The CHEW

[Bellachefa]

With the continual ad running all thru chowhound, will we be able to honestly critique this show. I'm sick of it already and it hasn't even aired. I do like Karla and Michael though, the rest, meh. Marios ego is bigger then his tired old shorts and orange crocks.

[iL Divo]

wonder if anyone saw the Chew a few days ago with Olivia Newton John on it.
she was pretty cute but Clinton was over the moon for her, so very funny.
I mean, he couldn't speak very well, very star struck. :)

[sharhamm]

I love Clinton. He loves alcohol, food, and life in general. When I first started watching it I didn't like him at all, but he has evolved and he is my favorite!

[iL Divo]

I thought it was crazy how he asked for a drink from anyone to go into his stage room or whatever it's called and get him a gin and tonic. such a funny guy who knew waaay too much about Ms. John

[iL Divo]

watched the show taped this week with Trisha Yearwood on it.
wanted to view recipes of hers.
the recipe she showcased, a wild rice and chicken casserole.
was pretty astounded at 2 sticks of butter & equally shocked at 3 cups of half and half she used too.
I could [if I wanted to] try it by using olive oil but much less and ff milk instead of the half and half. I know it wouldn't be as decadent or rich as hers but of course it's going to taste better her way. seemed an unnecessary fat overkill.

[junescook]

We're on the like list. We watch it at lunch time. It is just a very light, funny chat show revolving around food. Mario seems most comfortable cooking, Michael and Carla are both funny and savvy cooks; Daphne is the persecuted little sister, but Clinton is really hysterically funny. If you're looking for a serious cooking class, this is not it, but if you want a bit of entertainment, -- and maybe some ideas for dinner -- this program is fun. (If you happened to watch "A Day In the Life of Mario Batali" that somebody here on CH told about, you'd see that the show is very loosely thrown together rather than being tightly scripted.)

[HillJ]

Well it appears The Chew has made it through the first round. The Revolution however has gotten the axe and will be replaced by an afternoon version of Good Morning America this summer.

While I'm not a fan of the format, (I still think they try to cover way too much in one show), The Chew co-hosts have managed to find their sweet spot and individual space over time. As clumsy as it began, they actual dance together very well now.

Mario still appears stiff and out of sorts on the silly segments and is absent the most, Ms. Oz has relaxed quite a bit (including her anti food slamming), Carla remains true to her energized self & southern charm, Michael has shown a very playful non-Iron Chef side and Clinton well he's just a hoot with each passing episode; he's taken more and more command of the show and who would have guessed the "dresser" has the most to say about food trends. He's going to land his own spin-off no doubt in my mind.

[monavano]

+1 on your summary. I feel the show found its groove and the personalities are by and large fun to watch.
Clinton is a hoot. I love the "thought bubble" segments!

[greygarious]

The arc of these posts seems to be following the Five Stages of Grief, the most recent ones having reached the final one, Acceptance. Me, I'm still on Anger! If I chance to land on The Chew while channel-surfing, it's invariably an obnoxious cacaphony of raucously-cheering audience and frenetic, mugging hosts, from which I instantly flee. Though The Chew apparently gets good ratings, I think ABC may have had some regrets about cancelling One Life to Live. Some of its characters, and the actors who portrayed them, have been integrated into the cast of General Hospital, which IMO can use the infusion of talent. The latter show has dumped some of its tiresome characters and weaker performers to make room for those displaced by The Chew.

[Duppie]

You noticed that also...I went on record several hundred posts ago that It was going to be a hit.simply because it had the right combination of movement,noise,colors,pop references, junk science and talking heads to transfix and entertain it's target audience. It's like the Wiggles for grownups.

[Njchicaa]

I will freely admit that I LOVE The Chew. I think Michael Symon and Mario Batali are showing great recipes. Clinton Kelly has grown on me, especially after the donut and today's cinnamon roll segments. Carla Hall and Daphne Oz are still growing on me. I love how they all interact.

I live close enough to NYC to be in the audience and I'm totally thinking about it. I love The Chew. I watch it every evening before bed and it makes me smile and laugh.

[iL Divo]

"especially after the donut and today's cinnamon roll segments"
Clinton was seriously hysterical, I do agree

[iL Divo]

watched the show the other day where Clinton was helping Carla make her grandma's crock pot mac and cheese. he was hysterically funny to me as he kept just wanting to do it right, very funny man and doesn't seem to try to put on funny it just happens.

[yummfood]

I think Clinton Kelly's a riot! I think he's a great host and I've been enjoying the show. All of the hosts genuinely seem to like each other and get along well, so it makes the show much easier and fun to watch.

[LaLa]

I agree

[iL Divo]

yep, agree yumm about them seeming to like each other and get along.
I do wonder sometimes if there's a rival between MB and MS only due to them both being IC's. I catch the nuances between their looks at each other sometimes, indicating to me that maybe something has gone on previously. yesterday wearing cowboy hats for a brief moment, MS seemed to almost send an annoyed look into MB's eyes. I'm sure I'm wrong.

why is it I wonder that everyone refers to Michael as Michael Symon? they don't refer to Mario in his full name. hum...

[iL Divo]

watched last 4 I had taped after hubby went to work @ 4:00am today.
period shows like 70's 80's 90's. I wish I could say I like it more than I do.

one on there is major multi talented but also ultra ego'd.
one has talent but seems to always be moving and acts most of the time like they're at an amusement park.
one seems full of important information but also seems almost out place.
one is very talented and accomplished but I'd be more comfortable if there wasn't the constant and continual nervous courtesy giggling laughter.
seems off kilter in this setting.
the last isn't out of place and adds pleasantries to the show.
although I understand 3 cooks, a host and a person who brings healthy living information,
maybe they're still working on clearing out the bugs.

[xpicassox]

LOL! "Good One, MARIO'S EGO is BIGGER Then his Tired Old Shorts and Orange Crocs" Very true!
That get up is really tired. Also true is that "THE CHEW SUCKS" Big time. Worse than the SHIT They have on The Food Network. But the only thing that would save it would be MARIO alone and on his own. Everyone one else is DEAD WOOD. They are So AWFUL it's disgusting.
"FIRE EVERYONE Except Mario Batali" and you'd have yourself a pretty dam good show ABC, otherwise ............

[pitagirl]

tell us how you really feel ;)

[Hank Hanover]

Yeah... he should definitely get off the fence on this.

[iL Divo]

decided to tape the shows and see what I've missed.
watched a few. really noticing that I'm ffwarding through most of the show.
kind of a mishmosh of hosts, not sure it works or I'll continue watching.

[The 1st and only KSyrahSyrah]

Gotta say, I think that "The Chew" has vastly improved. Everyone has calmed down quite a bit, and they have quit talking over each other. I seems much smoother, and has more cooking, than chatting. When they played Truth or Dare, and Clinton wound up in a blue velor track suit, I thought my sides would split. It's getting better. Even "The View" in it's orginal format, started out pretty uneven.

I have to DVR The Chew, though, because I'm busy, and didn't watch soaps, so I forget to watch.

[iL Divo]

I watched one of the dvr recordings today while I was in the tub.
MB was making his gnocchi and I wanted to make sure and watch it.
my gnocchi the other night was anything but marvelous :(
I got his secrets and am thankful.
to me though, unless he was just nervous or tired or whatever, he was really shaking.
all through the show, even while doing the baubble decorations of pouring the colors into the clear Christmas tree balls, his hands were really unsteady. wonder if anyone else has noticed and if so, is he all right?

[soupkitten]

prob just needed a drink

[iL Divo]

soupkitten, you're kidding yes?
because really, I've watched a few more of them now, still mostly fastforwarding, but MB always shakes, I mean always shakes. that doesn't make him a bad person but it does make me wonder if he's ok or?

[soupkitten]

no.... no not really kidding, actually.

[mcf]

I caught it today for the first time since the gruesome first days... as you say, it's much calmer and they're not all hyperactive and talking over one another. Now it's more like watching paint dry... If it's not off the air by then, maybe I'll take another look see in a month or two.

[monavano]

For anyone who watched today:

What did Clinton do when he sat on the bed that had everyone laughing hysterically? Did he fart or something?

[mattstolz]

the bed collapsed under him!

[LikestoEatout]

No. The bed collapsed when Mario got in with Michael Symon.

[monavano]

Ouch!

[monavano]

I'm also enjoying The Chew. I think they've found a nice groove and although it's more basic cooking, I learn something new all the time and get inspiration.

[mattstolz]

i gotta say ive been watching this show every day for about two weeks now and i really like it. symon is awesome, will always be a fan of batali, and even though carla is a little over the top (and seemingly sponsored by every major food company ever) she gives some good ideas. oh and even though daphne isnt the most food-knowledgeable, she is at least OK to look at

have really enjoyed watching this show.

[greygarious]

The end of yesterday's episode appeared on the screen when I clicked the TV on yesty. Symon was sauteeing a thinly-pounded pork chop. The screen caption said to cook 4-6 minutes a side. My instant thought was "way too long", as Symon said to cook about 1-1/2-2 minutes per side. Since I have years of experience cooking, I know which direction is correct. But this show is clearly aimed at people with little kitchen experience or competence so this is a serious gaffe.

When TV recipes are incorrect or yield poor results, it can discourage people from trying to prepare their own meals and that's bad news for their health and finances. Today, again turning on the set to a show well underway, someone on Nate Berkus was showing a non-cooking audience member how to prepare a quick, easy family meal. She had a bunch of vegetables sweating in a saucepan, then added ground turkey and stirred it in, followed by canned beans and tomatoes. This mess was to be simmered for 30 minutes. Ground turkey is bland enough to begin with. To suggest making turkey chili without browning the turkey FIRST is a guarantee of failure. Of course, all who tasted it raved. Emmy nominations for all in the "achievement in not making a face" category!

