reality TV Archives – CULTURE MIX

2023 Critics Choice Real TV Awards: Padma Lakshmi, RuPaul Charles are the top winners

June 16, 2023

RuPaul at the 71st annua Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on September 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Padma Lakshmi at Full Frontal With Samantha Bee’s Not The White House Correspondents’ Dinner at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TBS)

The following is a press release from the Critics Choice Association:

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) unveiled the winners of the fifth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi,” and “Top Chef” tied with two awards each. “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” took home the award for Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series, while “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi” was awarded Best Structured Series,and “Top Chef” won Best Culinary Show. The three shows also all won in the Best Show Host category, as RuPaul and Padma Lakshmi tied for that award.

Eugene Levy of “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy” won the Star of the Year category, while Lisa Vanderpump was honored with the Impact Award this year.

Bravo and Netflix were the biggest winners of awards, topping four categories each.  

A special program showcasing the winners, “2023 Critics Choice Real TV Awards – A Salute to the Winners” will be hosted by Sam Rubin and Megan Henderson. The special will premiere on KTLA+ and KTLA.com on Friday, June 16 at 7:30 PM PT, with repeat airings over the weekend. “2023 Critics Choice Real TV Awards – A Salute to the Winners” will also be available to stream on the Critics Choice YouTube channel.

The Critics Choice Real TV Awards were launched in 2019 as a large-scale awards platform to give the robust (and still growing) unscripted genre critical attention and support. The awards celebrate programming across platforms, and also recognize industry leaders with special awards highlighting career achievements.

The Critics Choice Association monitors all awards submissions and selects the nominees in all competitive categories. Blue-ribbon nominating committees made up of CCA members with expertise in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming determine the nominees. Winners are chosen by a vote of the CCA membership.

About the Critics Choice Association (CCA)

The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 600 media critics and entertainment journalists. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the intersection between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit:

www.CriticsChoice.com.

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WINNERS OF THE FIFTH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV AWARDS

**=winner

BEST COMPETITION SERIES

**The Amazing Race (CBS)
Lego Masters (Fox)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Paramount+)
Survivor (CBS)
The Traitors (Peacock)

BEST COMPETITION SERIES: TALENT/VARIETY

America’s Got Talent (NBC)
America’s Got Talent: All Stars (NBC)
Dancing with the Stars (Disney+)
The Masked Singer (Fox)
My Kind of Country (Apple TV+)
**The Voice (NBC)

BEST UNSTRUCTURED SERIES

Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Bravo)
Couples Therapy (Showtime)
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix)
The Kardashians (Hulu)
MTV’s Following: Bretman Rock (MTV)
**Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)

BEST STRUCTURED SERIES

Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock)
Gutsy (Apple TV+)
Shark Tank (ABC)
**Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)

BEST CULINARY SHOW

The Big Brunch (HBO Max)
José Andrés and Family in Spain (discovery+)
Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (Magnolia Network)
Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
**Top Chef (Bravo)

BEST GAME SHOW

Barmageddon (USA)
**Jeopardy! (Syndicated)
Lingo (CBS)
Password (NBC)
The Wall (NBC)
Weakest Link (NBC)

BEST TRAVEL/ADVENTURE SHOW

Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss (Peacock)
The Great Food Truck Race (Food Network)
José Andrés and Family in Spain (discovery+)
The Piece Maker (Magnolia Network)
**The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)

BEST BUSINESS SHOW

American Greed (CNBC)
Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
House Hunters (HGTV)
Restaurant: Impossible (Food Network)
**Shark Tank (ABC)
Wahl Street (HBO Max)

BEST ANIMAL/NATURE SHOW

Big Beasts (Apple TV+)
The End Is Nye (Peacock)
**Frozen Planet II (BBC One)
Our Universe (Netflix)
Prehistoric Planet (Apple TV+)
The Wizard of Paws (BYUtv)

BEST CRIME/JUSTICE SHOW

911 Crisis Center (Oxygen)
Evil Lives Here (Investigation Discovery)
How I Caught My Killer (Hulu)
In Pursuit with John Walsh (Investigation Discovery / discovery+)
**Unsolved Mysteries Volume 3 (Netflix)
Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies & The Internet (Netflix)

