Food Network Bids Farewell to Fan-Favorite Show After 11-Year Run

In a surprising move, Food Network has decided to pull the plug on its beloved weekend talk show, “The Kitchen,” bringing an end to its 11-year run. This decision marks the conclusion of a program that has become a staple for many food enthusiasts since its debut in January 2014.

The show, which will bid farewell this December, has been co-hosted by a dynamic team including Sunny Anderson, Katie Lee Biegel, Jeff Mauro, and Geoffrey Zakarian. Over the course of more than 490 episodes, “The Kitchen” has entertained and informed viewers with lively discussions on recipes, food trends, and practical family meal tips, earning an Emmy nomination along the way.

The final episode is slated to air on Saturday, December 13, at 11 a.m. ET, drawing to a close a journey that has been both a culinary exploration and a source of inspiration for its audience.

According to Variety, the show’s cancellation is part of Food Network’s broader strategy to reassess its resources and priorities as it plans its programming lineup for the upcoming year.

Variety reports that the show’s axe comes as the network continues to ‘evaluate resources and its priorities heading into the new year’s lineup of programming.’

It added that Warner Bros. Discovery is moving forward with its ‘plans to split up the linear channels portion of the business from the streaming services and studio.’

‘For over a decade Sunny, Katie, Jeff, Geoffrey and more recently Alex have engaged audiences with their individual and distinct food sensibilities and sense of humor that together make The Kitchen a delicious way to spend an hour,’ Warner Bros. Discovery head of food content Betsy Ayala said.

‘Everyone knows all good parties end up in The Kitchen, where the conversation, laughs and food flow; the best parties probably end a little bit earlier then some guests would like, but we’ve got 12 years of memories and wanted to celebrate this team’s hard work during one final holiday season.’

News of The Kitchen’s axe was shared with fans on social media.

Alongside a photo of the hosts, the show’s official Instagram said: ‘We’re immensely grateful to our hosts, crew, guests, and most of all, our loyal viewers for 10+ incredible years. 

‘Thank you for tuning in, cooking along, and being part of our community. Please join us for one final holiday season together in #The Kitchen.’ 

Fans have expressed their disappointment over the axe.

‘I am in shock,’ one said. ‘I love this show and look forward to it every Saturday morning. It is such a fun show and you are all amazing. I’m really sad. Thank you to all who had anything to do with the show. I will miss you all!’

Another added: ‘No way! This is my favorite Food network show. It’s how I learned to cook. Love this show! Going to miss my Saturday morning routine.’

‘NOOOOOO!!! For me, it’s the only show worth watching on Food Network anymore!’ a third continued.

A fourth said: ‘Very sad. I TRULY hope they don’t replace it with another competition show. We have ENOUGH of those.’

Daily Mail has contacted the Food Network for additional comment. 

In 2015, The Kitchen was nominated for Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design at the Daytime Emmys.

It also received a nomination for Outstanding Talk Show/Informative.

Last month, Daily Mail reported that Food Network quietly cancelled three Halloween themed cooking shows – much to the disappointment of fans.

Outrageous Pumpkins, Last Bite Hotel, and Halloween Cookie Challenge were all axed by the channel.

Despite those cancellations, Food Network announced earlier this month that it has lined up more than 50 hours of holiday content in the run up to Christmas, including a Guy Fieri festive special and the return of Holiday Baking Championship and Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown.

Guy will front Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas, a spin on the original format of the show.

This season, couples will work together for a $100,000 cash prize and an additional $50,000 prize to give to a charity of their choice.

Food Network also introduced Sweet Empire, a new series that will see 14 chefs create edible artwork with their teams for judges Jacques Torres and Yolanda Gampp.

Additionally, the channel is bringing back plenty of fan favorite offerings too, including Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, hosted by Fred and George Weasley stars James and Oliver Phelps.