[ahack]

yes, but who in their mind would think to cook it for over 6 hours? That's crazy -- obviously a typo to even the most novice cook.

[greygarious]

Sorry MY typo! That was 4-6, not 406. Thanks for noticing - I fixed it.

[monavano]

Agree that browning is better for flavor, yet many chili recipes call for cooking the ground meat in liquid.

[Duppie]

As I predicted...a resounding success in it's time slot and focus audience. Mazel tov .

[FireFlyFiftyFive]

I watched a few of the Thanksgiving week episodes. Quite good, I thought. But I didn't hate it to start with. And they had some Muppets on one day. (Well, they were EVERYWHERE promoting the movie.)

And the food! Mmm!

Clinton even had a chance to do a quickie critique of the outfits brave audience members as they lined up for judgment. (He’s the cohost of a What Not To Wear program.)

[RUK]

Having seen now a couple of "Chews" simply to check out what the here so negatively viewed show is all about, I come to the conclusion that most chowhounders are simply the wrong target group. But - there are always lots of beginning young cooks out there who surely benefit from watching easily explained and demonstrated recipes and techniques in a lively format. Nothing wrong with that!
Just my 2 cents....

[greygarious]

After 107 hours of post-snowstorm MA blackout, I turned on the TV to catch up with One Life to Live, which follows The Chew on my local ABC affiliate and will end in January. One of the characters, the sarcastic anti-hero Todd, had been held captive for 8 years. In ranting about how many things have become obsolete during his confinement, he says "DVDs, CDs, gone. Successful daytime talk shows, gone." I tip my hat to the writers!

[HillJ]

Love it. The last time I caught a glimpse the hosts were gossiping about the latest Kardashian divorce...not food!!

[meatn3]

The writers for OLTL are hilarious!

I record it and have caught the tail end of The Chew. I was at the Doctors yesterday and The Chew was on, sans volume. It still felt too frenetic for me. But the cast seem to be interacting more naturally with each other.

[pitagirl]

Todd also commented on all the new allergies he said "what's gluten?" Man, am I going to miss that show!

[meatn3]

It is being picked up as an internet show - supposedly will transfer seamlessly.

[chicgail]

Here's where I come out on it. I looked forward to it because I enjoy Michael Symon. I love Carla. I love Clinton. Mario has nearly unmatched chops and the Dr. Oz daughter is a waste of my time.

I saw the show a few times. It hasn't come together. I'm not around to watch it much during the day and I don't consider it enough of a "destination" show to record it.

I'm now reluctantly forgetting about it.

[monavano]

Sad, but so true. The dissappointment...

[alliegator]

Found out over a weekend of family phone calls, etc. that my dad is a huge fan! He just retired last month, and while not the best cook, he is the cook in that household. I was pretty surprised, because he can be snarky about tv shows. So maybe that's an example of a group they're reaching: the recently retired who know next to squat about cooking decent meals.
But if I find out he's watching Semi Homemade, I may need to give him a good talking to ;)

[Manassas64]

Or at the very least, unfriend him on Facebook. LOL

[alliegator]

Haha! I couldn't though. He thinks he's cool on facebook.
But he did explain that for an advanced-beginner like himself, there are some decent things he's picking up from the show.
I'll have to check out the results on my next visit.

[Phoebe]

I hadn't watched the show since the first week it premiered, but did catch the show where they launched their "Feeding America" campaign. I loved Carla from Top Chef but had a major problem with all of the voracious eating she did on that particular show. And not just sampling. It looked like she hadn't had a meal in days. Hardly the thing to show when you're highlighting how many people, especially children got to bed every night hungry. As I stated in my original post, The Chew doesn't chew....It STILL sucks!!!

[janbo19]

I think it would work better as a half hour show. Love Michael. Can't stand Carla & that head thing she does. I'm OK w/ Daphne. Bring Mama T in once a week, and we have something. Also? The recipes online look like they belong in an elementary school cookbook. Come on, people are not THAT dumb!

[Neecies]

But janbo, the producers of daytime television presume daytime tv watchers ARE that dumb. You have to keep in mind that they're not making TV for the smartest guy in the room, the one who can and loves to cook all his or her own food. They're making TV for people who watch TV in a fantasy-state about the lives and skills they don't have, and those outnumber the rest of us.
Things would be different if that weren't the case, but as long as it is, it all comes down to eyeballs because it's all about advertising revenue.

[monavano]

Oh the recipes aren't that elementary! I think the right answer is to keep the recipes simple. This isn't Jacques after all. I think the show is also about banter and I'm starting to like that they cook the food without too much instruction and if it looks good, you can go to the website and look it up to make it.

[ospreycove]

The demographic for the daytime t.v. crowd is not exactly folks who are discussing the String Theory.

[rockandroller1]

I think they have grossly misjudged the demographic for this show. Being a soap watcher for over 30 years now, but someone who works FT (like many soap fans), I tuned in with enthusiasm and anticipation. As a foodie/gourmand/whatever, mr. RNR tuned in with enthusiasm and anticipation. They lost both of us after only 2 episodes. The format is grating. Soap watchers might not be discussing string theory but they definitely are not a bunch of empty headed, bon-bon eating housewives wearing aprons and waiting for dear husband to come home so they can give him a pipe.

[jbsiegel]

Funny...I can't stand Michael! He seems SO awkward, and that laugh is just grating. I watched part of today's episode, and the part of it where they were making truffles was awful. The fact that he was giggling like schoolgirl over the rubber gloves was ridiculous! Then, that dress with the chocolate pieces on it - ugh. Did you notice how it had melted on her arms? Couldn't they have cleaned that up? Time to change the channel... :-)

[monavano]

Today's show is enjoyable with lots of good information. Michael's tomato and blue cheese soup looked very good.
Carla was so smitten with Adawale ;-)

[smilingal]

I will be reporting in on my experience shortly! Can't wait!

[HillJ]

We'll have to compare notes because I did go...and I have been waiting to compare experiences with you, smilingal.

[smilingal]

ahhh - you are holding out on us HillJ! How was your experience? any hints/suggestions for me? Did they tape more than one show? Any place around there to suggest for lunch?

[HillJ]

http://www.nickandtoniscafe.com/ went here for lunch and had a late business meeting. But, let's compare notes after you attend the show.

[smilingal]

One answer pleeeeze - about what time did you get out?

[HillJ]

Sure, we had 11am tixs and we left around 2ish.

[smilingal]

ohh - we have to get there at 7:30am!

[HillJ]

Right they have 2 res. times. Be sure to eat a good breakfast :)

[smilingal]

i wish I knew of the later one!

[HillJ]

The Chew Audience group didn't offer you a choice? I'm a bit surprised because our communications with them always included at least three choices of date/time.

[smilingal]

Well - the day came and went - as I am feeling about the debut of this show! It was definitely a fun experience to be there live - Carla is not repressed with the live audience as I feel she is in the show! I was like a kid in disney with my foodie favs live - but otherwise not much more to be said. I now realize why other shows have such great giveaways for their audience - THEY RIGHTFULLY SHOULD! We, the audience, are part of the shows' success - getting there at no o'clock in the morning - standing on line in the pouring rain - clapping and roaring when prompted - and all we received the day I was in the audience was a ball park pretzel!
I have stopped the DVRing of the show - sadly - but movin' on.

[HillJ]

So glad to hear you say all of this lest I sound like a broken record when it comes to every tv show we have ever gone to live/audience participants. Some are far worse, smilingal. But I didn't want to put the downer on your experience ahead of time. A big ta-doo about nothing, right?!

[smilingal]

uh-huh!

[alliegator]

Wanted to share that while the show is still not gelling for me yet, I did make one of Michael Symon's recipes from the fried food day, and it was very yummy!
Spaghetti squash fritters:
http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew...
I follow the recipe and directions almost exactly and the turned out great. I'm not a big squash person, but this one will be a repeat.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

I finally had the chance to watch a couple of episodes in their entirety. My thoughts:

There's something not gelling, and I think it's partly the format as well as the chemistry of the hosts as a group. I found it very uncomfortable to watch in places.

I'm willing to give Daphne a pass because of her inexperience and because she represents a "voice" out there, but I also find something offputting about her. Maybe this will lessen as she becomes more comfortable...then maybe not.

I almost want to ask why Carla is there. Out of all the hosts, she seems to have the smallest part. I've only seen her demonstrate one dish...?

I love Clinton, but I also wonder why he's part of this show.

I'm not getting the "leave me alone" vibe from Mario that others have gotten, but at the same time it's obvious that he's the one with the most experience/knowledge, and trying to dumb down that knowledge to a general audience? I'm not quite convinced he can do it successfully.

I love Michael Symon. No, I adore him. I think he's going to emerge as being the real star of this.

[HillJ]

Love your take xo_k. Personally, I think Symon could carry this show on his own. I'm still having difficulty with the team match up and the game show vibe it continues to play out. Mario looks bored in that Simon Cowell sort of way and out of his own comfort zone seems to dumb down his own skills/talents in the process. Carla's enthusiasm fits the game show vibe but I also wonder why she's rec'ing so little air time. While Clinton doesn't bring a cheffy credential to the show, I think he'll have his own prime time decorating show a la Nate Burkus in no time. And Dayne may find her own youth audience yet. But in the end, I think each personality could carry their own show better than they seem to be doing together. The Chew is cramming far too much information into an hour (less with ads) program and if the audience wasn't sitting in an intimate studio, enjoying some on air snacks and even receiving the occasional swag, I think they would be bored to tears.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

Thanks HillJ!

"The Chew is cramming far too much information into an hour (less with ads) program and if the audience wasn't sitting in an intimate studio, enjoying some on air snacks and even receiving the occasional swag, I think they would be bored to tears".