BEST SPORTS SHOW

30 for 30 (ESPN)
American Ninja Warrior (NBC)
Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers (Hulu)
Like a Girl (Fuse Media)
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO Max)
**Welcome to Wrexham (FX)

BEST RELATIONSHIP SHOW

Farmer Wants a Wife (Fox)
Indian Matchmaking (Netflix)
Jewish Matchmaking (Netflix)
**Love Is Blind (Netflix)
Married at First Sight (Lifetime)
The Parent Test (ABC)

BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW: HOME/GARDEN

For the Love of Kitchens (Magnolia Network)
Home (Apple TV+)
**Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (Bravo)
Murder House Flip (The Roku Channel)
Trixie Motel (discovery+)
Ugliest House in America (HGTV)

BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW: FASHION/BEAUTY

Glow Up (Netflix)
The Hype (HBO Max)
Making the Cut (Prime Video)
Next in Fashion (Netflix)
**Queer Eye (Netflix)
Say Yes to the Dress (TLC)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (Netflix)
The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
House of Hammer (discovery+)
Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty (HBO Max)
**Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? (Netflix)
Super League: The War for Football (Apple TV+)

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN AN UNSCRIPTED SERIES

Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Bravo)
Dancing with the Stars (Disney+)
**RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Paramount+)
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (Fox)
Survivor (Season 44) (CBS)
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)

BEST SHOW HOST

Selena Gomez – Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
Alex Guarnaschelli – Supermarket Stakeout (Food Network)
**Padma Lakshmi – Top Chef (Bravo), Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
Trixie Mattel – Trixie Motel (discovery+)
**RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV) / RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars (Paramount+)
Ryan Seacrest – American Idol (ABC)

STAR OF THE YEAR

Guy Fieri – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
Ina Garten – Barefoot Contessa (Food Network) / Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Food Network)
Selena Gomez – Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
Padma Lakshmi – Top Chef (Bravo), Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC)
**Eugene Levy – The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
Peyton Manning – History’s Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning (History) / Peyton’s Places (ESPN+) / Capital One College Bowl (NBC)
RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV) / RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars (Paramount+)

IMPACT AWARD

Lisa Vanderpump

WINNERS BY NETWORK FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV AWARDS 

Bravo – 4

Netflix – 4

Apple TV+ – 2

Hulu – 2

Paramount+ – 2

ABC – 1

BBC One – 1

CBS – 1

FX – 1

MTV – 1

NBC – 1

Syndicated – 1

Food Network announces series: ‘No-Recipe Road Trip With the Try Guys,’ Tabitha Brown-hosted ‘It’s CompliPlated,’ and ‘Ree Drummon-hosted ‘Big Bad Budget Battle’

July 21, 2022

Zach Kornfeld, Eugene Lee Yang, Ned Fulmer and Keith Habersberger (also known as The Try Guys) in “No-Recipe Road Trip with the Try Guys” (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

The following is a combination of press releases from Food Network:

With millions of followers and a loyal fanbase, comedy group The Try Guys, including Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, Zach Kornfeld and Eugene Lee Yang, are well-known for their curiosity, humor and willingness to try anything under the sun, often with hilarious results. The four fearless best friends and business partners also love food and trying to cook new dishes with zero instruction and in No-Recipe Road Trip with the Try Guys, (premiering Wednesday, August 31, 2022 on Food Network and discovery+), they test their culinary instincts to recreate signature menu items in restaurants across the country – and the final dishes are all over the map. In each episode, the guys hit a new city and visit two local establishments where each must attempt to make the restaurant’s best-known dish with no recipe or instruction. In the end, the Try Guy with the most successful dish as determined by a local chef and guest judge wins and gets the chance to have their dish put on the restaurant’s menu.

Tabitha Brown in “It’s CompliPlated” (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

It has never been harder to make one meal to satisfy all the people at the dining table and the new series It’s CompliPlated, hosted by vegan foodie and New York Times best-selling author Tabitha Brown, tackles that challenge with incredible results. In each episode, four chefs compete in three rounds of cooking challenges to create dishes that will please judge Maneet Chauhan (Chopped, Tournament of Champions) and a rotating panel of guest judges, each with a very particular palate and tricky food requirements. From a taste of Southern hospitality using only plant-based ingredients and a comfort food gluten-free noodle dish to an Instagram-worthy dinner party without fruits or vegetables, these unique cooking battles showcase how to make delicious food under any circumstance. It’s CompliPlated premieres Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network and streaming on discovery+.

