POPULAR TV chef, Rachael Ray, has been known for her kind smile and easy, 30-minute meals for over two decades.
On March 3, 2023, it was revealed that her CBS show, Rachael Ray, would not be renewed after its 17th season.
Ray’s syndicated show debuted on CBS back in September 2006Getty Images – Getty
Why is Rachael Ray’s show ending?
Rachael Ray – a daytime talk show on CBS – will be coming to an end after its current, 17th season.
For nearly two decades, the nationally syndicated show hosted by Food Network celebrity and chef, Rachael Ray, has featured the 54-year-old’s culinary skills, as well as health and lifestyle tips by experts and the occasional celebrity guest and musical performances.
“In my more than 20-plus years in television, I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael,” Ray told Deadline in a statement.
“However I’ve made the decision that’s it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career.”
According to Deadline, once her CBS show is over, Ray will be busy launching her own production company – Free Food Studios – in collaboration with Intentional Content.
“I’m beyond proud to launch Free Food Studios with my longtime collaborator and friend Brian Flanagan and his team at Intentional Content,” Ray told the outlet.
“I’ve always wanted to create a library of original content in the food space and it excites me to have the opportunity to mentor and introduce a new class of culinary talent through this platform.”
The studio will focus on producing, owning, and distributing content created by Ray as well as launching the careers of new and upcoming talents.
When did Rachael Ray’s show debut?
Ray’s syndicated show debuted on CBS back in September 2006.
Since then, Rachael Ray has been nominated for 37 Daytime Emmys, winning three times for Outstanding Talk Show.
Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, said in a statement: “When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game-changer in the daytime space.
“She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable down-to-earth demeanor.
“We’re proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. We’ll miss Rachael on the air every day, but we’ll always be family.”
Ray’s current and last season premiered in September 2022 and features her cooking on location at her home in Tuscany, Italy.
Rachael Ray’s daytime talk show will be coming to an end after its current, 17th season on CBSGetty Images – Getty
When did Rachael Ray join Food Network?
Aside from her CBS show, Ray is more famously known for being a familiar face on the Food Network.
She joined the popular food-oriented cable channel back in 2001 and became an instant hit.
Ray hosted 30 Minute Meals on the network for 11 seasons -from 2001 to 2012.
In 2019, her show was revived and can be streamed via Food Network GO, Hulu, and more.
“Rachael Ray is a culinary firebrand as evidenced by her success across her television shows, magazine, books, live events, philanthropy, and all of her businesses,” Food Network president, Courtney White, said at the time.
“Her time-saving and creative ideas for whipping up delicious meals at home are perfect for the home cook of any level, while her infectious energy and enthusiasm make viewers feel like they are right there cooking along with her in the kitchen.”
