Jelly beans are made should be on Nickelodeon at 8:00 AM.. Rachel Ray should sell her crap on a infomercial at 3AM, Emeril should put real bullets in his pretend gun, BAM!! and shoot at his pots till they all fly off the stove riddled with holes... Alton Brown the most annoying personality to ever be on television. Can anyone say "8th Grade Science teacher of cooking???"
Mcdonalds vs. Burger king Seriously??
Gatorade..It's what Plants crave....

[TestMarket]

Good grief, what a bunch of pretentious fuckwits the vast majority of you are. And what's with the gay bashing? I think a lot of you that say you love food really just love being able to finally feel superior about something. Food is fuel, not entertainment. It's great if it looks and tastes good, but in the long run, being a foodie snob does not denote high character, and it won't save your immortal soul. It just makes you look like an ass.

[RD]

Well said, TestMarket. Someday food snobbery will be out of vogue but sadly it pervades everything from anti-Food Network comments to part of Anthony Bourdain's gimmick. The same for gay-bashing.

In addition, I think you missed the mark on some of the shows, Joe. The Challenge shows aren't always about home cooks creating burgers and such; there are competitions that deal with anything from cakes to candy-making to barbecue, although FN's ideas for items such as cakes (i.e. cartoon character cakes) seem like a big stretch. And Behind the Bash wasn't about some average Joe that wanted a crazy wedding--it was a show about the inner workings of catering, since its host, Giada De Laurentiis, used to be a caterer. The reason why Behind the Bash wasn't successful was that people don't always find catering fascinating.

[Jay]

Now Pauala Deen is getting on the Obama bus. I watch this channel to see shows about food not politics. Rachael Ray needs to be put on a smoker.