Food Network BAMS Emeril and Carson Crosses the Line

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Nov 2007 10:52 AM

One of my dad's favorite TV shows is getting sliced, diced and dumped from the Food Network.

"Emeril Live," which has been a mainstay on the all-cooking channel for more than a decade will cease production on December 11th.

However, according to network execs, the show's star celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, is still under contract with Food Network. Which means you'll still see the effervescent cook BAM-ing, basting and butterflying chicken breasts, but it won't be on the show that made him a household name. (Though, the network says reruns of "Emeril Live" will air at least until the end of the year.)

Network brass wouldn't give a reason why they chopped Emeril's show from the schedule, though insiders say the show already achieved so much and "all good things come to an end."

Emeril fans buck up... The Food Network says it will continue producing Lagasse's "The Essence of Emeril," and the amicable chef will also take part in "specials and other development opportunities in the future."

Personally, I can't imagine the Food Network would ever end its relationship with the man who by all accounts is responsible for so much of its success. The Food Network has helped make Emeril immensely beloved (heck, the guy is so popular he even stars on one of my daughter's favorite Elmo tapes) and likewise, Lagasse has helped the Food Network morph into a legitimate ratings powerhouse.

CARSON CROSSES THE LINE

Four weeks is enough for Carson Daly. The host of NBC's "Last Call with Carson Daly" is going back to work and he's crossing the Writers Guild of America picket line to do so.

According to NBC, Daly will begin taping new episodes of his late-night talk show next week despite the fact that he will have to pass writers wielding large strike signs to do so.

While all of the late-night talk shows have been airing reruns to mark their solidarity with writers, Daly, who is not a member of the Writers Guild, must have come to the conclusion that resuming production on his show is in his best interest and the best interest of his non-writing staff members who faced losing their jobs in the wake of the work stoppage.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12871) 28 Nov 2007 07:50 PM

Hum, first Mario now Emeril...maybe the Food Network IS going after a younger audience. When I saw the name "Carson" I immediately thought of Kressley from Queer Eye fame. Is that sad? LOL