Valerie Bertinelli’s departure from Food Network has sparked questions and discussions among fans. After her exit from Kids Baking Championship, Bertinelli expressed her disappointment with the network’s shift in focus. This article delves into the reasons behind her departure and the changes happening at Food Network.
In April 2024, Valerie Bertinelli, a familiar face on the Food Network, shared her sentiments about the network’s evolving content. “I fell in love with Food Network two decades ago because of all the amazing ITK (in the kitchen) shows. 30-minute meals, Ina [Garten], Giada [De Laurentiis] … the list goes on,” Bertinelli, 63, posted on Threads. She added, “I learned so much. It’s sad it’s not about cooking and learning any longer. Oh well, that’s just business, folks.” This statement came after her departure from Kids Baking Championship, where she served as a judge for 12 seasons.
The Shift in Food Network’s Programming
Bertinelli echoed the sentiments of many viewers who noticed a change in Food Network’s programming strategy. Cookbook author and food blogger Marlynn Schotland also voiced her concerns about the network’s move away from traditional cooking shows toward more competition-based content. While Schotland acknowledged that Food Network still airs “a few” cooking shows, she questioned the need for “SO MANY new competition shows” that often feel repetitive.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where reality and competition shows often draw larger audiences than instructional content. However, it also raises concerns about the potential loss of valuable culinary education that Food Network once provided.
Valerie Bertinelli’s History with Food Network
Valerie Bertinelli has a long and successful history with Food Network. From 2015 to 2023, she hosted Valerie’s Home Cooking, where she shared modernized versions of her favorite family recipes. Her warm personality and approachable cooking style made her a beloved figure among viewers.
Her role as a judge on Kids Baking Championship further solidified her connection with the network and its audience. However, in January, Bertinelli revealed that she was fired from the show due to budget cuts.
The Impact of Budget Cuts on Kids Baking Championship
“I’ve been avoiding facing what I got confirmation last night and I didn’t want to talk about it last night [because] I wanted to sleep on it because it really hurt my feelings,” she shared in an emotional Instagram video. “I know it’s not supposed to. Logically, I know it’s business [and] budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings to know that I’m not going to be asked back to be on Kids Baking Championship.”
Bertinelli filmed her final episodes of Kids Baking Championship in the summer of 2022, a challenging period in her personal life as she was also finalizing her divorce from Tom Vitale.
Kids Baking Championship as a Lifeline
Bertinelli openly shared that Kids Baking Championship was more than just a job for her; it was a source of support during a difficult time. “Working with all those really wonderful people and feeling productive and knowing I could spread some kindness and not just wallow in my hell and just try to keep my head above water,” Bertinelli explained. “[The show] helped me; it was like a flotation device. So, it really hurts that I won’t be able to go back and see everybody and say, ‘Hey, I made it through!’ I think I’m [the] most sad that I won’t be able to tell everybody what they mean to me.”
Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment of leaving Kids Baking Championship, Valerie Bertinelli has continued to pursue new opportunities. In March, she revealed that she is dating someone “very special,” signaling a new chapter in her life.
Conclusion
Valerie Bertinelli’s departure from Kids Baking Championship was primarily due to budget cuts at Food Network. However, her comments about the network’s programming shift highlight a broader trend within the culinary entertainment industry. While competition shows continue to dominate, the value of traditional cooking and learning programs remains significant for many viewers. Bertinelli’s legacy on Food Network, both as a host and a judge, will be remembered for her passion for cooking and her genuine connection with her audience.