“It’s CompliPlated reflects what it’s actually like to make a meal the whole family will love – it’s not easy to make one dish for everyone and this series makes it fun,” said Jane Latman, President, Home & Food Content and Streaming, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Tabitha Brown’s energy, sense of humor and real-life journey to becoming vegan make her the perfect host to take us on this adventure.”

“Becoming vegan changed my life and the way I cook – and I know folks can relate to the daily challenge of making the whole family happy with one meal, so we decided to make a game of it,” said Tabitha Brown. “These chefs cook from the heart and their food is mind-blowing – viewers are sure to have a blast and be inspired for their next family dinner.”

Tabitha Brown satisfies the hunger of millions with her unique approach to veganism and her wholesome, comedic personality on the daily. She is a home base for learning new recipes, acquiring imparted wisdom, or enjoying a good laugh. Now a New York Times best-selling author of her debut book “Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business),” the North Carolina-born actress, vegan lifestyle personality, mother and wife has also taken various business ventures by storm. Alongside her legendary partnership with Target, making her own healthy haircare line called Donna’s Recipe, being named Equity Partner of Orro, developing a Calm Sleep Story, partnering with McCormick on her signature Sunshine Seasoning, and working on her second book, she has continuously grown her craft as an actress. She has landed notable theatrical features on major network shows such as Will & Grace, The Chi and The Conners in addition to co-creating and starring in her own children’s show with YouTube Originals, Tab Time. Having earned the coined title of “America’s mom” with her 12 million plus followers across platforms, Tabitha teaches all of us about having faith, perseverance, paving our own unique path to achieving dreams and being our authentic selves.

Fans can join the conversation using #ItsCompliPlated and go behind the scenes with Tabitha by following Food Network’s social pages. Get exclusive tips from Tabitha on vegan essentials, check out insider photos from set, and watch sneak peeks each week at FoodNetwork.com/ItsCompliPlated.

It’s CompliPlated is produced by World of Wonder for Food Network and discovery+.

Ree Drummond (pictured at far left) in “Big Bad Budget Battle” (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

This summer, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, celebrates crafty cooking and smart-shopping on the new primetime competition series Big Bad Budget Battle, premiering on Food Network on Tuesday August 9, 2022, at 10pm ET/PT and streaming same day on discovery+. In each of the six hour-long episodes, three talented home cooks, with a knack for transforming every day affordable ingredients into mouthwatering meals, will be challenged to shop on a budget in the ultimate grocery store – Flavortown Market. With only a small stash of cash, they must buy all the ingredients needed to make the best inexpensive and delicious dish they can. Only the best cook and thriftiest shopper will take home the trophy and a whole year’s worth of groceries.

“I can’t wait for viewers to see these awesome home cooks in action, both with their creativity in the kitchen and their budget-shopping skills – they are truly something to behold! As a home cook myself, I’m impressed by their resourcefulness and ingenuity as they plan, shop, and prepare their incredible dishes,” said Drummond.

In each episode, the home cooks must save money, time, and headaches in the kitchen to create next-level meals. From dishes made only from pantry items to reimagined leftovers, their cooking abilities will be tested in two rounds of relatable challenges. They need to pinch pennies so they don’t blow their budget, make thrifty and delicious brunches and elevated one-pot dinner party meals. Ree, along with a panel of rotating judges including, Darnell Ferguson, Eddie Jackson, Beau MacMillan, Catherine McCord, Damaris Phillips, and Justin Warner will decide the winner. In the end, the best cook and savviest saver will take home the trophy and one year’s worth of groceries.

