The Chew

The Chew is a popular American television show that aired on ABC from September 26, 2011, to June 28, 2018. Notable for its blend of culinary content and daytime talk show elements, it was a unique installment in the canon of entertaining midday television.

The show was created by Gordon Elliott, who also served as its executive producer. The Chew was particularly known for its high-profile crew of five hosts with different professional backgrounds but united by a common passion for food – chefs Mario Batali, Carla Hall, and Michael Symon, style maven Clinton Kelly, and wellness enthusiast Daphne Oz. Such a diverse set of hosts contributed to a varied and dynamic program, providing a broad viewpoint on food and lifestyle topics.

Each episode of The Chew was set up as a one-hour live show, divided into various segments that captured an exciting world of culinary exploration coupled with informative discussions, celebrity interviews, and live audience participation. This format encapsulated the show's tagline, "celebrating life through food" pretty well.

One of the regular segments, “What’s for Dinner”, offered easy-to-follow recipes for weeknight dinners. Here, the hosts would walk the audience through a process to prepare a meal that is both delicious and practical for busy families. Another segment, “The Tasting Table," would involve sampling and discussing a variety of culinary creations, evoking a convivial atmosphere reminiscent of a family gathering where food is the heart of the occasion.

Unlike other cooking shows that focus solely on recipes and techniques, The Chew took a holistic view of food as an essential part of life. It would delve into the culture, science, and personal narratives that revolve around food, providing a well-rounded discourse that appeals to more than just cooking enthusiasts. The idea was to celebrate the joy of cooking, eating, and living – encapsulating the diverse influences of food on our everyday lives.

The hosts brought their unique expertise to the show. Mario Batali, a renowned chef and restaurateur celebrated for his Italian cuisine; Michael Symon, a James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef known as an “Iron Chef” on Food Network; Carla Hall, who combines her classic French training with her Southern upbringing; Clinton Kelly, best known for his hosting role in "What Not to Wear," and the resident expert on entertaining and style in The Chew; and Daphne Oz, a best-selling author and healthy living advocate, completed the ensemble.

The Chew was not solely confined to the studio. It took viewers out on the town for unique food adventures and various culinary events around the country, giving the audience a vibrant look at America’s food scene. It offered a unique blend of practical recipes, expert cooking and style tips, celebrity interviews, and general chatter, making it a versatile and engaging food-centric talk show.

In addition to the compelling mix of culinary and lifestyle content, the show's success was attributed to the chemistry among its hosts. Their camaraderie and genuine shared interest in food made the audience feel like part of an extended family, welcoming viewers into an atmosphere where conversations around food were exciting, accessible, and inclusive.

The Chew was also lauded for how it set out to inspire its viewers, equipping them with useful cooking hacks, recipes that ranged from the classic comfort foods to haute cuisine, entertaining ideas, and not forgetting tips for a healthier lifestyle.

Despite Mario Batali's dismissal from the show in December 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct, the show retained its essence and popularity, presenting its beloved blend of food, fun, and life celebration.

Overall, The Chew was a unique concoction of food education, entertainment, and everyday celebration, making it a must-watch for food enthusiasts and lifestyle buffs. It may have concluded its run in 2018, but it left an indelible mark on daytime television with its fun, inclusive, and passionate celebration of food.