A few weeks ago we mentioned Mario Batali's new show with Gwyneth Paltrow. If you recall, the show of them road-tripping through the Spanish countryside will be aired on PBS, not Food Network. At the time, I wondered why that was the case, but assumed it might have something to do with it being in conjunction with Spanish television. However it turns out it might actually have something to do with Mario Batali splitting up with Food Network. That's right, after an eleven year run on FN, Batali is hanging up his FN chef's coat.
Sources say the network told Mario that his multiple shows would not be renewed.
"He said that if his shows weren't going to be renewed, then he wasn't going to do 'Iron Chef,' " said a network insider. "And then they essentially said 'ciao'"
So no more Molto Mario and no more Iron Chef Batali — which sort of explains why they are looking for the Next Iron Chef.
Batali has been with the network since 1996. There's no word on whether or not his show will air in repeats.
What do you guys think about this? Do you think it's a mistake?
Source: New York Post
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Jean Paul Gaultier
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I think its a big mistake.
1I wasn't that big a fan of Mario Bitali but when it comes down to it, he makes great food and he has an amazing presence on camera. I'm for sure going to watch his new show w/ Gwenyth once in a while, as is probably a bunch of other people, so that's just Food Network's loss
But I wonder why FN chose not to renew his shows? Were the ratings bad or something?
I was never big on watching his shows, but he was one of my favorite Iron Chefs. If it means more Alton Brown, I'm all for it... If I end up with more Bobby Flay, or Sandra Lee or Giada... blech.
2Oh sad! He does have an amazing presence on camera. Even though i don't have cable, I enjoyed watching each chance I got. I hope his foodtv.com recipes won't be taken down!
Bleh.. Sandra Lee... I'm cringing!
3Mario not on Food Network = big mistake. He is one of the few Celeb Chefs on Food network that is a true chef. I will definitely watch the PBS show; I hope this means that perhaps Mario will have another show on another network - perhaps on the Style network?
4I'm surprised by this! He's such a staple of Food Network.
5Wow! I am shocked... Speechless...
6Mario Batali makes awesome food, but I cannot stand watching him on TV. Call me shallow, but I just don't. I agree though, if it means more Sandra Lee, or Rachael Ray, that's no good either. More Ina!
7Food network lost it's charm a while ago for me.
8No surprise, it was only a matter of time before TFN cut Mario loose. He was a nagging reminder to the network bosses that they used to program shows that entertained *and* educated. Amybdk is probably right, giving Mario the boot probably frees up a couple of time slots for whatever tragedy TFN execs have greenlighted for Sandra Lee.
9Personally, I'm fine seeing a bit less of Mario Batali - while I appreciate his style and many of his recipes, I get maxed out on these celebrity chefs. While I'd happily lose Sandra Lee, I'd also be happy to see less of Emeril. That said, I'm sorry to see bona fide cooking shows go; I fear that FN may quickly become like MTV ... all fluff like gameshows and specials, and no educational, inspiring cooking shows!
10I liked his show on FN. It's sad he won't be there anymore, but there are a lot of new up & coming chefs to be featured. Who knows, it could be a blessing in disguise!
11Food network's loss. Seriously? He's one of the only real chefs that actually know anything about real food on that network.
Sure, he's a big sweaty dude who wears orange clogs. He's like Emeril without the bam. Its only a matter of time before they let Emeril go, and they'll just fill in the blanks with useless Rachel Rays and Sandra Lees.
See how well Anthony Bourdain is doing? Remember he used to be with Food Network in the beginning. He got out before they went totally downhill. Its good that Mario is getting out before the entire place ignites in pre-made, microwave based flames.
12WHY Gwyneth Paltrow? YICK.
13Bad choice on the Food Network's part! He's one of the only real chefs they've got left, and while I personally haven't spent a lot of time watching any of his shows, I've always appreciated that he knows what he's doing.
I don't want to know what sort of inane crap they'll fill his time slots with.
Best of luck to him though! I watch a lot of Food Network, but over the years they are getting farther and farther away from being about FOOD. He might be better off elsewhere at this point.
14Sadly, he isn't "trendy" enough for Food Network anymore. They are more into glamour than substance. I think it's too bad...he really is a great chef.
15Love MB, but these days, he is way too good for Food Net. I'm sure he'll move on to better things.
16hmmm. kinda shocked myself. crazy!
17Aw, I love his show! Like everyone else said, he's one of the last real chefs on the network. Looking forward to seeing what he'll do next, though.
18I may not like his show (mainly because he's soooo into just Italian cooking) but I love him as an Iron Chef - I think he has a GREAT personality. He'll be missed on FN!
19I started watching FN when it started... I was a teenager who loved to cook but didn't really know how to do it. I can say that the bulk of what I know now comes from FN's chefs... the ones who started the network, not the Rachael Ray's and Sandra Lee types.
20I have mixed emotions about this. While I think his show is actually more about cooking than celebrity, I think he the whole network has taken giant LEAPS away from cooking and is becoming more about celebrity than cooking. The only comfort Italian cooking show left will be Michael Chiarello (sp?). I'm sure Giada's a nice person, but her plunging necklines and grunting while tasting hre food just leaves me rolling my eyes. They should have just let Mario keep his one show and stay on as Iron Chef. Now, FN has added another annoying reality show to their line-up. Good grief! Stick with cooking folks! That's what you do best.
21Lara16...I'm the same boat as you and agree 100%!