That's EXACTLY it! Even I, as a food person, was bored to tears, which is no doubt why I found it so uncomfortable in places. To her credit, Daphne's the only one who's giving any new information --- one of the episodes I watched had her doing "beauty treatments from your pantry", and that I found interesting . Some of the dishes Mario and Michael make look wonderful. And I realize they're doing it step by step because of the format, but when Mario's forced to dumb down the step by step even more, it not only doesn't work, but you tend to have a very disgruntled Mario too.

Michael could carry this entire show. He's got the chops and the charisma for it.

Is "What Not To Wear" still on? I'm wondering if this is a PT gig for Clinton. I could see him having his own fashion a-la-Nate-Berkus show :nodding:

And Carla? Her role in all this is not well defined at all. I feel badly because I do believe she could bring a lot to the table, but she's being upstaged.

[mrsbuffer]

I only saw 10 minutes because it was on at the nail salon whilst I got my pedi. I remember thinking, "This crap is what ABC cancelled All My Children for?" Whoever the genius was behind that decision needs to be fired.

[LaLa]

lol...they can probably do the whole show for what they were paying Susan Lucci.

[Jwsel]

Brian Frons, President of ABC Daytime. He's been out to kill soaps for awhile.

Astonishingly, the guy who created The Chew, Randall Barone, just got promoted to Vice President of Programming for ABC Daytime.

[souvenir]

I rarely comment on tv shows, but I was really pleased by the prospect of Mario and Michael cooking segments, so I have been dvr-ing The Chew for a while now. So far, I fast-forward through a lot, but after reading comments, I did watch the 10/10 segment on Daphne making over Mario's cannoli recipe.

Instead of making over recipes, I would suggest that producers make over the cast soon and find a mid 20 year old with an actual degree in something food-related or real-life experience that makes the person more of an authority, or (third choice) at least enjoyable to watch.

[monavano]

ie: Aida Mollenkamp could hold her own.

[HillJ]

The Ask Aida show was a bit immature and boring for my tastes but I have enjoyed her program that highlights food artisans. If you're suggesting Aida as a replacement to Daphne, I don't think Aida would fare any better.

[pdxgastro]

I found Aida giving out misinformation when answering viewers' questions.

[monavano]

Like what?

[alliegator]

I really kind of wanted this show to turn in to something worth watching, but today I finally just turned it off. And watched last night's Dancing With the Stars instead (ouch!).
I feel almost sapped of energy by trying to get something out of all these people having all these conversations all at once. It's just so not coming together for me.

[monavano]

I feel this week is right back where they started. Too fast!! Could they have given Anne Burrell more of a bum's rush? She's a great chef! Slow down and take some time to appreciate and let her shine.
Actually, I'm really liking Clinton. He's got a great personality.
OMG, please, someone tell Daphne's mummy and daddy to butt OUT!
(end rant, thanks)

[inaplasticcup]

Watching this for the first time thanks (or no thanks! :P ) to all of you...

"There are two kinds of people: Italians and those who want to be Italians."

Mario's so right. I feel that way every time I watch an episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey...

[inaplasticcup]

45 minutes into it, I feel like the hosts' volume, expression, delivery are too big and too frenetic for that small studio. And also that too many people want too much attention all of the time. Headache maker. :|

[monavano]

They were right back where they started! Way too much going on, trying too hard, unfocused.
It's frustrating.

[inaplasticcup]

Yeah. And I think a lot of this competition has to do with chemistry. The chemistry with this specific set of people is off imo. Carla and Michael Symon seem to interact well together. I actually think that Clinton guy doesn't make a bad segment host.

Mario seems uneasy in that environment and almost has a PBS kind of vibe that doesn't translate very well into daytime network TV. And Daphne seems to be trying to hard to seem knowledgeable and doesn't read the situation well. Sometimes it's good to give exhaustive information, but she needs to edit herself a little.

Just based on this one viewing, I think I would replace Mario and Daphne. They seem to be the ones who don't know when to step aside and really kinda mess up the give and take...

[monavano]

A agree with your assessments, but I'd hate to replace Mario because I really like him. That said, if someone told me that Mario would be leaving the The Chew to do another Molto Mario show, I'd be like YAY!
Daphne, totally agree. I feel bad because she seems so cute and nice, but her inexperience just shows. Even today, Michael gave her the task of making whipped cream and put the bowl and whisk in front of her and she began in earnest to try her best to make it happen. Problem is, even if she was Carla's height and had Carla's steel-band arms, she would never be able to whip that cream sitting down!
I looked at the tv and said "stand up!, you're never going to make this happen sitting down! Get your shoulder into it!"
I just don't think she's ready for prime time.

[LikestoEatout]

And today Daphne reveals that she has never been to New Orleans and didn't know what a beignet was. She's pretty astoundingly naive.

[rockandroller1]

Wow. Nice person to have on a food-related show.

[The 1st and only KSyrahSyrah]

As I understand it, Daphne's naivetee and innocence was part of the plan of the show. Since her dad is always espousing all things healthy, I guess she was 'born this way.'

[HillJ]

While I'm not a fan of the show at this point, I can't fault Daphne Oz for being a young, fresh face.. representing a younger demographic or "going for it" her way on a new show. I agree, this show fails on several levels that it just isn't hitting a home run for some of us viewers but no one host is bringing it down or doesn't come to the table with some prior experience under their belt.

Daphne's Dorm Diet is popular and does demonstrate a certain cred that she has earned since her own college days. http://dormroomdiet.com/

imho, the producers of The Chew need to listen to the media attention and make some adjustments.

[monavano]

Morimoto is a guest today judging an Iron Chef type challenge. Pulling out all the stops?!

[inaplasticcup]

For daytime on ABC? I don't see Morimoto being too big with the majority of the audience in this timeslot, but I could be so wrong, and it wouldn't be the first time...

[monavano]

Being more tongue in cheek ;-)

[inaplasticcup]

Ahh. Sorry. It also would not be the first time I've been dense this morning! :P

[HillJ]

And in typical fashion Morimoto (who I adore) wouldn't have chosen one chef over another in that silly cook off (over a sandwich mind you). I felt sorry for him. But the way Anne was rushed thru her segment...well, I just am having one heck of a time being kind to this show.

[wintersummer]

I think Daphne is perfectly "cast" for this show. Understand that not everyone has the food knowledge that all of you have. She's the one that asks questions and allows for an introduction of basics. They are attempting to create a program for a wide range of individuals and it's working for me. Just as an example, during the hot dog/bratwurst segment. Daphne was asking what might have been considered "dumb" questions but I learned a lot about bratwurst. The discussion would have never come up if everyone on the panel had the same level of experience. Daphne's innocence and youth allows her to ask these types of questions. And, she shouldn't be faulted for not be as widely traveled or skilled. I think she admits she's learning. Look at all the other cooking shows that have attempted to have "students" as part of the programming.

[mcf]

Honestly, I don't think Daphne is ready for any show; she just doesn't have any food cred or TV skills yet.

[HillJ]

http://dormroomdiet.com/about-the-boo...
Daphne's Dorm Room Diet book was a best seller and dealt with the familiar "Freshman 15" (referring to the weight incoming freshman gain when they eat college food). It may not be the food cred you're looking for but the book and her following did play a role in getting this job.

[mcf]

By "cred" I mean credible, not having a credit to one's name. I think her advice and her book are pretty worthless, so no cred.

[SugarFrosted]

I think you're right about her role on the show wntersummer, I just don't think she's flowing with the overall vibe of the program ... yet.

Has anyone else noticed that in recent episodes Daphne is saying things like, 'wow, that looks delicious" and I heard her say the other day, "I'm going to indulge." There are also close-ups of Daphne taking big bites out of things lately with no one else in the shot. And other chefs are mentioning ways to cut salt/sugar/etc. during their segments so she doesn't have to jump in to ask about "healthier" modifications to the recipe. Smart!

Looks to me like producers have noticed the problem and are taking clear steps to correct it. They even wheeled out a hot dog cart the other day and to make "Daphne's First Hot Dog." I think there are a lot of people out there who don't have much knowledge about food as some of us do, and if they can incorporate that kind of personality into the show without bringing us down, cool!

It was funny the other day when there was a call-in from Daphne's vegetarian mom and Clinton Kelly (love him!) said, "So you're a vegetarian... and you inflicted that on your children?" Since I used to be one, funnier still. I hope the show succeeds, and the positive changes in production continue. Now, into the kitchen for Carla's stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe!

[inaplasticcup]

This is funny because I noticed Daphne taking the teeniest, tiniest mousebite of real cannoli the other day. Maybe she says she'll indulge, so we think she's going to, and then feeds the bite to the dog, so to speak.

[monavano]

Oh no! Today's episode is just deserts. Daphne is going to go apoplectic!
But seriously, there must have been some negative feedback about hand washing because they all had to address how they keep contamination contained when they are rapidly cooking so many things.
I'm glad to hear that the chefs all agree that those plastic gloves are bogus.

[bushwickgirl]

"deserts"? Meaning desserts?

What did they have to say about containing contamination? Curious.

[janbo19]

We are enjoying the show, and yes, it seems to be improving. We're fans of Symon's, being from NE OH. Loved the episode w/ Mama T. She should be a regular. Loved her... little old Italian lady with an attitude of how things are supposed to be. Don't know if we have "that kind of time" to watch full hour epsodes. We've gotten it down to a manageable 30 minutes, taking out all of the feeding the audience stuff and how do they like it stuff and here's what's coming up in our next segment stuff. Can't. stand. head-wagging. Carla. Mario looks like he has to hold everything together and be everyone's sous chef while they all stand around and gab.

[amazinc]

To paraphrase an old saw "It just doesn't get any worse than this." Truly.

[SherBel]

Sadly....yep.

[bushwickgirl]

This show basically sucks, and it will go away soon. After all this discussion, is there truly any thing else left to say?

