Hmm... it seems like every network is expanding at the waistline. That is, a bunch of them are getting into food in a big way. Like Fine Living becoming the Cooking Channel. TLC is also adding more yum yum to the schedule. And the latest has an Oprah angle. Perhaps it's a coincidence, but just about everyone connected to Oprah Winfrey is getting a TV show these days... Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Nate Berkus. And now chef Art Smith has landed a show on TLC. Smith is well-known as Oprah's personal chef. Art Smith was on Bravo's Top Chef Masters last summer -- that was his audition -- and he showed himself as a homey, pleasant, unpretentious cook. For TLC, he's going to host Craving Comfort, with the emphasis on Southern comfort food.
He'll be treading into Paula Deen territory with the pies and grits and butter, but unlike Paula, Smith won't be in a studio set. The show will have him on the road (like Guy Fieri in Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?) finding the best in down home food like fried chicken and pecan pie.
This should have some broad appeal, especially given Smith's demeanor. He doesn't come off like a hotshot culinary master. He's more about "this is how my mama did it when I was a boy." Oh yes, he went to cooking school and has all the techniques of a classic cook, but he's not snooty.
TLC's order is for eight half-hour episodes, and Craving Comfort should be on the air in early 2010.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on 'Faces of America' and the Beer Summit
Six Reasons Why '24' Has Jumped the You-Know-What
The Super Bowl Commercials: The Best
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-28-2009 @ 9:26PM
Jeri said...
Art Smith will be so good on his own show. He has a great sense of humor ! I love my cookbook he signed called "Back To The Table."
It helps create security when parents eat together with their children.
Ms Oprah is the best! she gives back so much to society.
Why so many negative comments. Is this what our people are becoming, filled with hatred. halt the negative and absurd comments
Please! Good Luck Art and to Oprah also! Jeri-Florida
Reply
11-28-2009 @ 4:31PM
JUDANNC said...
What a FAT SLOB
Reply