CBS Distribution/Everett Collection
EXCLUSIVE: CBS Media Ventures’ nationally syndicated daytime talk show Rachael Ray is coming to an end after its current 17th season when original production is halted.
“In my 20+ years on television, I’ve had 17 wonderful seasons working daytime television with Rachael,” Ray said in a statement to Deadline. “Nevertheless, I have made the decision that it is time to embark on the next exciting chapter of my broadcasting career.”
It has been a year of seismic shifts in the increasingly challenging landscape of daytime syndication, with Dr. Phil, Judge Mathis and The People’s Court, who will also end their runs this season, and fellow stalwarts The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Maury, Dr Oz and The Real ended in the last 12 months. CBS Television Distribution, which distributes Rachael Ray, is also behind Dr. Phil and two other syndicated programs that have dropped in the last year, The Doctors and Chron TV.
News of the latest cancellation comes on the same day Deadline exclusively reported that Ray had teamed up with Intentional Content to launch a new production company, Free Food Studios.
“My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by traditional distribution rules. … So I’m excited to put all my energy into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios,” Ray said. “Thank you to all of our Rachael Daytime Show partners, crew and affiliates and the wonderful years we’ve all worked together.”
Hosted by Ray, Rachael features Ray’s culinary skills along with celebrity interviews, advice from health and lifestyle experts, makeover segments and musical performances. It debuted in syndication in September 2006 and finished its first season as the #1 syndicated flick launched in the 2006-2007 season. Over the course of 17 years, Rachael has been nominated for 37 Daytime Emmys and won three times for Outstanding Talk Show.
Rachael Ray was one of the first entertainment programs to resume filming during the pandemic, as Ray performed the show from her home in upstate New York with her husband, musician John Cusimano, as sidekick. The two made headlines in the summer of 2020 when their house burned down; Ray spoke about the fire on the show as she moved to the guest house on the property. The main house has since been remodeled.
“When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, it was a turning point during the day. She brought cooking to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions to improve their lives, and drew great stories from celebrity guests with her relatable, down-to-earth manner,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures. “We are proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team over so many years. We will miss Rachael every day on the air, but we will always be family.”
Rachael Ray is distributed and produced by CBS Media Ventures in association with Harpo Productions, Scripps Networks and Watch Entertainment. Janet Annino serves as executive producer.
CBS Media Ventures daytime anchor The Drew Barrymore Show was recently renewed. The company has found success with the Judge Judy library, which has strong ratings, and is trying to do the same with old Dr. Doing Phil episodes that are shopped.