The Food Network is making headlines lately! They have not renewed Emeril Lagasse's nightly Live show and recently declined carrying Mario Batali's new series. So, who does the Food Network want? Apparently, they want Alton Brown who they just signed to a three year deal. Brown will continue to host Iron Chef America, continue to produce and host his show Good Eats, and he's getting a new show called Feasting on Waves (a follow-up to Feasting on Asphalt). Why so much Alton? The Food Network is aggressively pushing for a younger audience. Bob Tuschman, Senior VP, said that their campaign is working citing that the average age of the network's audience dropped from 50 in 2003 to 46 in 2007. Wow, what a big drop! (Note the sarcasm.)
Now, I love the Food Network (mainly because I love food). But Alton Brown? I'm in my twenties so I think I fit into this "younger audience" the Food Network is trying to capture. Yet I rarely watch Alton Brown's shows. Good Eats is interesting because he explains a lot about the ingredients but the format is annoying and he comes off as creepy. But that's just me.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 12)
1-28-2008 @ 8:17AM
Tammy said...
I've always been a huge fan of Alton, and I'm 24 years old. I love to have knowledge about my food and things in the kitchen.. Keep Alton on!:)
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2-05-2008 @ 9:07PM
cat said...
As long as they don't cancel Barefoot Contessa, I'm a happy camper. I love AB in all his weirdness and creepiness, but I can take him in small doses....maybe because I'm in that age group the network is trying to lower. You rock Alton, but INA, she's the best.
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2-21-2008 @ 5:50PM
John Udics said...
Alton Brown, are you listening? Are you out there somewhere? I would like to suggest a theme for a show which I'm sure would interest just about anyone who eats. How do I get in touch? I don't want credit or anything - just info which I'm sure you'd provide in a coherent, logical, understandable, thorough and even clever way. Help me to get in touch!
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3-25-2008 @ 8:08AM
Nancy LeGore said...
I'm very sad that Emeril Live was discontinued. LOVE his show! Do not like his show of Essence. Why don't you discontinue Anthony Bourdain? He is the most disgusting person to watch. Why would anyone want to watch someone eating a live cobra heart is beyond me!!!
I can just switch the channel when he is on.
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3-28-2008 @ 10:04AM
john said...
get rid of that no talented fool. He was an idiot in culinary school and he is still an idiot.
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3-29-2008 @ 10:30PM
curtis said...
Alton Brown sucks
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3-30-2008 @ 11:12PM
paul said...
my goodness get rid of that fool. He is ugly and annoying, like Bobby Flay, Emeril, Anthony Bourdain,Guywhatever his name is.get rid of all of them no personality at all.
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4-07-2008 @ 12:15PM
Barry Healey said...
I like AB he's my favorite FN host. He's sort of a friend of my brother in law. I haven't got to meet AB yet but would like to.
P.S. He's not creepy, my brother in law says he's a very nice guy, but I didn't have to have him tell me that you can tell just by watching is shows that he's a people person. TTFN AB
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4-13-2008 @ 8:06PM
Rob said...
I sure hope A.B. can afford some cosmetic surgery now. That warty-mole thing on his face grosses me out. Certainly not something you want to see before dinner.
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4-24-2008 @ 2:44PM
DreamStalker said...
Anyone who says Alton is creepy is a friggin' moron with an IQ below 90.
Anyone who says ANY cooking show on Food Network even comes close to being as great as "Good Eats" doesn't have a brain.
I don't give a damn about age demographics.. I'm 23 and don't want to watch Rachel Ray give everyone salmonella and E-coli (she never washes her hands) or Emerill say BAM again.. or Jamie Oliver pretend he knows how to cook when we all know the British are known for worldwide oppression and NOT culinary ability.
Bottom line is.. the only reason to watch the Food Network now is Alton Brown.. he appeals to those of us with triple-digit IQs.. I know you idiots don't like admitting how dumb you really are.. but it's okay. The world needs you.. how else could we feel superior?
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5-29-2008 @ 12:42PM
DK said...
Alton Brown is the only thing I watch on the Food Network, and I love to cook.
He is the best because:
1) His recipes are accessible
2) He gives you the why - i.e. scientific reasons - behind the method
3) He delivers the basics, like how to shop, tips on buying tools, etc.
4) He is just damn fun to watch. He entertains and his background in film allows him to really keep it interesting.
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10-02-2008 @ 5:45PM
Joyce said...
I'm 78 year old female, & not cooking much anymore. But I love watching Alton Brown; his antics can be goofy, but he imparts useful, intelligent information. Feasting on Waves was excellent; he showed how other cultures live & he genuinely loved & appreciated them. Please keep giving us his shows.
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1-07-2008 @ 8:36PM
eugene said...
AB as creepy? Uhmm.... I'm pretty sure that is just you.
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1-08-2008 @ 3:16PM
Melissa said...
Indeed. I don't find him creepy at all, I love Alton. In fact, when I saw this article, I jumped up and yelled "Yay Alton!" True story. I'm 27, btw.
1-08-2008 @ 3:44PM
Leslie said...
I can't imagine anyone thinking AB is creepy. Bizarre, yes,
but that's what makes him so funny and interesting. He's always been my favorite! I'm afraid I'm not in the target audience..oh well.
1-08-2008 @ 5:52PM
Venetia1 said...
I "Heart" Alton...I wish he was single! My grandpa's name is Alton too.
1-09-2008 @ 3:48PM
Anna said...
Alton Brown =
1-08-2008 @ 7:51PM
ziggy said...
no it isn't just the previous poster. AB's show Good Eats has a lousy format, the info is interesting but the presentation really turns me off and I reach for my remote promptly when this show comes on
1-07-2008 @ 9:13PM
ENID said...
ALTON'S GREAT! ENTERTAINING,NOT CREEPY AT ALL!!
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1-08-2008 @ 8:34PM
Mary said...
AB isn't creepy. I think he is kinda cute, in a geek sorta way.
I'm also in my 20s and Good Eats is the only show I watch on food network. But im not in it for the food as much as I am in it for the science stuff and general geekery.
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