“Each week fans tune in to see what Ree is cooking up on The Pioneer Woman– they love her warmth, down-to-earth style, easy relatability and wry sense of humor that makes everyone want to pull up a chair in her kitchen. These same qualities make her the perfect host to oversee this fast-paced culinary competition that takes a page from real-world conundrums like grocery shopping on a budget and finding cost effective ingredients to make incredible meals. Big Bad Budget Battle is action-packed and full of tips and takeaways for viewers to incorporate at home,” said Jane Latman, President, Home & Food Content and Streaming, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Fans can get Ree’s top tips and recipes for saving time and money at FoodNetwork.com/BigBadBudgetBattle. Follow the competition on social media using #BigBadBudgetBattle and share your favorite budget-friendly dishes.

Big Bad Budget Battle is executive produced by Guy Fieri from his production company, Knuckle Sandwich, and Lando Entertainment for Food Network and discovery+.

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FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown 13 times and is the No. 2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.5 million readers. Food Network is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products which also include: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.

About discovery+

discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. With the largest-ever content offering at launch, discovery+ features a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular passion verticals including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. For more, visit discoveryplus.com, or find the discovery+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

2022 Critics Choice Real TV Awards: ‘Top Chef’ is the top nominee

May 16, 2022

“Top Chef” judges Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio ad Gail Simmons (Photo by David Moir/Bravo)

The following is a press release from the Critics Choice Association and NPACT:

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) and nonfiction producers’ organization NPACT today unveiled the nominees for the fourth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. The annual event returns to an in-person ceremony and gala this year, taking place on June 12 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

“Top Chef” leads this year’s nominations, earning nods in five categories including Best Competition Series, Best Culinary Show, and Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series, with Padma Lakshmi earning nominations for Best Show Host and Female Star of the Year. Netflix leads the networks, having projects recognized in 20 categories.

Actors, comedians and television and podcast hosts Randy and Jason Sklar will host the fourth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards. The brothers notably hosted and produced History Channel’s “United Stats of America” and created and starred in the ESPN cult hit series “Cheap Seats,” besides being guest hosts on “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle.” The Sklars can next be seen on “The Nose Bleeds,” a hilarious deep dive into UFC’s history that will launch this summer on UFC’s Fight Pass streaming service.

“Given its ongoing popularity across broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other platforms, it’s clear that unscripted programming is deserving of special recognition by the Critics Choice Association,” said Ed Martin, President of the Critics Choice Association’s TV Branch. “The exciting programs and diverse personalities selected by our five nominating committees represent the best that this multi-faceted genre has to offer. The fourth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards ceremony promises to be our most exciting yet.”

Said NPACT General Manager Michelle Van Kempen, “The amazing depth and quality of unscripted programming is evident in this year’s nominees, and we’re especially excited to be able to pay tribute to them and the entire unscripted community at an in-person gala, after two virtual years. It’s truly an honor to collaborate with the Critics Choice Association to celebrate the excellence and innovation of nonfiction content.”

Bob Bain and Joey Berlin will serve as Executive Producers. Michelle Van Kempen also executive produces the show.

About the Critics Choice Association (CCA)

The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 525 media critics and entertainment journalists. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the intersection between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.

About NPACT

NPACT is the trade association for nonfiction production companies doing business in the U.S. Its members are comprised of production companies of all sizes, as well as allied services companies. NPACT serves as the voice for the nonfiction creative community, providing a forum for producers as they navigate changes in media and tackle business issues. For more information visit NPACT.org.

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NOMINATIONS FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV AWARDS

BEST COMPETITION SERIES

Chopped (Food Network)
Making It (NBC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
The Amazing Race (CBS)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)

BEST COMPETITION SERIES: TALENT/VARIETY

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Finding Magic Mike (HBO Max)
Legendary (HBO Max)
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (Prime Video)
Next Level Chef (Fox)
The Voice (NBC)

BEST UNSTRUCTURED SERIES

Couples Therapy (Showtime)
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked (VH1)
The Kardashians (Hulu)
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Bravo)
The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans (Paramount+)
We’re Here (HBO)

BEST STRUCTURED SERIES

Catfish: The TV Show (MTV)
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC)
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (National Geographic)
How To with John Wilson (HBO)
Sketchbook (Disney+)

BEST CULINARY SHOW

Cooking with Paris (Netflix)
Crime Scene Kitchen (Fox)
Is It Cake? (Netflix)
Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (Magnolia)
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
Top Chef (Bravo)

