Rachael Ray’s success story is remarkable: everything she has touched since her talk show debuted on CBS over fifteen years ago continues to turn into gold. But now, Rachael Ray has decided the time for a new chapter in her life away from cameras and prying eyes will begin; after seventeen years of captivating audiences on-air, she announced that she would be departing from her long-running daytime television show. It’s exciting to think about what this next chapter holds for such an esteemed superstar!
On March 3, 2023, a CBS Media Ventures press release declared that “After 17 years of celebrity interviews, delicious meals, makeovers, and advice on how to experience life the Rachael Ray way, syndicated daytime talker Rachael Ray is signing off at the end of this season.”
Rachael Ray expressed her resolution that she needed to relinquish her show so she could pursue her other dreams in life.
In a statement released to the press, Rachael Ray said: “In my more than 20 plus years in television, I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael. 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. 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.”
CBS Media Ventures will feel the absence of Rachael Ray, who was one of their most successful talk show hosts. Her impact on the network is undeniable and her presence will certainly be missed by those in charge.
Steve LoCascio, President of CBS Media Ventures, effusively praised Ray’s show by exclaiming: “When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game changer in the daytime space. She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives, and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable, down-to-earth demeanor.” He added, “We’re proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. We’ll miss Rachael on the air every day, but we’ll always be family.”
As CBS’s press release further disclosed, “Rachael Ray debuted in national syndication on September 18, 2006, to immediate rating success, finishing its first season as the No. 1 syndicated strip launched in the 2006-2007 season. Over the course of 17 years, the show was nominated for 37 Daytime Emmys, winning for Outstanding Talk Show three times. The syndicated daytime talker has been praised by critics across the country. Ray’s recognitions include The Hollywood Reporter’s list of ’20 Power Players of Food Media’ in 2019, Forbes No. 69 of ‘Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities’ in 2013, Forbes No. 78 of ‘100 Most Powerful Women’ in 2010, People’s Choice Award for ‘Favorite TV Chef’ in 2010, Forbes ’10 Most Influential Women Chefs’ in 2010, American Women in Radio and Television Tribute Award in 2009, as well as TelevisionWeek’s ‘Syndication Person of the Year’ in 2007.”
Will you miss Rachael Ray’s talk show? What will you fill its space with?
