Food Network and Cooking Channel served up 35 new series and over 30 returning shows during the Scripps Upfront breakfast at Alice Tully Hall in NYC. “Food Network will be launching new shows we believe fans are hungry for while Cooking Channel offers an exciting complement of flavors and cuisines,” said Brooke Johnson, president Food Network & Cooking Channel. “All in all, 2014 represents a year where we have something to offer for every taste.”
Among the slew of new series on Food Network are hidden camera show Undercover Critics and ice cream competition Game of Cones (wt), premiering in July; The Big Tip, with Rachael Ray, coming in August; and competition shows Diner Death Match (wt), Food Truck Face Off, Great Holiday Bake Off and Burnt, arriving in the fall. Daytime’s The Valerie Bertinelli Project (wt), featuring the actress and her family, launches in September. Bobby’s Grilling Guide (wt), with Bobby Flay, and The Daphne Brogdon Project (wt) will also make daytime landings.
Series being whipped up by Cooking Channel include Real Girl’s Kitchen with Haylie Duff, Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers and bakery show Sweet Julia, debuting in June; culinary travel show Bite This with Nadia G, food challenge Compete to Eat, Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh and Easy and Simply Laura!, with online star Laura Vitale arriving in August.
There are hearty online offerings, too, with holiday recipes, grilling and party tips, a tailgating package and web series, including Food’s Star Salvation and Cooking’s Back to School: Best College Eats.
HGTV has plenty to hurry home to watch in addition to Ellen’s Design Challenge., as the network adds nine new series to its 2014 lineup. Among them are The Jennie Garth Project, which will premiere in September and will follow single mom and actress Jennie Garth, star of Beverly Hills, 90210, as she renovates a dated Hollywood Hills, Calif. house for herself and her three daughters. In July, comes Flipping the Block, starring HGTV and DIY experts including David Bromstad, Nicole Curtis (Rehab Addict) and Scott McGillivray (Income Property). In November, Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott, aka the stars of Property Brothers, Buying & Selling and Brother vs. Brother, will tackle their biggest renovation challenge ever in Property Brothers: Behind Our Build (w.t.)–a series that captures how they manage the highs and lows that come with updating their own family’s Las Vegas retreat. And FYI, there’s a third bro who’ll be joining the family business.
DIY will go where no man has gone before this October with The Shatner Project, a home reno show from William Shatner. Among the other six new series from DYI are July’s Daryl’s Restoration Over-Hall, focusing on musician Daryl Hall as he brings back the charm of an 18th century home. In addition, contractor Jason Cameron will help homeowners smash their way to new spaces by wrecking and remodeling their worst rooms in Sledgehammer.
Travel Channel announced eight pilot orders at the Scripps presentation.
“We’ve discovered a treasure trove of compelling storytellers and inspirational talent,” said Ross Babbit, SVP Programming & Development. “We’re excited to move ahead with our new development slate that not only spotlights a fresh group of authentic talent and experts in global locations, but also delivers an immersive travel entertainment experience.”
The net’s development slate includes explorer series Breaking Borders (wt), Nigel’s Last Resort (wt) and Watt’s World (wt). Adventure and exploration of subcultures characterize Guiding Alaska (wt), Metropolis (wt) and Only In… (wt). Adventure Capitalists (wt) takes a look at travel from the business side, while Find My Past (wt) uncovers personal connections to historical events.
