Rachael Ray is saying goodbye and bringing her syndicated talk and cooking show to an end after its current 17th season, but she’s not out of the game. She’s launching her own production company, Free Food Studios.
The Rachael Ray show is ending after 17 seasons
Rachael Ray, a cooking and talk show that premiered in September 2006, was nominated for 37 daytime Emmys, winning outstanding talk show three times over the past 17 years. The show will end after its current season, as the host says, “it’s time for me to move on.”
A CBS press release confirmed that the show is officially canceled and will end original production at the end of this season.
According to Variety, the decision to end the daytime talk show that runs Monday-Friday comes after the series has experienced a considerable decline in ratings in recent years.
Accolades and awards
Over the course of 17 years, besides numerous Emmy nominations and wins, Rachael has been recognized in a number of other areas including:
-2007: TelevisionWeek’s “Syndication Person of the Year”
-2009: American Women in Radio and Television Tribute Award in 2009
-2010: Forbes “10 Most Influential Women Chefs”
-2010: People’s Choice Award for “Favorite TV Chef”
-2010: Forbes No. 78 of “100 Most Powerful Women”
-2013: Forbes No. 69 of “Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities”
-2019: The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “20 Power Players of Food Media”
In addition, in May 2023, Ray will be inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame for her achievements in television.
Rachael Ray launching new production company: Free Food Studios
“In my more than 20 plus years in television I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael,” Ray said in this CBS press release. “However, I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career.”
“My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution,” Ray continued. “I am truly excited to be able to introduce and develop new and upcoming epicurean talent on all platforms. That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios.”
“Thank you to all of our Rachael daytime show partners, crew and affiliates, and the wonderful years we all worked together,” Ray added.