22it was either Dlisted or Best Week Ever that said they got rid of him because they had to make room for Giada's big boobs and mouth. lol
23I like Mario, but I also like watching Sandra, Rachel and Giada. Sandra and Rachel offer great tips for easy meals and Giada makes delicious italian food. I like Food Network, but I don't watch the reality shows on there. I also love Ina.
24The FN has openly admitted that they program to entertain, that they look for personalities vs. chefs to make cooking accessible and fun-translation-lowest common demoninator. That being said, I know very few people who find Rachel Ray watchable yet she's amassed a media empire whose trajectory seemingly knows no bounds. She counterintuitively defies overexposure and I have to admit, as much as I dislike her show(s) and her personality, I sometimes get sucked into watching her drivel. (She has some kind of evil evil power!) But I digress.
Lisabunny and JustOh have got it right. There's no higher standard to hold the FN to. They're a sad and pathetic shadow of their former selves. I've defected almost entirely back to PBS---which is where the granddaddies (and daddies) of the original FN shows were born. Thank God the new generation of PBS cooking shows fill the void left by FN's shift in priorities.
And Sandra Lee? Honestly. The veiwing public would be better served getting onto the Kraft Foods website and just using their recipes than listening to her brainless stepford wives inspired prattle. Giada may be built like a jack-o-lantern on a toothpick but at least the woman KNOWS food.
25I forgot to add my main point. Looking at what the FN has become, I think the Batali PBS pairing makes far more sense. Especially since they were willing to let him walk away. Senseless.
26I wasn't really a fan of Mario's until he was on Iron Chef. He has a very calm, relaxed manner in the kitchen and you actually learn something when you watch his shows. Bad decision on Food Network's part.
27I hope he knows what he's doing!?
28You know Mario never could find his niche at the network, first there was
29Motlo Mario then Mediterranean Mario, then Mario eats Italy, Than Ciao America, then he was shuttled over to Iron Chef and guest apperances on other chefs shows and various Food TV series.
He owns, co-owns Babbo, Lupa, Esca, Otto Enoteca Pizzaria, Casa Mono, Bar Jamon, Bistro du Vent, and Del Posto. and is currently opening a new one B&B ristorante in Vegas. He has his own cookbooks, and cooking tool line.
So, i dont think Mario needs food network to further his career.
Ciao Mario....to you and your hideous footwear
While I am not a fan of Molto Mario, he is my FAVORITE Iron Chef, and has the most personality of them all! The Food Network is certainly not what it used to be. They keep Emeril on during prime time, even though he is just annoying, and they get rid of Mario? BIG Mistake!
30WOAH! I wonder who the next IRON CHEF is going to be!!!! Maybe Tom Cillicio from Top Chef? SEE IF HE CAN EVEN COOK!
31that's so sad! I liked him on Iron Chef...
32Oh No!! this is terrible!!! I really enjoyed watching him on all of his shows, especially iron chef! those orange clogs are such a staple on the food network! I think it is just aweful that they cancelled his shows! I would much rather continue to see him than be constantly looking for the next food network star! Not that I dont love Guy F. but to loose a main man like Mario is way upsetting! my biggest fear is who's going next... i really hope food network has no plans to continue cancelling the main stars shows or I will have no desire to continue watching!
33Food Network should change their name...there's very little real food. It is an entertainment network. I lost interest in FN years ago when 2 HOT TAMALES left. I'd rather watch real chefs on PBS.
34I do not even watch FN like I used to. I do not know who is up there any more so to see Mario going doesn't make a difference to me.
35Oh, SugarFreak, that was great! FN has become so mainstreamed celebrity focused. I can't stand Giada, Rachael, and have you seen the newest addition ROBIN MILLER???? What is that about? She is like a prozac popping mother chef, who is totally non-inventive. I can cook better than her, and I'm not a great cook.
36No, Mario, nooooooooooooooo! Will I still get to see him on TV?!? I love the way he presents his dishes in reference to the community that the recipe comes from, incorporating the ingredients that are abundant in the area. Que sera sera...
37it seems the general concensus is that the FN is programming for brain dead idiots. anyone with connections should forward this thread to them. their obsessive focus on personalities (rather than food) will hopefully catch up with them. but if rachel ray's insane success is any indication, i highly doubt it.
38Molto Mario was a snoozefest and I was tired of his incessant PRONUNCIATIONS of italian words, But the guy cooks his fluffy butt off. And Iron Chef is a wrap w/o him...best wishes Mario
39This is a HUGE mistake. Mario was great to watch cook. He was always in such a good mood and upbeat. FN BRING MARIO BACK!!! He will be missed!
40I think this is a huge mistake. Mario was one of the first chefs to have a show on FN. I hardly ever watched his shows, but he DOES have a great screen presence. I think it's sad and I hope maybe eventually he'll come back.
41Big mistake for food network. I will totally switch to PBS to watch Batali's show. He's just an awesome chef!!!!!
42GINORMOUS mistake! I couldn't possibly begin to articulate just how much I've learned from chef Batali! My 6 year old daughter and I shared his shows for sometime and his episodes of Iron Chef were the ones I enjoyed the most. FN has debased themselves YET AGAIN with separating themselves from one of their charter and most talented personalities. First Emeril and now Batali! What a bunch of dirge-monkey pricks! FN needs to pull a Robert Ervine backtrack and do some damage control. They are systematically alienating their prime audience. The newest generations don't give a freakin' care about taking the time to cook or learn food science. My vote is : BRING BATALI BACK AT ALL COST! Then, fire yourselves for being such incompetent cockers!
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