[greygarious]

From your lips fo the programming gods' ears, but keep in mind that this, and the fitness show that debuts in January, The Revolution, cost FAR less to produce than the soap operas they are replacing. ABC does not need great ratings to make money on these cheaper shows. I had my hands in the dishpan today so did not click off and turn on NPR. Therefore I heard Daphne say that in addition to her bratwurst ignorance, she has never had a hot dog. She was a vegetarian growing up - it was unclear to me whether or not she still is. I also heard the intro for the first time and no, Mario, not everyone who isn't Italian wants to be. I realize it's probably meant as tongue-in-cheek but it still had a tinge of ethnic snobbery.

[Terrie H.]

I found it ASTOUNDING that this girl had never even heard of a bratwurst. It's fine that she hadn't tasted one before since she was raised vegetarian, but she's never even HEARD of bratwurst and she's on a food show?

She was obviously chosen to bring a vegetarian POV to the show, but she took a big bite of that brat, so she is apparently no longer a vegetarian. Every one of the other hosts can cook healthy and veggie friendly, so her specific knowledge must have been what the producers wanted to add. I feel badly for her because she has been thoroughly bashed and she is trying to voice what she feels is important, but the show isn't doing her any favors.

[wintersummer]

Am I the only person on this board who likes this show? I know there's been lots of negative comments about Daphe - but I think every person brings a certain point of view and I like the balance. I didn't know Daphe existed before this show and have never watched the Dr. Oz show. And, I've never watched All My Children - so this is not a replacement show for me.

[monavano]

I think it's improving and I'm rooting for Carla (a DC native) and Symon. Love them both. The other guy is growing on me (I've never watched his other show) and of course, Mario is so so good to see on TV again. He's just awesome.
Daphne doesn't seem to be a good fit.

[LaLa]

I am your plus 1 wintersummer.

[Trumpetguy]

I like it--It is fantastic to practice my trumpet by :) On Hulu ;)

[MartiniLover]

You're not alone. I like it, too. It's a definite improvement over whatever soap opera it replaced. That being said, the show is not perfect. Daphne might not be the perfect fit ... maybe she'll grow into the role ... if not, maybe they'll replace her when her contract expires if the show is still on the air. The only one I find annoying beyond description is Mario Batali. I usually don't watch any show on which he appears in any capacity, but the producers of The Chew seem to keep him down at one end and not give him nearly as much air time as I'm sure he'd like to have. They've made him more tolerable than anyone has ever been able to do up until now.

[monavano]

And.... we're 3 minutes in and Daphne is spewing about how fat, sugar and salt is addicting, like drugs as Symon is making a bacon, banana and Nutella sandwich.
Kill. Joy.
Fortunately, Symon remained undeterred and unapologetic.
Good for him.
Daphne needs to stop bringing everyone down ALL THE TIME.

[jeanmarieok]

I agree that Daphne is being a total buzzkill here. And then, Carla asked her how many calories are in that sandwich. WHY????? I turned it off. It's not fun to watch them make something, then complain about how bad it is for the whole 15 minutes.

[monavano]

Actually, that sandwich is really not bad at all. 2 slices of bacon (OK, not healthy), banana (healthy), nutella (good for you too!), bread (make it whole grain and bingo)

[SugarFrosted]

I'm going to make that sandwich tonight because like any foodie I'm enthusiastic about great tasting food! I don't need or want to know how many calories or grams of fat are in it, and I DON'T need or want to hear someone dissing it, AND EVERYTHING ELSE on the show made by these wonderful chefs. I wish they would make a special segment of the show apart from the rest where Daphne could talk about "low-calorie/healthy" eating so I could fast forward past that part and get back to the fun stuff. Why is someone who mentioned the other day that she's "never (even) heard of Bratwurst" on a foodie cooking show? Such a downer! There has to be someone who really KNOWS and ENJOYS food who could be on this show and give a healthy viewpoint. I agree with you mona, and I hate to say it but she brings the fun to a crashing halt. Kudos to Michael Symon for being unapologetic about that sandwich. I can't wait to try it. It looks delicious! Yay Michael!

[huiray]

She had never heard of bratwurst? Really? WOW. She should NOT be on a cooking show pretending to be a food authority anywhere in the Western world.

[smilingal]

omg - drool drool - re:bacon, banana, peanut butter sandwich!!!

[monavano]

Carla was funny. She said something like "Isn't this the sandwich that killed Elvis?"

[HillJ]

http://www.chow.com/food-news/92897/6...

CHOW on the Chew.

[rockandroller1]

"every dollop of information cues rapturous applause from the studio audience, establishing a regrettably cheesy infomercial vibe." - Variety

THIS! Exactly!

[HillJ]

my thoughts exactly. Audiences that sit close to the talent, are fed, handed presents for showing up....well who wouldn't applaud.

[chicgail]

I wanted to like this thing. I really did. But I can't sit through more than a few minutes of it. I love food. I love cooking it and eating it and writing about it and learning about it. This show just misses and I'm not sure why because the hosts are (mostly) all terrific on their own.

I suspect it wasn't thought out well enough and doesn't have the production values it should, although Gordon Elliot has the chops to do this well. No one seems to know how to interact with each other authentically. Maybe it would be fun to pit some of them against each other (e.g. Mario vs. Clinton or Carla vs. Symon) in a friendly competition for who does the best brownies or pasta or something.

I will probably check back with it from time to time. I hated Chopped at first, but it either got better or grew on me. Maybe this will get better over time - if it lasts long enough.

[sharhamm]

I agree. Today did it for me. I love Mario, and Michael Simon is okay, but thr rest leave a lot to be desired. I loved Carla when she was on was it "Top Chef", but she can't talk and cook at the same time. Mario seems to be frantic trying to keep everyone cooking instead of talking. Daphne Oz really needs to go. I'm tired fo her hair flop[ing all over during the cooking segments and her fast paced talks where you can tell she is reading from a monitor. The other guy is okay with his tips and such, but come on, someone who hasn't eaten a sloppy joe at his age shouldn't be on a cooking show. They really need to rework this show and turn it into a real cooking show with the two great chefs that they have.

[alliegator]

I really agree about Daphne Oz. She doesn't add much of any value to the show, and dropping one person might make the rest better. And the hair drives me nuts. I have a similar head of hair, and it is firmly tied back even when I'm cooking for myself. Common sense.

[monavano]

I think Daphne is a kill-joy. She seems to interject about fat and salt all the time! Then whomever is cooking has to temper the segment with "moderation, yada yada".
Stop apologizing!! Overall, there is a nice balance of food on each shows that I've seen and it's just unhealthy to be so paranoid about food ON A FOOD SHOW!
Am I the only one who wants Daphne to give it a rest?
Reference Ellie Krieger. She cooks healthy and delicious. She cuts fat and calories without sucking the ever-loving joy out of the experience. She conveys a sense of love for healthier food without making it the enemy.

[alliegator]

I completely agree. Now that I really think about it, she seems almost a bit condescending, as if the viewers can't figure out for themselves that all things in moderation is a good thing. I like the mention of Ellie Krieger. She does it right in that she would like you to have a good experience with food, rather than sit around and think of all the things that could possibly go wrong with your health.

[paulj]

Now I know what people mean when they say a TV host or cook is condescending or arrogant - they are telling me things that I already know, or which normal viewers (like me) should know. :)

[EM23]

I have watched every episode so far and, despite the fact that the presentation is less frenetic this week compared to last week, it is still, IMHO, a train wreck. There are just too many people on stage and they are simply not well rehearsed.
The cooking segments (which should be the highlights of a food/cooking show, no?) come off messy and amateurish. For example, on today's show Mario made spaghetti carbonara with one of the Jonas bothers (who supposedly idolizes Mario.) In this segment the spaghetti stuck to the bottom of the pot resulting in a messy transfer to the serving platter. Then they made the Jonas brother feed the pasta to 2 kids from the audience and then asked him how it was and he replied that he didn't know because he didn't get a chance to taste it yet. Then they had the brother stand there as the consolation prize while the played a crappy stump the Chew hosts with a food question - it was amateur hour at best.

They need to get some new producers in there to 1) come up with better content and 2) tighten up the production of the show.
And I agree with the comments about Daphne Oz - she is just not a good fit in an already messy outfit. And why did that interior designer who was fixing up her kitchen refer to her as a "rock star"???

And enough already with them talking about how great Mario Batali is - yawn. Am I the only one who finds that he comes off as smug on this show?

[paulj]

Sounds like they need to stop the show every now and then, and have food stylist step in and correct the appearance of the food, maybe even substituting some premade items. According the Rhulman (The Reach of a Chef), one of the special things about about RR's 30 minute meals, is how rarely the taping has to be interrupted to fix things.

[yummfood]

I'm definitely the minority here, but I actually think the show has been improving a lot since the first airing. A lot less frenetic and less people talking over one another. I especially enjoyed today's episode with the cute and charming Mama T! I hope that she has recurring appearances in the future.

[jeanmarieok]

I am going to watch it tomorrow.

[alliegator]

I agree, it has definitely improved. I've had it on a couple of time this week. It doesn't interest me enough to actually sit down and watch it, but it's decent background noise while I'm dusting or ironing or some other such thing. Mama T is a cutie :)

[Manassas64]

Okay today's episode, hands down, best so far. Mama T (Italian Grandmother from Staten Island and member of the NRA) needs to be a regular feature. She is a scream and everybody actually shut up for her entire segment.

Mama T needs her own freaking show.

It reminded me of when Sara Mouton did her Talk Food Live show. She had this really old Italian Grandmother on who was an absolute scream, telling Sara what to do and she wouldn't wash her hands after touching the chicken. It was HILARIOUS.

[twyst]

Agreed, it's still not exactly my cup of tea, but the show is infinitely better than it was in the first week. It's gone from being laughably horrible to being meh in my book.

