Falling Nielsen ratings, rising costs, and perhaps a side of cast upheaval, seem to have taken a lethal bite out of an established daytime delicacy. ABC has cancelled The Chew TV show after seven seasons. Instead of season eight, the Alphabet Network has ordered an additional hour of Good Morning America — in the afternoon. Reportedly, the GMA expansion will not affect Live with Kelly & Ryan, which airs at 10:00am ET.
A cooking and lifestyle TV show, The Chew premiered on ABC on September 26, 2011, with original hosts Mario Batali, Daphne Oz, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, and Clinton Kelly. When the production did not replace Oz, who left after the sixth season, fans started listening for the kitchen timer of doom.
Then, during the first half of The Chew season seven, sexual impropriety allegations involving Batali (not show-related) came to light. After a brief investigation, the formerly celebrated chef and restaurateur was officially terminated from The Chew, in December of 2017. Once again, cancellation talk bubbled up — like yeast during proofing.
Symon, Hall, and Kelly have done their level best to fill the gaps at the host table, so perhaps this show has just reached its expiration date. According to reports, The Chew will finish out its regular seventh season production schedule. As with past seasons, new episodes will air throughout the month of June, with repackaged segments taking over until September.
No Season Eight — The Chew to be Replaced by Good Morning America
ABC News’ Good Morning America, will expand to three hours. The new third hour will air at 1 PM. EDT, noon CDT/PDT. The extra hour will replace ABC’s daytime food-themed program The Chew which, after seven seasons, 1454 episodes, multiple Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards, will cease production at the end of this season but will continue to air as planned until September with all-new episodes airing in June.
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“Over the past six years Good Morning America has solidified its place as America’s No. 1 morning show,” said Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney|ABC Television. “We believe there is great opportunity for viewers and advertisers in expanding to a third hour.”
“While this is the right decision for our business, it is also bittersweet,” Sherwood added. “For seven years ‘The Chew’ has delighted audiences by delivering innovative food segments in an entertaining atmosphere. We applaud and thank Gordon Elliott, Aimee Householder, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and the entire cast and crew for their great work and amazing run. And we wish them the very best.”
In telling his staff, executive producer and “The Chew” show creator Elliott saluted ABC’s move into a brand-new genre seven years ago. “Before ‘The Chew,’ no one had attempted a talk/food hybrid. Our hosts Clinton, Carla and Michael and the staff created television history executing the show as well as they did for all these years. I know I speak for all of the people who work on the show when I say it was the best television we have ever had the privilege to produce.”
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“Good Morning America keeps finding new ways to inform and delight our audience. We recently expanded GMA through our social channels and a newly launched website. Now we will build a whole new hour of compelling content that is true to GMA;s spirit,” said James Goldston, president of ABC News.
Additional details about the program, including the title and anchors, will be announced in the coming months.
What do you think? Are you a fan of The Chew TV series? Do you think the Batali scandal and firing were the final straw, or was it time to end the show, anyhow? If it were up to you, would ABC have cancelled or renewed The Chew for an eighth season? Sound off in the comments.
6/15/18 update: The final episode airs. Should The Chew have been cancelled? Vote here.
I love the chew and will certainly not watch more news.
I don’t miss mario or daphne. I think that carla
, michael and clinton are doing a fantastic job. I will definitely miss those three. I just started watching a litte over two years ago and it immediately became one of my favorite shows. I especially hope to see clinton on a new show very soon
Should have taken the View off instead. 1 o’clock is the pm. So why Good Morning America at that time. Very upset.
My lunch place has this unwatchable show on. Thank God that’s over…
I’m sorry not to be able to see The Chew even though there were times when they were too much silly. I will not watch Good Morning, America. They have no respect for our elected present president. Sorry that K Ripa still has a spot on Ch 6. I’d like to see someone in her place who would be more genuine and not so artificial. I feel the same way about Rachel Ray. They both started out very humbly but they’ve lost the humility. The shouting of Rachel is so unacceptable….she surely can be heard. The fact that she interrupts… Read more »
Worst decision ever!! It is so difficult to find wholesome TV that will make us laugh and also give us good ideas!! We do not need more gruesome news. Now we will turn the TVoff more and more. My husband & I looked forward to
this hour after lunch every day. Thanks a lot.
I agree ! great info …Michael and Clinton are best another personality could replace Carla but I love the show learned a lot. GMA does not have enough sparkle or energy to take another hour of network time They didn’t miss a step when Batali left and no loss–if Neilson ratings matter who are the people that do these ratings??? I agree with the comments about the view it could be replaced with a music channel lol.
ABC (Always Bad Choices) cancels a great show like th Chew but leaves on the VIEW? Done watching ABC. Too much GMA already. Reconsider the cancellation. No politics or bad mouthing the President here.
It’s a terrible decision to cancel The Chew. My wife and I don’t have the same taste in television shows but this show was the one that we both loved to watch together. It helped us reconnect after a long day at work and it got us in the kitchen cooking together. The kids loved the recipes and it was a show that was fun and informative at the same time. We really don’t need to see more GMA, 2 hours is enough!
Why? I am so mad that my favorite daytime show is ending. Why do we need more GMA? How much of the same television can one person watch? Big, big mistake. I tape The Chew everyday and can’t wait to watch it when I get home. I learn something new everyday. It’s such a fun, positive show. You can see how Clinton, Carla and Michael truly respect each other, love what they do and appreciate their fans. Please don’t take away a show that promotes the importance of eating together as a family. Keep The Chew!
I am sad and mad that my beloved, favorite show is ending. I have watched and taped every show!! I print out the recipes and try them. What is wrong with ABC?? Another hour of GMA? Boring! Yuck! Bring in another creative chef for CHEW, but don’t cancel such a clever, fun, educational, mouthwatering show. I have learned so much about food, cooking, techniques, world cuisines, unique flavors, herbs and spices, and so much more. The CHEW is both fun and opens up our culinary world. It inspires me to try new things and have my family and friends say… Read more »
Cancelling The Chew is like cutting off ABCs nose too spite their face. The cast of the chew were Loved by all who watched! It was the best daytime show bar none! Clinton, Carla and Micheal were like family to those who watched. Regardless what ABC thinks a third hour of GMA will be the down fall of GMA,to much is too much! Renew The Chew, wisdom comes at time in “knowing” when your wrong!
I am very sad and disappointed that the Chew will not be coming back next season. This is one of the best shows on TV. The camaraderie between the hosts if funny and entertaining. The recipes are delicious. What is ABC thinking of. Pleases don’t cancel this show.
I am going to miss laughing at lunchtime I didn’t miss Mario he only knew how to cook one thing
I am going to miss the chew I enjoyed laughing at lunch glad that Mario is gone he only knew how to cook one thing
I have reset my DVR to No Longer record GMA, but to record Today instead.. The 57 minutes of programming with 103 minutes of ads was already annoying. More is not acceptable.
The Chew was my respit from dating with my husband’s deteriorating health. I love that show.
So long ABC…. Hello everyone else!