BEST GAME SHOW

Family Game Fight! (NBC)
Holey Moley (ABC)
Jeopardy! (Syndicated)
Supermarket Sweep (ABC)
The Price Is Right (CBS)
Weakest Link (NBC)

BEST TRAVEL/ADVENTURE SHOW

Alone (History)
Family Dinner (Magnolia)
Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)
The Amazing Race (CBS)
The World According to Jeff Goldblum (Disney+)
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals (Netflix)

BEST BUSINESS SHOW

American Greed (CNBC)
Bar Rescue (Paramount+)
Million Dollar Wheels (Discovery+)
Restaurant: Impossible (Food Network)
Shark Tank (ABC)
Undercover Boss (CBS)

BEST ANIMAL/NATURE SHOW

Crikey! It’s the Irwins (Discovery)
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (National Geographic)
Eden: Untamed Planet (BBC America)
Growing Up Animal (Disney+)
Penguin Town (Netflix)
The Wizard of Paws (BYUtv)

BEST CRIME/JUSTICE SHOW

911 Crisis Center (Oxygen)
Cold Justice (Oxygen)
Heist (Netflix)
Rich & Shameless (TNT)
Secrets of Playboy (A&E)
Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller (National Geographic)

BEST SPORTS SHOW

30 for 30 (ESPN)
Bad Sport (Netflix)
Cheer (Netflix)
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (CMT)
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO)
Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (Prime Video)

BEST RELATIONSHIP SHOW

90 Day Fiancé (TLC)
La Máscara del Amor (Estrella TV)
Love Is Blind (Netflix)
Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)
My Mom, Your Dad (HBO Max)
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (Netflix)

BEST LIFESTYLE: HOME/GARDEN SHOW

Celebrity IOU (HGTV)
Fixer Upper: Welcome Home (Magnolia)
Houses with History (HGTV)
Married to Real Estate (HGTV)
Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (Bravo)
Rock the Block (HGTV)

BEST LIFESTYLE: FASHION/BEAUTY SHOW

Glow Up (Netflix)
Love, Kam (SurvivorNetTV)
Making the Cut (Prime Video)
My Unorthodox Life (Netflix)
Project Runway (Bravo)
The Hype (HBO Max)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

Abraham Lincoln (History)
Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes (Netflix)
Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer (Netflix)
Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo (Netflix)
Theodore Roosevelt (History)
We Need to Talk About Cosby (Showtime)

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN AN UNSCRIPTED SERIES

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Bravo)
The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans (Paramount+)
The Voice (NBC)
Top Chef (Bravo)

BEST SHOW HOST

Mayim Bialik – Jeopardy! (Syndicated)
Daniel “Desus Nice” Baker and Joel “The Kid Mero” Martinez – Desus & Mero (Showtime)
Padma Lakshmi – Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu); Top Chef (Bravo)
Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
John Oliver – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)

MALE STAR OF THE YEAR

Jeff Goldblum – The World According to Jeff Goldblum (Disney+)
Robert Irvine – Restaurant: Impossible (Food Network)
Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
Phil Rosenthal – Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)
RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
Stanley Tucci – Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (CNN)

FEMALE STAR OF THE YEAR

Samantha Bee – Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS)
Kelly Clarkson – The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated); The Voice (NBC); American Song Contest (NBC)
Joanna Gaines – Fixer Upper: Welcome Home (Magnolia); Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (Magnolia)
Selena Gomez – Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
Padma Lakshmi – Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu); Top Chef (Bravo)
Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NONFICTION PROGRAMMING BY A NETWORK OR STREAMING PLATFORM

Discovery+
HBO Max
Hulu
Netflix
TLC

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NONFICTION PRODUCTION

Bunim/Murray Productions
The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC)
Kinetic Content
Raw TV
Sharp Entertainment
World of Wonder

Apple TV+ launches foodie series ‘Omnivore’ with filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga and acclaimed chef René Redzepi

February 11, 2022

Cary Joji Fukunaga and René Redzepi (Photos courtesy of Apple TV+_

The following is a press release from Apple TV+:

Apple TV+ has announced a series order for “Omnivore,” a new one-hour docuseries from visionary filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga and globally acclaimed chef René Redzepi that will tell the story of humanity and the planet through eight defining ingredients.