[smkit]

Interesting, I am watching the Chew right now. I stopped watching it, but haven't canceled the series recording yet.

Anyhow, compared to the first weeks shows it has sloooooooowed down and is much less frantic. You can tell some of the hosts are struggling to not talk and Clinton Kelley (sp?) even stopped himself and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting" at one point. It almost looks like they made a rule that no more than two can be talking at the same time.

They also had Mario leisurely cooking off to the side while the other hosts discussed and instead of talking over themselves asked the table up front what they thought.

I'm still not going to watch it, but in the 20 minutes I have watched, the pace is much slower.

[The 1st and only KSyrahSyrah]

I don't watch the soaps, but I used to take a break when The (original) View was on. Now that it has degenerated into a screech/fest, and the Kartrashians seem to have a semi permanent home there, and the same guests come on over and over and over, I was looking for and hoping the Chew would be good. I like Clinton Kelly; Daphne Oz has a sqeaky fake laugh, Carla needs to have some Camomille tea, Mario needs to start traveling, and Michael .....well. Gordon Elliot has been very successful at making cooking shows into theater. I wish Dick Cavett had another daytime show, or they would rerun David Letterman during the day......

[sandiasingh]

I know someone mentioned Gordon Elliott (?) before, who should not be allowed anywhere near a production studio, but here's how comcast (xfinity) describes the show. Now I see the REAL problem.

THE CHEW: The daily dish on cooking and eating, featuring five hosts who explore food from various angles, from the producers of "Paula Deen's Home Cooking" and "Down Home With the Neelys."

Under a marlboro pack at the bottom of the ocean IMHO :-))))

[ospreycove]

I put this crappy waste of time in the same file as Mario and Mark Bittman's horrendous travelogue of Spain, yes, the one where Mario must have used a crane to lower himself into the Mercedes convertible 500. Notice how there was no follow up to that disaster.

[sandiasingh]

That is so funny! I was just posting on another board how much I enjoyed that show. Not the personalities so much, but the tour of Spain was pretty nice. I thought they did a follow up, but not sure anymore.

[paulj]

http://www.chow.com/food-news/54251/t...
In this interview Bourdain talks about doing an Italian show with Mario. But that was in 2007, so may be it never got off the ground.

[ospreycove]

sandia, It had the potential to be very informative food travelogue, but it degenerated into seeing Gwyneth Paltrow, Bittman and Mario, giggle, wiggle and wave while driving through Spain in half a mil worth of automobiles around making inane comments killed any possibility of a memorable food related series.

[Manassas64]

I enjoyed the Spain stuff and Mario's cooking. I had the remote in hand to FF Bitman and Paltrow.

[alkapal]

bittman always seemed so bored on that series. except when he was alone with the spanish gal! ;-)).

[paulj]

Of those following this show, I wonder how many are:

- fans of the soap(s) that it replaced

- fans of other daytime talk shows

- fans of daytime FN cooking shows (Paula and the Nelleys play in the same time slot)

- bemoan the fact that FN only has competitions (during prime time)

?

[Manassas64]

I am a fan of soaps, but mine is still on the air ;o)
Fan of Martha's show and that's it for daytime
Former Fan of FN, other than Ina, I don't watch anymore.

[meatn3]

I know a few lifelong fans of the soap it replaced. They are so furious at ABC that most refuse to watch anything on that network now. As silly as it seems these shows become a beloved constant for the viewers and there are people feeling that they have lost something important in their lives. Judging from the reactions I've seen/heard, I think ABC grossly underestimated the long term anger this decision has generated.

I think ABC realizes that food related shows have gained a much larger number of viewers than ever and wanted in on the band wagon. I suspect they felt the food people would be more numerous than the soap people. Most of all, I think they believe a food show will generate more advertising revenue than a soap.

[jbsiegel]

Shoot. Me. Now. AWFUL!

[peasantpalate]

I actually had high hopes for this show, but the show seems really forced right now. Of course I need to cut them a little slack, this is their first season, and lots of shows get better with time.

[mcf]

First season? You think there's going to be a second season??? :-)

[sandiasingh]

Oh god.

[Duppie]

I am not a fan of the show,but it has what the focus audience seem to like in that time slot.
It's manic,colorful,mindless,contains some easily recognizable faces, drops numerous pop references, shills junk science diet and health advice,and maybe if one is patient,shows one or two edible recipes that your spouse or kids may not regurgitate....

I'm betting it's going to be a hit.

[peasantpalate]

Worse shows have stayed on the air longer :-)

[mcf]

<*trying to remember if I've ever seen a worse show*>

[rockandroller1]

+1

[Manassas64]

I'm noticing a very interesting dynamic in that the chefs and Clinton seem to feel they have to apologize to Daphne for anything remotely unhealthy and either exclude her from the fun or are forced to include her in discussions.

She is definitely out of place on this show.

[paulj]

From this week's The Splendid Table

45:19 - 50:50 The Chew
Carla Hall talks with Lynne about ABC's daytime show The Chew.

[HillJ]

http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/...
for the actual link to the on air show.

[chris2269]

It is just so formulated....and I like the hosts on a individual basis....but I think it's the production not the talent. Trying to be everything to everyone means you are nothing to no one.

I love how your family Doctor can tell you to quit smoking for years and people are like "whatever" Dr OZ tells you to stop drinking Apple Juice and people are up in arms.

BTW HILLJ this was not directed at you I was just to lazy to change it to original post :)

[HillJ]

None taken chris2269, looks like we're all a bit frustrated over this show! I often react to the irony you're describing in my own way...it's a curse.

[phDuh]

These are the TV shows that inevitably are kept at ear splitting volume as I am stuck sitting in a doctor's office, fighting the urge to run screaming out of the room. By the time I'm called in to see the doctor, any test I may be prescribed will be a welcome relief!

[pdxgastro]

I caught Clinton Kelly showing how they make Eggplant Parm in his house and talking about his 'Italian' family. How does a man named Clinton Kelly come from an Italian family? Did anyone catch this and can explain it to me?

[monavano]

Italian Mama?? I don't have a lick of Italian in me, but my last name belies that!

[mcf]

Italian mother and from Port Jefferson Station, NY. No doubt in my mind he's Italian. :-)

[peasantpalate]

First, he's half Italian. He could have taken Kelly from either parent. Second, the name could be a stage name.

[Bellachefa]

Someone told me I had to catch the end of the Deen segment yesterday. I will never forgive them for the permanent damage of watching Paula sucking on a grape like some feeding alien in a bad sci fi movie. You really have to see it to believe how horrifying it was, but then you will be permanently damaged from the vision.

[monavano]

Did anyone catch what all was in the Mother Trucker sauce? Looked like homemade French dressing plus more.

[hummingbird]

The sauce had ketchup,beets,mayo and i forget what else, but was it supposed to be that bright pink stuff that was used as a peace sighn on the truck's sandwich?

[monavano]

Oh beets... hmmm. Yeah, the peace sign and heart was a bit treachly!

[monavano]

OK, I have to give credit where it's due-- The Chew ended the week on a strong note. Things gelled better, the camera work is improving and Clinton's party advice at the end was good stuff.

[mcf]

I'd take Clinton's advice about anything, unless he told me to watch The CHEW. What a stupid name, for starters! Good to hear that they're taking in the criticisms and trying to fix things. But I think the whole concept is a train wreck.

[monavano]

Ha! Saying it's an improvement isn't saying all that much, but it is good to see something working. I really want to root for the hosts.

[inaplasticcup]

Y'all have convinced me not to even think about giving this show a shot... :D

Who wants to bet that when this show is really floundering, Mario pulls his ace in the hole and Gwyneth Paltrow shows up to teach us how to assemble a macrobiotic fruit and yogurt parfait?

[rockandroller1]

+1. And her rockstar husband "surprises" her, which makes the Crowd Go Wild!

[inaplasticcup]

And then Beyonce will surprise them both and everyone will pee their pants with glee.

Which could only be topped by Oprah showing up to say "And YOU get a car, and YOU get a car, and YOU get a car, and YOU get a car!!!!"

[alkapal]

anytime you mention "pee" with a screen name of "inaplasticcup" i have to laugh!

[alliegator]

Don't waste your time. Spend it cooking and supplying us with gorgeous photos to drool over!

[inaplasticcup]

Haha. Thanks, allie. You are so awesomely encouraging. :)

[Leper]

And then Dr. Oz could show up and talk about rampaging Listeria in macrobiotic fruit...

[inaplasticcup]

And how if you eat too much of it, your poop will no longer have a C-curve...

[alliegator]

Had a busy week, so I'm watching it now for the first time. After 15 minutes, it lost enough of my interest that I flipped open my laptop, so that says a lot. I just think there are too many people saying too many things. And if I read correctly that Paula Deen will be showing up, that'll be my cue to put it on mute!

Edit: I've made it 34 minutes, and I'm out... It doesn't make me want to get busy in the kitchen, it makes me think I need to get to the doctor and be tested for ADD :/

[HillJ]

What's with the quasi medical reference to coffee, ADD and so forth. Okay, officially I'm not using my tickets. Sorry folks at The Chew, this show is a hot mess. An audience will smile and applaud on cue if you give them stuff so I'm no longer buying the prrrrrrrrrfect audience response..and I'm noticing some all too familiar faces in the audience head shots throughout the spots I've seen (just sayin) but this format needs some major work, to work. I'm out.

[jeanmarieok]

I want a mickey apron. The best part about today's show was the lady who won the disney trip - she was so sweet and grateful for it.....

I have decided the camera work is like a local news team is shooting it. It just isn't shot like a talk show.

