The Food Network channel was once a pillar of cable television. I remember how, after school, I would race home to catch Ina Garten’s show, Barefoot Contessa, at 3:30 p.m. every day. She, along with other chefs like Sarah Moulton and Giada De Laurentiis, sparked my love of cooking from a young age.
Today, however, it seems that newer generations may not reap as much inspiration from the channel’s modern offerings. That’s because O.G. fans of the Food Network are disgruntled by its attempts to remain relevant in the face of threats from streamings. Here’s what they’re saying.
Scroll to see how fans really feel about The Food Network channel right now…
the pioneer woman | Food Network
Think about it: with platforms such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as social media sites like YouTube and TikTok, right at our fingertips, it’s become increasingly tough for the Food Network to remain the go-to source for all things cooking (especially in the wake of so many food content creators). So, the station has shifted away from classic comfort watches like The Pioneer Woman and leaned into more fast-paced (and arguably less genuine) programming, including tons of competition shows.
diners drive-ins and dives | Food Network
One former Food Network fan recently took to Reddit to voice their upset over this and claimed the station is “due for a reckoning.”
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, as I’ve watched [the Food Network] since its inception. Back when they actually had shows that taught you new dishes and how to cook,” the Redditor began.
“Granted, I enjoy some of the competition shows, but it’s becoming overwhelming. [To] add to that, they are force-feeding us Guy Fieri ad nauseam, and his shows are beginning to lose their gusto. It’s like he’s done it so many times, the authenticity is gone.”
tournament of champions | Food Network
Guy Fieri, the host of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, also has shows such as Guy’s Big Bite and Guy’s Grocery Games. His spiky hair and loud personality might’ve seemed novel when he first infiltrated the culinary scene, but other Food Network fans agree that they’ve had enough.
“You aren’t wrong,” one commenter responded, “I haven’t watched any FN [Food Network] shows in years because it’s either all Guy or competition shows that play the most ridiculous games. FN has turned into a joke that’s being led by Guy. I can’t stand him.”
bbq brawl | Food Network
In addition to Guy’s large presence on the Food Network, viewers are generally disheartened by how much of the station has become akin to reality TV. Many voiced how they’d prefer to be walked through recipes and taught real skills again instead of simply watching amateur contestants battle in extreme cooking challenges, sometimes alongside the same old professional chefs like Bobby Flay.
“Food Network reminds me of the evolution of MTV. In the beginning, it was all music videos, then it evolved into just reality shows, which is what is happening to the Food Network. They should keep Food Network for cooking food and start a new Food Reality channel,” suggested another commenter.
worst cooks in america | Food Network
Still, various fans pointed out how the station will stick with whatever programming gets them the most viewership and advertising revenue. That’s why it’s unlikely that the Food Network will return to airing the classic instructional cooking shows that helped us fall in love with cooking, at least on a large scale.
Nonetheless, hope isn’t totally gone if you still prefer to get your kitchen advice from places other than social media. Numerous Redditors suggested another channel, American Test Kitchen, as the best source for modern, informative cooking content.
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