Question: what would Brian Boitano make? Answer: a pretty ridiculously offbeat cooking show. The Olympic figure skating champion's Food Network series, which was first announced back in April, debuted yesterday, and it was certainly not what I expected.
The skater described his show as "goofy and funny," but that's an understatement. The theme song riffs on the South Park movie's satirical tune "What Would Brian Boitano Do?" and although his cooking skills appear to be legit, recipes are interspersed with hammed-up interludes of Brian biking behind rainbows, lounging in a velvet robe, and running from an animated goat cheese log. He throws out corny lines, like, "I'm gonna holla at my homegirl, my mother from another grandmother." At times, he's hilarious; other moments, trying way too hard. All in all, the show is very uncharacteristic of the Food Network.
The strangest part of the episode was the party's theme. Brian decides to throw a soirée for a bachelor friend and proceeds to round up 15 bachelorettes. The show nears an end when Tony, Brian's pal, turns beet red as he enters a "party" — really, just a room filled with more than a dozen single, dolled-up women.
In case you missed out yesterday, this video sums up the episode's screwball scenes. Did you watch? What did you think of the show?
Tod's
Ugh. Sometimes I get mad because Food Network Canada does not get all the same shows that the American network gets...but much like that crappy half-homemade show or whatever with Sandra Lee, I will not be sad at all if we don't end up getting this trainwreck!
1I did see the first part of the show, but I thought it was so stupid that I didn't finish watching it. I mean, sure, the recipes were OK, but nothing spectacular. And the whole premise was just, well, kinda weird. So yeah, I probably won't watch it again. I did catch Melissa D'Arabian's show though...I think hers is a LOT better!
2I watched it purely b/c his funny "see guys, I'm hip and totally dialed into current pop-culture" dialogue was cracking me up. My 9 year old walked in midway through, sat down, and started chuckling.
"Mom, why's that OOOOOOOOLLLLLLLDDDDD guy talking like that? Fail."
And of course, that cracked me up more. I'll be watching what comes too. It's too comical to miss.
3I thought it was weird. He seemed to be trying WAY too hard, desperately hard. Dude, just cook, don't be a doofus.
4I'll stick with Paula & Giada thank you.
5I didn't watch it, have no intention of doing so. I loved Brian on the ice, I just can't see this show being good at all, so I'll keep my ice skating image of Brian, thank you.
6I have to say I didn't have very high hopes for this show, but I decided to give a shot and I was actually pleasantly surprised. This definitely isn't your typical Food Network show. I couldn't stop laughing at all his double entendres and just how campy and comfortable he was. I don't care much for his cooking and he knows he isn't a James Beard contender but he is very entertaining. I'll probably continue to watch his show for now.
7Ugh...step away from the kitchen and get back on the ice. This show is not going to last...thank G-D!
8I thought it was kind of hilarious and awesome! I set my DVR to record all episodes after watching for 5 minutes. Can't you just image the food network approaching Trey Parker and Matt Stone about using that song? It must have made their day.
9i think it will take more than just a few episodes for him to find a comfortable place. just like dave letterman and conan obrien. people didnt like them initially, but they grew on audiences. brian boitano has something entertaining about him....id say give it time.
10I thought it was funny/cute and liked the fact that it didnt take itself seriously and was different from most Food Networks shows. Liked the San Francisco setting too...
11It was great. First off, who knew Boitano was a food-guy? I thought the recipes were great, and the production matched his personality. (I've seen him in interviews- he is a certified goof and it's funny) I think watching a show with him being to serious would be hard to watch. Give it a few episodes- granted, he doesn't seem used to carrying a whole show on his own, but I'm willing to bet after a few episodes he won't seem like he's trying too hard. I think the older matronly crowd will balk at first (as evidenced above) but Food Network's broader, younger audience needs something too- can't you at least give us Sunday afternoons when the Paula fans are at church?
12At first I thought it was stupid and strange- but it grew on me and kept me laughing
13He was hilarious. I think its a great change for FN and glad they decided to bring in a program for a younger demographic.
14It was just plain silly. That's the only way to describe it. I kept asking myself, if this show was presented to Food TV without Brian Boitano, would it have ever gotten on the air? I'll watch it again to see if there's any improvement, if not, then I won't watch it again.
15I liked it I could have done without the side story...but he's definately an interesting host and his recipes weren't complicated or intimidating to me which I like because im no emeril overall its entertaining and I may actually use some of his recipes.
16I'm in love with this show already. It's one of my new favorites!
17Thrilled to see FN finally getting some people on with personality. Refreshing to finally have a show on w/ character other than Alton.
18I can't find this show on the foodnetwork listings in my area (Seattle). Is the show still on Sunday 1pm PDT?
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