I just read through what everyone had to say, and I like the ideas of cooking shows for pets and kids. Also, the idea of going shopping with a chef is great (I think they have something similar on Fine Living) - covering everything from food to cookware, appliances, gadgets...etc. They don't need to be partial to one brand...just give us the facts to make our own decisions. I also believe someone mentioned a food on plating. Maybe that could be a show about entertaining/party planning for small parties. I certainly would like to see ways to make my food look more beautiful. I know Dave Lieberman did something like that...but I would like to see something a LITTLE bit more fancy. I also would like to see someone like David Tutera (a party planner) on the Food Network. I think he still has a show on another network.
I also would like to see less of Unwrapped and Food Network Challenge since I don't really learn anything worthwhile from them. It just seems like filler to me.
The other thing I would like to see is more variety in the hosts. Why does Rachael Ray need to have 4 or more shows (not including specials)? Is there no one else who can host some of these. I am tired of seeing her face all over the place. I think each host should have two shows at the most on at one time. They need to stop capitalizing on one person (Guy Fieri might be the next one who is over exposed). I would like to see more of Michael Chiarello...Nigella Lawson...Jamie Oliver...Mario...Gale Gand...Warren (the baking guy...can't remember his last name) the "Cookworks" lady. I would rather see older shows that haven't been on in a while...than the same 4 or 5 hosts on ALL THE TIME. Also, maybe a show featuring food bloggers (like Orangette, Smitten Kitchen, Cafe Fernando, Joy the Baker among many others) making the recipes they have chosen and photographing them.
I like the travel shows...but have to admit that I am partial to Anthony Bourdain. Giada's show is ok...but I preferred her "specials" (in Greece and Italy) than I did to her domestic trips. Rachael Ray's...well...I just don't like either of them. I understand the need for a show for people on a budget...just something about it bugs me. Maybe it is too much of her or she just seems too "cheap". Her second show, can't remember the name at the moment, seems pointless when she is just sitting at some restaurant talking about places but they don't show her in the segment. You have to wonder if she really was there. They need to find a balance with her. LOL
Sorry to offend anyone who may enjoy her shows...but they need to do something with "Aunt Sandy". She seems more concerned about her cocktail time and tablescapes than she does her food. I can't quite figure out why she is still on the Food Network because I don't really think what she makes is food. LOL Usually I watch it, while waiting for other shows, in horror. I would never make any of her recipes simply because the majority of them sound disgusting. I also would NEVER serve her food at parties. I don't like the over-processed taste. I know most of us don't have time to make things from scratch, but there is no reason to make the stuff she does. Some shortcuts are fine, but her recipes contain too many preservatives and sodium, among other things, to be even remotely healthy. I think they need to revamp her recipes using more fresh ingredients.
OK...that is enough from me...