THE Food Network has trimmed the fat – end ing production of signature personality Emeril Lagasse’s long-running show, “Emeril Live.”
The show, which has been on the air since 1997, was once Food Network’s top-rated show.
Lagasse, famous for his “Bam!” catchphrase, will tape his last “Live” episode Dec. 11. Repeats will continue to air for the foreseeable future.
The cancellation of “Emeril Live” is another indication that Food Network is heading in a different direction. In September, it dumped Mario Batali, another popular network personality.
Lagasse will continue to produce his daily, in-studio cooking show, “Essence of Emeril,” and will appear on upcoming specials for the network, spokeswoman Carrie Welch said.
“I am deeply appreciative to all the unbelievable staff . . . and all the loyal viewers, and the many talented guests who have appeared on the show through the years,” Lagasse said in a statement yesterday.
” ‘Emeril Live’ has been an incredible journey . . . for over ten years,” Welch said. “Emeril . . . remains an integral part of the Food Network family.”
Signs that the network was losing confidence in the show became apparent last June, when “Emeril Live” was dumped from its longtime prime-time slot and demoted to 7 p.m.
Mediabistro.com first reported yesterday that Lagasse was unable to reach a new contract agreement with Food Network parent Scripps Howard.