[alliegator]

A joke in poor taste, my apologies.
Eeenteresting about the familiar audience member headshots. I'm curious to see (or read about) how the show develops over time. Once they get some feedback and make some major adjustments, it may be okay. For now, it's a wreck. I'm a Michael Simon fan and I don't like seeing him go down this road.
I guess only time will tell.

[HillJ]

oh no allie, I was agreeing with you and asking of the show...what's with the medical references...not taking issue with your observation. hahaha...too much. I won't be using my audience tickets, I already called the res. office to cancel them.

[alliegator]

Oh, duh!!! Now I feel better! I was like... what?...
I didn't read carefully enough to see you had audience tix, probably best to cancel. You could use that day to say, um, do anything else.

[HillJ]

You're so smart :) um....yeah!

[alliegator]

:p

[xo_kizzy_xo]

I haven't caught this yet, mostly because I'm cringing for everyone who's involved with it: It's NOT your fault Carla, Michael, Mario, Clinton, Daphne. The network is trying to appeal to the housewifey FN types. Or the housewifey types who OD'd on What Not To Wear (that's the only reason why I can come up with as to why Clinton's part of this). Or the housewifey types who hung onto Dr. Oz's every word when he appeared on Oprah's show.

[crimsons]

Oh dear, I'm going to sound very catty. But why is a Rubenesque young lady hawking health and weight loss? I'm also pretty grossed out by her hair being flung around over food -- is this just me?

[Terrie H.]

I didn't notice anyone Rubenesque other than Mario.

[Terrie H.]

What is wrong with you people? That normal looking girl is "Rubenesque??" There is something very wrong in this world.

[mcf]

Let's not forget that "normal looking" is now a size 12, at a time when a size 6 has been made as big as 10s were decades ago. She's not obese, but she looks unfit, having a lot to do with complete lack of apparent muscle tone. Since she's supposed to be the healthy eating/fitness expert on the show, it's not an auspicious mix.

Also, Rubens subjects were really sexy and curvy, just a different way to be beautiful, thin or not thin.

[Terrie H.]

Now I have to watch this darned show again just to see what is Rubenesque about this girl.... oh hell... ;op

[greygarious]

Nothing at all. She is slim, just not muscular. In the 1920's, the flapper girl figure was something new, and widely decried at first, as it dethroned curvier figures as the ideal of female pulchritude. (There are some revelatory New Yorker pieces reflecting this in the "Secret Ingredients" collection.) Prior to that, extra weight was a status symbol as it was evidence of wealth. Daphne Oz is certainly no larger than a flapper, and probably thinner. Carla Hall is visibly underweight.

When I turned the TV off last night, I had been watching ABC, so when I clicked it on today, there was Clinton Kelly, talking while chewing and swallowing - and CONTINUING to chew-talk. I find talking with a full mouth to be quite revolting, the chief reason for my dislike of Lidia Bastianich - though I didn't need additional justification for clicking off The Chew.

[mcf]

She's not obese, but she's not slim, either. I think she's slightly above average weight, and has apparently struggled with her weight lifelong. Some folks get a bad deal metabolically speaking, and she says weight control has always been a problem for her.

Carla's not underweight, she's just got a slim build. Some folks are naturally thin, some are average and some naturally carry some additional weight, losing only with great difficulty.

[mcf]

I really don't think she's Rubenesque. She's just got a bit of heft and no visible muscle tone. For a girl who says weight training is so important and who says she "tries" to do it regularly, Iduntheenso, looking at her arms here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vsq0EU2PIE

Or her shape when not wearing a very slimming empire/high waist to cover her mid section: http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-... If you click on it to enlarge it's easier to compare. Carla, for contrast, has defined muscles and appears to be very fit even when in very form fitting clothing, sort of athletic looking.

[twyst]

If this is what passes for rubenesque I'm afraid you must suffer from an eating disorder

[Doreen]

I think the whole premise is absurd. Some of Food Network has gone to the dogs but this is maybe for toddlers. Mario, to me, looks thoroughly bored by the other hosts (except Michael) as he should be. This after only watching 15 min yesterday (Wed).

[Duppie]

Not boredom...Indigestion.

[CanadaGirl]

I watched yesterday, and I agree that i thought she looked a bit heavy to be the "keep it healthy" host. Thinner than me, but I'm not the "expert" Either that photo has been photoshopped beyond recognition, she's gained significant weight or someone made an extremely unfortunate wardrobe selection.

[agoodbite]

I couldn't agree more. I'd hate to see what "thin" looks like to crimsons.

[mcf]

Photoshopped, from what I've seen of her, particularly when seen in a sleeveless dress which did her no favors. But good for her for being comfortable with it and for having lost so much weight.

[alkapal]

is this the "rubenesque" gal on the show? wow! i must've been seeing some paintings *attributed* falsely to rubens.

[greygarious]

I think I've cracked this perception difference. I just replaced my ancient analog TV - the kind that's as deep as it is wide, in the 4:3 screen ratio. The new digital one is the wide-screen variety and adds - never mind 10 - about 25 lbs to everyone. Not to mention 15 years. High-definition Chris Kimball is a LOT older looking with those wrinkles in sharp focus, and my new set is only 20" across.

[mcf]

She's had a very large weight loss. She's not so Rubenesque, but she is, like her father, recently seen in bathing trunks, kind of soft, flabby and without any apparent muscle tone or fitness. She did look largish on The View in a sleeveless dress, but TV adds lbs, too, I think.

[sharonlouk]

If anyone is Rubenesque on this show, it is Mario Batalli, yet not one mention about his weight. Why do we always feel like it's okay to criticize the woman's body?

[mnosyne]

I believe Batali's figure might better be described as "Falstaffian".

[alkapal]

another great line!

[mcf]

To be fair, Mario isn't presented as a health, fitness and nutrition expert. In this case, that's why. As for the male/female issue, take a look at the recent days' press about Chris Christie, for example.

[Manassas64]

I watched the other day and they usually shoot Daphne from the chest up, she's always sitting or behind something. She was standing and cooking and I thing she's larger on the bottom than ont he top.

I also thought that maybe she might be pregnant as they talked about this on the first show that she wants 7 kids.

[CanadaGirl]

I wondered the same thing.

[jeanmarieok]

I thought the few shots they have of her show her to be a bit bottom heavy. Not that I have any room to talk...

[Bunson]

I caught the second half of the show today which was also my first time watching it. TERRIBLE! I guess this is a spoiler of sorts, but one segment was about taking empty wine bottles and spray painting them then using them as candle holders. Then they spray painted some gourds gloss black for table decor. And then talked about buying fabric at a fabric store and using fabric tape for the hem to use as a table runner. It was bad Martha Stewart. Also weird hearing the crowd clap while the facial expression on most of them are empty and stoic. This show is more akin to a middle school home economics class.

[sandiasingh]

Michael Symon has been posting on FB about how excited he is about this show, but after reading these comments I can't bear to watch it. I hope he's reading them too.

[greygarious]

In the weeks before the show began, when people tweeted about how off-putting the promos were, he tweeted several defensive comments.

[Withnail42]

Haven't seen the show but I'll catch an episode just to see what it's all about. Although I must confess not feeling too optimistic about it. The one thing I am curious about is what is that guy Clinton doing there I thought he was a fashion expert.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

I know -- when I first heard the line up, I was like, "What's he doing there?"

[Terrie H.]

I really wanted to like this show and hung in for 3 days. It's not working, sadly. The lasagne bit with the woman from the View was just sad - she didn't even recognize her own recipe as it was being assembled and it looked like disaster when it was being served in the camera close up. The camera work is not worthy of a show like this.

[ahack]

The camera work is horrible.

It's over-produced with low production values. I wasn't aware this was possible until now.

[Bellachefa]

LOL!!! I said something like that above, but you said it better! I am stunned that this show has thus far been %90 panned by everyone. I've yet to read a single fan who likes never mind loves the show.

[rockandroller1]

There are legions of morons on Facebook who post these totally! awesome! comments! on everything the Chew posts about how they love! the! show! I just cannot fathom who these people are in real life.

[Terrie H.]

Relatives.

[Manassas64]

The people who crashed the website on day one.

I like it for the trainwreck aspect. I can't stop watching. Paula Deen will be on tomorrow. You think it's crazy, loud and out of control now? Wait until Paula shows up.

Buckle In.

[sandiasingh]

Publicists and marketing people.

[monavano]

I watched the second show today and I don't think it's long for TV. While Mario helped to lead with his vast experience, the segments were once again, rushed. Michael Symon's 5 minute cooking segment was awful, from cooking chicken thighs for about 4 minutes, total, to Oz assisting in chunking apart a can of San Marzano tomatoes using 2 fingers, which is to say, slowly.
What is the point of racing against the clock for 5 minutes? How does this help anyone watching cook better? I do not have a prep kitchen, or an assistant and for the love of everything holy, I would never serve anyone chicken thighs grilled for 2 minutes a side.
Waste of DVR space so save yourself the time and effort.

[greygarious]

The shtick, I understand, is 5 ingredients or less, 5 minutes, $5 per serving (or less). Since when is that the price point goal for dinner? Way too high. Then again I saw some idiots on TV last week, in a segment on cutting dinner costs, recommending a business where you pick up the exactly-measured and prepped ingredients for dinner, plus a recipe. $13 per person that way for a tex-mex entree that's 2 or 3 bucks more in a restaurant. And probably not more than $2 per serving if you used a knife and peeler yourself, though they didn't mention THAT.

[jeanmarieok]

I agree - the $5 per person pricepoint is way to high for the slop they are coming up with. Heck, for $20, I can make a kick ass dinner for 4.

[monavano]

Agreed. You know who is good at this? Mellissa D'Arabian. I catch her show on Sunday mornings and she gives excellent advice on what's economical, and what to splurge on. The thing is, nothing on The Chew has looked really good yet! From Mario's burnt (not charred nicely) pizza to Symon's salmonella chicken ;-) Not to mention Daphne's psyllium topped yogurt. I mean, blend that shit into something so someone can actually swallow it (Carla looked like she was about to gag as she took a sympathy bite when no one else would touch it).

