Four new series have been announced. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101012/media_nm/us_bravo
One sentence in the press release, describing the casting of the latest incarnation/franchise/spinoff of "Top Chef," sums up all that is wrong with the programing concept: "This bunch was a lot more emotional and dramatic than any cast we've seen on 'Top Chef.' Which makes you wonder if it's because of the great level of artistry with pastry cooking, or is it just this cast?" F*ck you, Mr. Network Executive. If it is a cooking show, there should be no doubt that it is about f*cking cooking. If you have to wonder, you have f*cked up. If you want to "cast" a series filled with characters and drama and tears, then get them the f*ck out of the kitchen before they hurt themselves with a Salad Shooter. I know I'll sound like an old fart, and I guess I am, but I used to be able to watch a show with "food" or "chef" or "gourmet" in the title and learn how to cook something. And I used to be able to watch a show with "home" or "renovation" or "workshop" in the title and learn how to build or repair something. I don't care about winners or losers. I don't care if somebody freaks out and cries. For about three years, TLC's afternoon lineup consisted of one hour of "Bob Vila's Home Again," one hour of "This Old House Classics," and one hour of "Hometime." But then "Trading Spaces" came along and its ratings were a tenth of a percentage point higher and suddenly we stopped learning things on The Learning Channel. It became more about the homeowner's reaction to the renovation than about the renovation itself. I stayed with my mom for a month, and in that time watched more than a few (much more than a few) cooking shows that had nothing to do with cooking. The one that blew me away was "Iron Chef" which contained sight gags and sound effects. But whether it was the one with the catering trucks roaming America or the one where people literally engaged in battle over cupcakes, I didn't learn to cook or bake anything. All I learned was the Nom Nom truck girls were cute and perky and that, apparently, cupcake filling is supposed to "taste like sex." -- Kevin M. (RPCV) -- TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en
