(ABC / Lorenzo Bevilaqua)
Today, ABC airs the final episode of their daytime series, The Chew. Last month, the network announced that the cooking-themed talk show had been cancelled after more than 1,400 episodes. Will you miss it? Was this the right decision?
Launching in September 2011, The Chew replaced the All My Children soap opera after its 41 years on the network. A talk show that incorporates cooking and lifestyle-related segments, the series was initially hosted by Mario Batali, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Daphne Oz, and Michael Symon. Oz departed the show after six seasons and Batali left following sexual misconduct allegations in December 2017.
ABC decided to cancel The Chew in order to expand their Good Morning America series to three hours. NBC’s Today show has had a third hour (with various titles) since October 2000. The current incarnation is Megyn Kelly Today.
While the third hour of Today typically followed the regular program’s two-hour broadcast, hour three of Good Morning America will air separately, in the afternoon. The new hour of GMA is expected to be taped and not presented live, as the regular program is. ABC is making this move as Today has been taking the lead in various demographics in the morning ratings race.
If ABC had wanted to expand GMA to three hours, couldn’t they have replaced either The View or Live with Kelley and Ryan? That was unlikely to happen since both perform better in the ratings than The Chew. In particular, The View has been growing its audience and has been seeing its best ratings since the 2014-15 season (a rarity in today’s landscape). Meanwhile, The Chew has been in last place, ranking 13th out of 13 daytime series.
While ABC may have high hopes for a third hour of GMA, they no doubt have an uphill battle ahead. Daytime audiences often don’t like change and some viewers still hold a grudge against The Chew for replacing All My Children. Time will tell if the new hour of GMA will fare any better than The Chew did.
What do you think? Do you think that ABC should have cancelled The Chew TV series? If not, what could they have done to boost the ratings? Will you check out a third hour of Good Morning America?
The Chew was the best daytime show that was fun but taught you things also. I learned many things about cooking, baking and craft making. I laughed at the 3 hosts banter and commadery all through the show. They included all of us as friends or family. They let you write in problems you were having cooking something and helped you figure out what you were doing wrong. It truly was a show I looked forward to and would then go to the computer and copy my favorite recipes. Please bring back the Chew.
The chew was the best daytime show on TV. It was an hour of fun, educational entertainment. The three hosts have great chemistry and was definately best with just the rhree of them. Abc has made a huge mistake. I will miss our “happy hour” #savethechew
No, The Chew should never have been cancelled. It was uplifting in this time of so much negativity. It was informative and the cast made you feel like family. One of the bright spots to my day, always made me laugh. The last thing we need is another news oriented type show or another self help show, or another trash tv show. I will not be watching GMA today, have already stopped watching GMA in the morning. Big mistake ABC. Don’t you understand, you have shows on tv like Maury, Jerry Springer, The View, Dr Phil, all the late night… Read more »
The show was full of love and laughter. It served as a bright spot during constant depressing news cycles. The hosts had amazing chemistry and were warm and inviting. It was educational and enjoyable. I think ABC has grossly miss judged what people want. I hope another network sees the potential in reviving the show- let’s try and catch lightning in a bottle again! #Savethechew
I watched everyday whether it was live or on my dvr. The show gave me more confidence in the kitchen and I learned a lot. I use a lot of their tips and tricks. I will miss the show greatly. In my opinion this last year was the best ever! Clinton, Carla, and Michael had such chemistry and if they messed up, they’d tell you. They were funny and quirky. Everyone needs a little sunshine in their ice and that’s what this show did for me and many others. Thanks for the memories! ❤️☹️
My heart is aching. NEVER have I felt so strongly about the cancellation of a show! This is the worst decision any network has EVER made. I WILL NEVER, EVER watch GMA! #savethechew
I never missed an episode in 7 seasons. It is highly unusual to see 3 cohosts get along so well. They shared both personal lives and experiences. I will miss The Chew immensely. I will never say “goodbye”, just see you later”! To me it was like losing a part of my family. I just want to thank you, once again, for the memories and everything that you have taught millions of viewers. May the journies of our lives allow us to meet once again. Until then, be safe.
I watch the Today show in the morning and switch to ABC when I get home from work to watch The Chew and General hospital then it goes right to another channel. I just don’t care for the GMA cast or many of the shows on ABC. I’m sure many people do love it though. I for one will deffinatly miss The Chew. There are already too many talk shows and news shows on. The Chew was a great change of pace and it always made me laugh and smile.
ABC has made a big mistake. The Chew was such a fun show to watch. Viewers like me are tired of the many news shows, the competition shows and the tell all celebrity and political shows. We want something that is entertaining and informative without all the drama and name calling. I learned so much from The Chew. Networks are also making a mistake in counting on the demographics of the 27 to 49 year old groups to make their programing decisions. Daytime viewers are made up of way more Baby Boomers and most of us have more money to… Read more »
The Chew is the best show on TV. The chemistry between Carla, Michael and Clinton is amazing. So rare to have such a fun, informative and funny show. I planned my day to be home and watch it. Watched on DVR when not. More news shows is the last thing we need on TV. Praying that someone picks up this fantastic show. Absolutely will not be watching ABC in the afternoon!!
The Chew was informative, entertaining, non-political, and fun to watch. It was a nice change from all the news shows that are everywhere. A person could actually learn something from The Chew. As viewers, we were not made to feel like idiots or that we did not know anything. You felt as though you were sitting at the table with them. Their chemistry is like no other on television, it is genuine and real. To The Three Chewskateers: “Thanks for the Memories”.
I loved the Chew. Always looked forward to seeing it after our lunch. So very entertaining with wonderful hosts who really liked and respected each other. I have learned so many cooking tips from all of them. I will be so lost when it won’t be on anymore. Please reconsider and put this marvelous cooking show back on the air. You are making a big mistake by putting Michael Strahan on with Sara Haines in the Chews place. Nothing more than another Kelly and Ryan or Kelly and Michael lookalikes. What are you thinking??
I am very disappointed that The Chew has been cancelled. It was a breathe of fresh air. Nothing negative but a happy fun show. It was more then just cooking. It was very informative, crafting, lots of laughs, & so much more. Praying that another Network pucks them up. Also, hoping that Hulu or Netflix will show all 7 seasons. There is so much to learn & these shows we should still be able to watch. We need more shows like this, not more news!
I really enjoyed watching The Chew every day, (even the reruns). I will miss Micheal, Carla and Clinton terribly and I will NOT be watching GMA. Please bring them back.
Please bring back the Chew. Loved this show and wont be watching another hour of gma.