Are you going to watch The Chew?

[Robin Garr]

Looks like just more food celebrity stuff to me ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tv- ... _blog.html

[Jenise]

When I first heard about this, I kind of thought hurray. But then at that point the only names I knew were Mario, Symon and Carla Hall, all of whom I think positively about. But that, as I've learned from your link thank you for that, they have dumbed it down with Dr. Oz' daughter and an "entertaining expert" suggests that it's going to be way too networky and Rachel Rayish for my tastes. Typical, unfortunately, of everything I hate about daytime network TV.

But I'll watch it today. Review to follow!

I don't really "do" daytime TV, but will DVR it and check out an episode. I LOVE Carla, and am thrilled that the entertainment industry recognizes her marketability beyond Top Chef. I like Mario too, so maybe it has potential. Wondering about the content.

Probably worth watching just to hear Michael Symon's giggle. -RP

Can't say that the title of the show draws me in at all. I doubt that I'll pay any attention to it unless others here find it worthwhile.

[Jenise]

Okay, so I made that speech about watching and then forgot all about it until ten minutes before it ended. I tuned in just in time to see my worst fears confirmed: in a nutshell, it's a housewife show. Okay so they're talking about food instead of back to school fashions but only the words and the faces are different, the content does not appear to distinguish itself or aim any higher. An ad for coming shows this week promise Paula Deen, Whoopi Goldberg visiting Eataly, "useful tips" and hot information about "trends". UGH.

Blech.

The consensus on another cooking site I visit was that the show was to fast paced and confusing...sorta like The View which I cannot stand. I don't enjoy shows like that.

Okay, so I made that speech about watching and then forgot all about it until ten minutes before it ended. I tuned in just in time to see my worst fears confirmed: in a nutshell, it's a housewife show. Okay so they're talking about food instead of back to school fashions but only the words and the faces are different, the content does not appear to distinguish itself or aim any higher. An ad for coming shows this week promise Paula Deen, Whoopi Goldberg visiting Eataly, "useful tips" and hot information about "trends". UGH.

We just caught the end too. Mario's pizzas looked awful!

A show about tobacco. I would have never guessed...

Jeff

If the first show is indicative of what others will be, it will not reside on my DVR anymore. -RP

[Jenise]

Unfortunately, Randy, it will be indicative. It's typical network TV: they're trying so hard to be inclusive and not scare of the biggest idiot in the room that it's a complete turn-off to anyone with half a brain. This show is for the Regis and Kelly crowd, not us.

I can't believe they talked Clinton Kelly into being on this show! It will be intersting to see how long he sticks with it.

[Jenise]

Who is he anyway?

Clinton Kelly is a fashion expert who works with Stacy London on TLC's "What Not to Wear". A fun show, kind of amazing actually on how they transform sloppy dressers, both men and women. He has an interesting bio:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_Kelly_(TV_personality)

You see Stacy London all over TV advertising very high heel shoes, among other things. They have a charisma between them that is charming.

[Jenise]

Okay thanks. So I read his bio on Wikipedia and learned that he's a fashion journalist and a popular "TV personality". Nothing wrong with either, but that such a person was cast for a so-called food show over all the people more qualified to be on a food show points out exactly what's wrong with it. Even after just ten minutes on the first day wherein the only segment I saw consisted of someone who IS qualified to be there--Mario--I wasn't the least bit tempted to tune in again yesterday.

Exactly why I wondered why he was on there. He is already great at what he does, so this show just seemed beneath him somehow. Of course, if the money made it worthwhile, why not? I will have to watch, if I can remember to do so, and notice his attitude.

[Jenise]

I read an article in the NYT about it today. This is apparently Rev 2 of the show; Rev 1 didn't make it past "test audiences" because most of the hosts originally chosen were relative unknowns. Which is why you'll be surprised that Daphne is apparently the only original cast member to survive. Apparently it never occurred to them to find a smarter test audience. Anyway, that explains Clinton. And though his field is fashion, he's got a popular show and he's gay and all gay men know everything about food and entertaining, don't you know? By which I mean nothing against gay men, I'm just against the production team for stereotyping both him and the audience.

Just saw about 20 minutes of this "show". Why the audience? Why is Mario acting as sous chef? Why the integration of food and talk show? Do we really need laugh track? What a piece of crap! So disappointing to watch so many talented people dumbed down for the captive at home audience.

I've quit recording it, the show is crap. Please bring back cooking live with Sara Moulton. -RP

I've quit recording it, the show is crap. Please bring back cooking live with Sara Moulton. -RP

Sara’s Weeknight Meals, started about a week ago on PBS. Check it out.