Food Network's Next Big Hit!

Whether it is your go-to channel or something you put on as background noise, I would argue that nearly everyone has seen a Food Network show or two in their time. While networks like TLC and even Netflix are now releasing food-centric shows, Food Network wrote the book on what makes a good food show. I am here to break down some of Food Networks best shows and stars and by doing so, concoct Food Network’s Next Big Hit!

Original Infographic by Frankie Sailer

Image from Food Network

Chopped

What makes it great: With 44 seasons and over 550 episodes on air, Chopped is one of Food Network’s longest running, most popular shows. If I had to guess what makes it so popular, I would say the combination of knowing exactly what is going to happen in terms of how the show is run, but not knowing how the unique group of contestants will react. Another great aspect of Chopped is that it could be easily replicated to “play” at home. Along with its playability, a more recent addition is that Chopped has created a kid friendly version, Chopped Jr, that caters to the recent trend of shows creating an identical version, just with kids. Finally, host Ted Allen is both well known and beloved by many.

Image from Insider

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

What makes it great: Like Chopped, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is built on using the same structure each episode, but with different restaurants and cuisines each time. I believe the big determinant of its success has to do with its host, the king of Flavortown Guy Fieri. Another cool factor of Triple D is the idea that these restaurants could be anywhere in the US, and it leaves an element of surprise seeing if any of them are near you. Fieri’s commentary paired with the unique, out-of-the-box food being shown each episode contributes to Triple D’s long-term success.

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Beat Bobby Flay

What makes it great: Again, Beat Bobby Flay is another example of a structured show that differs episode to episode depending on the contestants and the judges. Though a bit of an exaggeration, BBF is an almost David and Goliath type scenario in each episode, where everyone wants Bobby to go down. Another great aspect of the show is that Alex Guarnaschelli and Jeff Mauro remain as judges and the third judge rotates each episode and are comprised of other famous chefs who enjoy heckling Bobby while he cooks. The ultimate way to end each episode is getting when the competitor finally takes down the champ and gets to say “I beat Bobby Flay!”

Key Takeaways

Apart from a similar structure that varies on a given set of contestants, the host of a show is a defining characteristic in its success. Big personalities like Guy Fieri and even more soft-spoken Bobby Flay help contribute to a show’s success. Other than Triple D, the other shows also have an element of competition that viewers seem to enjoy and get invested in.

My Proposal

By combining the key factors I have pulled from successful shows, I believe that they should create a show that combines a regular schedule week to week, an awesome host and one more aspect. Though not Food Network, one of the most beloved shows of all time is Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. People love to watch a seemingly relatable person, like Anthony Bourdain, travel and experience new cultures through food and beyond while living vicariously through him. My idea is this: rather than rotating contestants, pick a group of 20 that will eventually be narrowed to one. Pick a likeable host, like Ted Allen or Guy Fieri, and have them host the competitors in different geographic regions, whether it be states or even countries, each week and have them cook the cuisine from that country. Another added bonus could be bringing in other famous chefs from the culture they are cooking for to give advice as well as judge the round. As the rounds continue, the competitors get eliminated one by one until there is only one left standing. The catchy title would be “Around the World in 80 Plates.” This new show would combine many of the key factors that have helped other Food Network shows to become so successful. So when you see a new add for “Around the World in 80 Plates” in the next few years, you’ll know who dreamt it up.