News flash ... Emeril Live cancelled

"Emeril is 8 p.m.," Bob Tuschman, vice president of Food Network programming told me in September 2006. He was singing the praises of the BAM! man for a story I was writing on new programming. Emeril's live-on-tape show was one of the few constants in a changing programming schedule.

Just a few months ago I noticed Emeril was no longer 8 p.m. He was 7 p.m. and Alton Brown was 8 p.m. A sign of things to come?

Well, yes. Today the Food Network confirmed to the Associated Press that production was shutting down on the 10-year-old program. Spokeswoman Carrie Welch said the network still loves him and supports him and will show him forever in re-runs. Actually, she didn't say that re-run part, I did. They'll still film "The Essence of Emeril" but no more adoring audience and raucous house band.

I haven't watched the show in a long time and was never a devoted fan, but it's an interesting move in the evolution of the network. They are airing more and more shows about food entertainment and less about cooking instructions. Certainly that's the case in the evening.

Emeril is one of the original network chefs. So many others are gone now ... Sara Moulton, Mario Batali and Ming Tasai. Who is going out of style next? Bobby Flay? Tyler Florence? Paula Deen? I'm guessing Rachael Ray is good for many more years. 

Comments

[newres]

Bummer! I have found Emeril's recipes to be delicious and creative while still having the family feel for serving.
Can't always watch him but when I do, he's appreciated and his personality makes us laugh.
Re-runs just don't cut it. I want the real thing!

[Chris]

He seems like a good enough guy, but I can't get over how the live audiences cheer INGREDIENTS. "I'm gonna throw in two cloves of gah-lic."

[birdie]

I hope Bobby Flay hangs in. I enjoy him the most. Paula Deen, too.

[Jayson]

They NEED to cancel Rachel Ray instead. What a no talent hack.

[Stir Crazy]

I've always thought it was funny how the audience went wild when Emeril held a veggie aloft. It's like he invented eggplant!

Then again, there is that "clap and cheer wildly" sign that lights up to encourage the audience ...

[Sue E. Conrad]

Good!!! Never could stand him; has always been WA-A-A-AY too intense. Rachael Ray must be his clone in the personality department. They both need Valium in their coffee!!! Hope they never cancel Giadia DeLaurentiis; her recipes AND personality are terrific. Don't need exotic ingredients or multiple steps to get results!!!

[DLW]

Cancelling Emeril Live is the most unbelievably stupid programming decision I have ever heard. Emeril is the king of the Food Network, and Emeril and the Emeril Live Band, plus the guest bands - it's great entertainment...up there with Letterman and Leno, just on the Food Network. The fans don't want cookie-cutter shows, but variety and Emeril Live is the most unique show and deserves to run forever. If Emeril needs a break occasionally, substitute with guest chefs, but to pull the plug??? I don't get it. I wish Emeril weren't under contract so another network could pick up his live show, because it's better TV than a lot of the junk on the air. I've never gotten tickets before, but had hoped to one day. It's sad that I'll never have that chance now, unless somebody does something to SAVE EMERIL LIVE!!!

[Duane2713]

I can't believe what morons the network management must be. Canceling the best show on the network ? ...I guess we'll have Iron Chef America around the clock soon or another daily hour Giada. I guess this is just proof that some folks just can't stand success. I for one am tuning out, maybe if enough viewers stop watching FNTV they will rethink this asinine decision...Hey Food Network, "It's alright to admit you made a mistake". America is good about being forgiving when someone owns up to the fact that they screwed up. Hey, we'll respect you more if you change your mind, than if you stand by a stupid decision. Someone please start a Save Emeril Live website and post it.

[CLS]

Back in the day my husband and I were huge Emeril fans along with everyone else. We slowly stopped watching though. Not even for any particular reason. I guess the show just starting getting stale. Bobby is my favorite. Love him! I am a "foodie" and a Food Network fan. I enjoy watching Ina and Giada. Tyler is OK. Sometimes he is a little too excitable and could take it down a "notch." Good Luck to Emeril. I'm sure he'll be fine. He can yell "BAM" everytime he makes a deposit into his bank account.

[Francoise]

I am through with the Food Network...never watch it anymore. Bring back Emeril Live, and I will tune in again. I watched him for fun, his respect for people, and his apparent love of children. Looks like the old age adage of jealousy has set in! He has worked hard to be successful. Give credit where credit is due. I can't stand all the cooks (they are not chefs) who say, "Man oh man, does it smell good in here" when they just dropped the ingredients in! It takes time for the aroma to set in! Giada is a total bore! Paula is too silly and eats the food like a glutton! She should have more manners. No one has the Emeril touch.