[greygarious]

The View today did a better job on the $5 meal than The Chew does. Their guest, Erin somebody, showed off meals for 5 that cost less than $5 total. To be fair, I think those 3 kids would have to be elementary school age or less. She stressed that she buys meats only on sale and shops according to circular specials and quick-sale mark-downs. And no foolish 5-minute timeframe. $1 per meal per person is rather extreme but it highlights the folly of The Chew's ongoing feature.

[CindyJ]

So I DVR'd it and started to watch the first episode last night. Started -- but could not sit through even half of it. I felt like I was watching a bunch of people who had overdosed on their morning coffee. Focus was absent. Topics jumped from here to there to somewhere else. Even the personalities I would normally enjoy (like Carla) seemed to be having a caffeine rush. I erased the episode and cancelled the DVR recording.

[JuniorBalloon]

As this show appears to be a dog they should have named it "Chew Toy".

jb

[alkapal]

another good line!!!

[FireFlyFiftyFive]

I recorded the episode yesterday and thought it was just fine. Seemed calm to me, maybe it was Clinton’s seemingly relative smooth introductions and discussions. I like that guy and the Iron Chef dude. Well, I only had it on in the background while messing around online but I didn’t see much to hate. My wife walked in about 25 minutes in and said turn that shit off so that’s all I saw. We watched Daily Show and Colbert then. It’s probably one of the better shows that rhymes with canoe that I saw this week. Maybe the only one.

I’ll DVR it until I get sick of it. Hey it’s only daytime TV. You aren’t SUPPOSED to be glued to it.

[rasputina]

Watched it, and didn't like it. Don't like the format.

[ahack]

Someone needs to ask Batali about when he's opening the DC outpost of Eataly...

[alkapal]

i thought i'd heard they'd scrubbed that, not finding any suitable location -- or perhaps reassessing the d.c. market. why i don't know, because there are certainly lots of people here in this area willing to spend a lot of money on the "food experience."

[ahack]

"In an interview with The Daily Meal, Mario Batali talks Eataly expansion: "There will probably be five in the next ten years. I wouldn't be surprised if Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Toronto and Mexico City opened pretty much in any order of those four." He also says that his restaurant group is looking to open other concepts in Hong Kong. [The Daily Meal via Eater NY]"

http://dc.eater.com/archives/2011/11/...

[alkapal]

all i know is what was discussed on the d.c. board on this topic. a space was coming available (cap city brewing space near unions station) and then that did not happen. (i thought that space was too small anyway). certainly a primo location.

so, we can ask batali "when?" -- sure. sometimes talk is just talk or hopes; sometimes people mean it with a concrete plan. i would definitely be looking at economics, and i'm sure that they are too.

[ahack]

I know -- I posted it. And you concluded they weren't building it because they didn't want to spend the money. I asked what you based that on and you replied "common sense."

[alkapal]

if the finances were right, they would be starting already.

i'm watching from afar, as you are. you can have your opinion, and i mine.

[ahack]

Hey don't take it personally, I just thought you were basing your conclusion on some facts I hadn't seen. We can both agree that we hope it will come to the area...

[HillJ]

I'm 15 mins in on my first view of The Chew and I would say 4 individuals use to working alone or with no more than one partner need to work on the whole team desk thing. Too many cooks...in one kitchen...practice the foot work, the hand gestures, the talking over each other.

The audience otoh seem to be having a good time.

I'm not going to watch more; I'll wait for my own audience ticket day.

[smkit]

I am watching it on DVR right now. The show is too frantic and not relaxing at all. I won't be as negative as the rest here as all shows make adjustments. Just watch the pilot of every sitcom you have ever liked -- they almost all suck and change dramatically.

But I think HillJ makes a good point. There are too many cooks/egos. I don't know how they can keep it up, as they all should have something better to do. I guess they must be paying them a boatload.

I think they just need to all slow down, relax, frown a bit, and focus on less stuff.

[HillJ]

...and junk the 5 min challenge...someone's going to get sick! I watched today for about 20 mins. from the 10 commandments bit with Mario until end credit and I just can't help wondering who is writing the script. People don't talk this way. Maybe it's just a combination of over-thought production meetings but the format is just so off.

[monavano]

I'm going to give The Chew another go today. I wonder how far in advance these shows have been taped, because if the learning curve isn't approaching vertical, and I mean soon, this show is going to be replaced.
They can not afford to not go back to re-shoot shows to get a following.
Our assessments here pretty much reflect what the critics are saying.

[mcf]

It's not going to be any better... it was awful, painfully bad. Just ghastly. And I love me some Clinton Kelly and Carla Hall, ordinarily.

I think the slogan is: The CHEW: spit it OUT.

[ahack]

Well they couldn't have taped episodes too far in advance because they mentioned the person who invented Doritos just passed away. That was in today's paper (yesterday's news), but today's Washington Post.

[monavano]

Yup, today's show was filmed today and Mario is leading off. Good move and good tips on the pesto pasta dish, which the audience seems to like.

[huiray]

I just looked at it on hulu.com. I stopped the video about halfway (I guess) into Symon's pork & beans segment - the first actual segment.
Too much fake smiling. Too much screaming. Too much hoppin'. Too much yelling. Too much pallin' around. Already. Too much fluffery. Too much bubbling. Did I mention too much screaming? Maybe I'll try again when I've mustered my inner calm to filter out everything else but the food on it.

[rockandroller1]

I had trouble even getting through the first segment. We FF'd through a lot of it. I heard that the hyper carla woman's segment was off the hook annoying so we had to watch that. OMG they are all forced to be so, so annoying, as was the premise. The overly joyful, hyperenthusiastic audience, the panel of audience members, the shout-outs to people's moms. It was just so bad. I am no AMC fan but I cannot believe they kicked a soap off the air for this show.

[meatn3]

They are ending OLTL in several months. I've wondered if they plan to expand The Chew into 2 hours eventually.

With so many cooking/food shows available I find ABC's decision to make no sense.

[greygarious]

No, there's a different talking head show slated for that hour.

[LaLa]

a weight loss type talk show, right?

[rockandroller1]

I cant' believe how bad this was. With the forced and frequent applause, the over the top happy and the frenetic pace, everything everyone said about it being bad is unfortunately true. It was just awful on so many levels. I don't know what I thought it was going to be, but this isn't it. I guess I pictured more of them sitting around and talking about food and life issues and occasional cooking segments, very casual, sort of like the Today show or something. And why would they put that Clinton man as the ringmaster? Everyone was so annoying, it's no wonder Mario didn't show up in person and the only person we thought did a good job was Michael.

[chris2269]

It's on Hulu and I have too watch just because of the train wreck everyone said.

[chris2269]

The bad thing is how they brushed over everything....If your going to try to be an information show about health and food spend 5mins. on the topic A-holes.

[escondido123]

I'm with you r/and/r. It was like watching the Price is Right with hosts who had taken speed before the show started. I've always loved Carla but you can only have one hyper person in a group or it just turns into a madhouse. Husband and I stay with it for 15 minutes, but couldn't take the noise and everyone talking over everyone else. Will try again in a couple of weeks...if it's still on.

[Hank Hanover]

I just thought of how to improve the show! Replace Daphne Oz with Frank Oz!

You could have guest appearances from Yoda... Cooking I am,,,yeah. Or maybe Elmo or your ol fuzzy pal Grover.

[rockycat]

LOL!!! Or funny, furry Fozzie Bear.

But to be pedantic, Elmo is played by Kevin Clash and I'd just as soon see that squealy red monster sauteed until there's no red left showing. But Grover, yup, I could get into that (the fact that I'm wearing a Grover wristwatch today has nothing to do with my opinion, not).

[Hank Hanover]

Gee, I gave one of the nicer reviews.. I said it was pretty bad and refused to use the word "sucked".

[Neecies]

Only caught the last ten minutes. And where I'd hoped for better (because I'm an optimist at heart) my worst fears were concerned: it's a housewife show. And though it's ostensibly about food instead of back-to-school fashions, it's basically all the same patronizing banter, and Carla and Michael can't save it. A bumper piece about upcoming stuff this week touted Paula Deen, Whoopi Goldberg visits Eataly, and "useful tips". Save me.

[dani1908]

The cameraman was so bad I just knew this was a live show, albeit odd for a food show. I actually like each of the people on the show, but I agree with everyone else that it seemed very frantic. I actually like Daphne Oz and thought that Dr. Oz's appearance took away from her segment....then again I'm a health nut 80% of the time.:-) Everyone was talking over everyone and it was really a bit ridiculous. They should have re-taped until they got it right. I'm appalled at ABC!

[LikestoEatout]

Did not like Dr Oz here. He jumped in and tried to take over, talking about his daughter's big head at birth while she is trying to make whatever she was making. Michael Symon was doing his best to get him out of there. Clinton Kelly has a lot of energy and is used to moving around all over, that's how he does his What Not to Wear show. I think here here felt like he was trying to hold everyone together because things sure were all over the place. Get rid of the Oz's and give everyone else a chance and just maybe....

[Bellachefa]

frickin doctor oz, how many of you would like daddy showing up on your first day on the job to grandstand and pander to his dying demographic? ugggg

[monavano]

At least he didn't confiscate Carla's fried apple rings..... for ARSENIC!!!!

[alkapal]

monavano -- i was not wanting to hop in on this thread, not having seen the CHEW (and not wanting this thread to haunt me forevermore), but i have to give you kudos for that line. i genuinely laughed out loud!

~~~~~
now since i'm on this thread, i want to chime in with what was posted upthread about shows often significantly improving over time. this was really apparent -- in my estimation -- with the neely's. their first (and continuing) series, and the one where they traveled.

[Manassas64]

Oh come on. Seriously????? The Neelys are completely unwatchable for me. Talking over each other, all that cutesy talking.

[alkapal]

you must need some serious sugah.

[Manassas64]

LMAO

[twyst]

I have to agree with this as well. I didnt dislike the younger Oz, but felt her segment was terrible. It was terrible because of her father, I'm willing to give her a do over.

Clinton Kelly needs to go though :(

[HillJ]

I'll report back after I use my audience tickets.

[smilingal]

hill - when are you going?

[HillJ]

smilingal, I've decided not to use my tickets. A week of tv viewing along with all of you was enough for me.

[smilingal]

i will be the guinea pig!

[HillJ]

Just go to the shows website and fill out the tickets form. The tickets come thru the reservation office; up to 4 tixs per res. and the two week period at a clip you can request tickets is usually stated. Taking one for the team, smilingal!

[smilingal]

yes - I already have my tickets - I was wondering if we were to be in the same audience! I will share my experience in a couple of weeks!

[HillJ]

Can't wait to hear what you think of the audience experience, smilingal.

[smilingal]

I'm wondering how to get selected for the front tasting panel!

[HillJ]

Ask an intern when you arrive at the front desk.

[meatn3]

And wear something colorful - most of the shows put the most colorfully dressed people towards the front, drab colors to the back.

[JOJOGIRL]

Too loud, no focus, Oz is a bad fit. If they keep the gadget segment, and give some food and kitchen equipment testing, I would give it a try, Carla might settle down, I can only guess that the director asked for lots of energy. He got it.

[Leper]

Man this show is bad! It's as if Tony Robbins merged with Rocco to create this mess. All they need now is some type of food Doppler radar screen to be complete.

[twyst]

They need to get rid of lifestyle guy, he's extremely annoying. He seemed to interrupt other peoples segments, and the fact he used the word "yo" twice made me want to hit him in the face with a hammer.

Ill give it a few more episode, it seemed really rushed today, but I think its because they wanted to introduce everyone and give everyone a segment. Hopefully they slow it down in the future.

[monavano]

He was tripping over Batalli's conversation due the that very long satellite delay... across the Hudson River?
Agree with the rushing. It was teetering on the edge of losing control. You know how Emeril's Live show had such a great give and take with the audience? They looked relaxed and could enjoy Emeril's food, and he'd check in with them to see how they liked it. Well, Symon has to take a cue from Emeril and let the audience you know, get a chance to masticate their food long enough to swallow once or twice before asking them who is most excited!!
It was a bit funny to watch. I would have eschewed the utensils and just used my fingers and give Symon a big burp of approval!

[sharhamm]

I want to like this show as there is not much else on at that time. Everyone seemed so frantic and it felt like I was on an out of control merry-go-round. I like Simon, Carla, and Mario. Haven't seen any of them cook healthy food so no need to have Oz there.The reason we watch these 3 is because of the good food they make. I so badly wanted a stool for the Lifestyle guy to sit down on and stop talking. It also took up a lot of time feeding "some" of the people at the table.

[Phoebe]

I too could only bare to watch it for a couple of minutes. The Chew doesn't chew....It SUCKS!!!

[greygarious]

Phoebe, I stole that line for a tweet.

There's a move on to make the show a trending topic via this hashtag: #TheChewWillNeverAirInMyHome

The only worthwhile thing about The Chew is Ruth Bourdain's tweets while watching it:
http://twitter.com/#!/ruthbourdain

[Phoebe]

greygarious,

Although very obvious.....it was just crying out to be said!

[monavano]

Well, that was anti climactic.
Agree that Carla got too manic during her apple pancake segment (core and slice apples, dip in pancake batter and fry)-- even her mother (in the audience) looked confounded by her flailing and eye-popping. I think she'll come around and smooth out her performance and hopefully pick something to cook that is interesting.
Symon is a pleasure to watch, I just don't know if he can carry the show in the face of the other performances.
Lifestyle guy had some fun appetizer ideas. Basic, but a good start. He must stop saying "fabulous" though.
Oz is a snoOZe. Her style does not mesh with the others, both in terms of energy and food gestalt. I don't see her as a live to eat kind of gal, as evidence by her not sampling a thing that anyone else made the whole show (or did she? I know she held that flank steak crostini like it was going to bite her or give her colon polyps).
Most of all, they need to totally rethink the set and production values and most of all, get a damn good food stylist, as final platings and reveals looked amateur. That, and get Mario Batali to do his segment in the studio because they need his gravitas and humor to help them no look like dilettantes. The really odd thing was that although Batalli was doing his pizza making segment from a golf fairway in New Jersey (where a wood fired pizza oven inexplicably is?), the delay was so long, it was ridiculous, so production has to work on the remote segments for better flow of conversation.

[ahack]

+1

Spot on monavano. Carla's personality is a bit frantic, and combined with first show jitters, it was ok. Symon's experience on TV really does shine through (as I expect Batali's will). I expected more from Clinton given his TV experience, but it was ok. Oz was terrible; her father carried her through her segment.

[SmartCookie]

Carla is SO LOUD! I know that's her style, but I found it grating.

Agree on Oz, she really didn't seem to fit in; I think they use her for the "healthy" segments to round out the balance.

I didn't like having the audience in the back of the set; I suppose they do that for audience participation, but i thought it was distracting.

All in all I'll probably watch it once a week to see if it improves in time. I do hope so.

[mnosyne]

The whole program is too loud! I kept turning the volume down but it just stayed at ear bleeding levels. Is everyone on that show deaf?

[James Cristinian]

Carla has always been manic and frantic and that's why I've never liked her. I can't believe no one has used the S/O phrase, as in sell out for Batali and Symon. Had this been Emeril, Rachel Ray, or any of the other generally loathed food personalities, I can't help but think that this would be an issue.

[monavano]

It's amazing a woman so into yoga could have such difficulty centering herself!

[mpjmph]

Dr. Oz is definitely an eat to live person, so I'm not surprised his daughter is less than enthusiastic about food for foods sake.

[Hank Hanover]

I just finished watching the premier episode of "The Chew". The word "sucked" may be too strong but it was pretty bad.

I have to assume the 1st show would be as good as they can make it. If that is the case, I would hate to see subsequent shows.

It had that game show feeling. You could almost see the signs for the audience.... Go crazy here... Laugh here.

The recipes weren't too bad. Michael Simon's thin breaded pork cutlets over kale and beans looked good, fast and cheap. The appetizer using chunks of breaded pork tenderloin on a skewer and dipped in an apple sauce and coarse ground mustard looked good.

I just don't think I liked the atmosphere.

[acgold7]

Hank, while your assumptions are quite logical and most likely correct, shows like this tend to evolve and actually tend to improve significantly over the first few weeks. I suspect that even as we write, executives are scurrying about and audiences are sitting in rooms with one-way mirrors, questionnaires and dials in hand, giving feedback to the network suits so they can give "notes" to the producers. If the opinions expressed on this forum are shared by enough of the viewers out there, you'll see changes pretty quickly.

[Hank Hanover]

I'm afraid it is too late for me but I am not their target audience.

[CindyJ]

Don't you think they would have done that market research prior to the first airing on network TV?

[acgold7]

Certainly they would have, or should have. But you'd be surprised how resistant producers and talent can be to the feedback they may have received to the run-throughs, and also how cheap the network and production company can be -- they may not have done much or any prior to the actual shows.

But if the ratings come back below projections (i.e what they've sold), especially if they are downtrending, you can bet they'll be doing a lot more, quickly. It's typical of network suits that they only do research after there is a problem, when it is so much cheaper and more efficient to try to prevent one in the first place.

[agoodbite]

Caught the last little bit of it. Was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Can't imagine I'll want to watch again.

[Bellachefa]

The Jew View of the Chew

eewww

cash your checks Micheal and Carla and run, run, run from over yet underproduced schmaltz.

[Berheenia]

LOL

I'm going to watch my dvr of yesterday's show and just be grateful I had a good chuckle first. thanks!

[ahack]

Was there even a sign-off to the show? It seemed to end abruptly.
The director of the show needs help.

[inaplasticcup]

Haven't watched it yet, but the name is a little odd. Makes me think I'm going to watch a show about a Chinese person...

[jeanmarieok]

I like Carla. She needs to tone down a tiny bit of the manic-ness she showed during her segment, but I liked her overall.

[Breezychow]

I just watched a few minutes & then switched the channel. Definitely not my cup of tea.

Oh, & for the person who mentioned Whoopi, she's slated to be on the show tomorrow - lol!

[Duppie]

Nice... so all that is missing is the obligatory host with a thick British or Australian accent to get hearts aflutter.

[The 1st and only KSyrahSyrah]

Cutis Stone?

[Duppie]

...or the Geico Gecko...

[meatn3]

The other hosts wouldn't stand for it - he'd just make everyone look fat by comparison.

[libstewart]

Gordon Elliot is the narrator - that should suffice for the accent.

[Duppie]

I did not know that... that not only makes sense but actually fills the British/Australian accent criteria prevalent recently in network television shows and ads. Which by the way is already passe in anticipation of the newest trend of featuring South Asians.

[paulj]

He's also the producer

http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air...

[ahack]

Only through the first segment and the camera work/directing needs help. They don't follow the action very well.

[Duppie]

Ok...who's playing the role of Barbara Walters and who gets to be Whoopie?

[chris2269]

That's the best quote ever...I hate the "View" I hope this show does not dissolve to that. I will watch it like a train wreck ...hopefully that everyone gets out alive:)

[Duppie]

It will be a hit regardless.They have targeted the same demographic and time slots that made RR and The View a staple of bored housewife viewing. I'm over Mario and his overexposed patter and mug,and do we really need another Oz on television?but the other players could prove to be entertaining and lively.