Narrated by Redzepi, the force behind the revered restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, five-times recognized as the World’s Best Restaurant, and one of the leading voices in the culinary world today, “Omnivore” will look at the world through the lens of food and explores how food binds and defines us, powers politics, shapes our beliefs, explains our past, and forecasts our future.

“Omnivore” explores the beauty, complexity and interconnectivity of human culture and the natural world through the way we manipulate, celebrate and consume its best resources – the ones we eat. Each episode will take viewers on a journey around the world, exploring the ingredients that have built societies, shaped spirituality and forever altered the human story.

Developed by Redzepi, Fukunaga and James Beard and Emmy award-winning writer Matt Goulding, “Omnivore” will be showrun and executive produced by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Xan Aranda (“My Love,” “Room 104”). The docuseries is produced by Film 45, Noma Projects, Parliament of Owls and Endeavor Content, who also serves as the studio. Redzepi, Fukunaga and Goulding serve as executive producers. Chris Rice will executive produce for Endeavor Content and Michael Antinoro will executive produce and Max Wagner will co-executive produce for Film 45. Ben Liebmann will executive produce for Noma Projects.

“Omnivore” marks another collaboration for Apple TV+ and Fukunaga. The Emmy Award-winning director, writer and cinematographer currently has a first-look deal with Apple TV+ for scripted television projects and serves as director on the highly anticipated Apple Original series “Masters of the Air” from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and Tom Hanks & Gary Goetzman’s Playtone.

Since opening in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2003, Noma has been at the forefront of gastronomy and creativity. Led by founder and head chef René Redzepi, the three-Michelin starred restaurant has developed a cuisine that celebrates the region’s ingredients, culture and seasons. Redzepi is also the founder of MAD (Danish for food), a nonprofit formed with the ambition of driving change in food systems around the world. MAD’s programs include a biennial Symposium, a series of public talks in cities around the globe, and its most ambitious project yet, an Academy supporting the food and hospitality industry with tools and knowledge to become changemakers.

“Omnivore” will join a growing lineup of acclaimed and award-winning docuseries and documentaries on Apple TV+ including Emmy Award-winning “Boys State”; “The Velvet Underground,” the recently premiered and acclaimed documentary from director Todd Haynes; Critics Choice Award-winning and Emmy and Grammy Award-nominated “Beastie Boys Story”; the global smash hit documentary “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry”; Werner Herzog’s Critics Choice Documentary Award nominee “Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds”; as well as upcoming documentary “The Supermodels”; and “Number One on the Call Sheet,” from acclaimed storytellers Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan.

Apple TV+ is home to award-winning Apple Originals from today’s most imaginative storytellers. Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 202 wins and 929 awards nominations less than two years.

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.^*

Food Network announces ‘Halloween Cake-Off’ series hosted by Duff Goldman

July 30, 2019

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Halloween Cake-Off- Premiering Monday, September 30^th at 10pm-

SERIES PREMIERE

In Halloween Cake-Off, Duff Goldman hosts talented bakers from around the country for this unconventional baking and design competition where flavor is only the tip of the icing. In each episode, four bakers are pitted against each other to find out who is best at baking the most ghoulish, outlandish, spookiest Halloween cakes. The competitors create over the top, edible works of art that transform in spooky and mystifying ways in pursuit of winning the Cake-Off.

Online, get to know the judges and browse photos from the competition. Follow #HalloweenCakeOff on our social channels for wild video highlights from the competition and to watch Duff and the judges take on spine-tingling challenges and create fun Halloween treats.

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown 13 times and is the No. 2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.5 million readers. Food Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories; the portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Hulu announces new culinary series hosted by Padma Lakshmi

July 26, 2019

“Top Chef” host/judge Padma Lakshmi is getting a new culinary series on Hulu. The show’s title and premiere date are to be announced. She will continue to be on “Top Chef,” which is televised in the U.S. on Bravo. The announcement about Lakshmi’s Hulu series was made during 2019 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour. Here is what a Hulu press release said about the show:

The Untitled Padma Lakshmi Series is a living cookbook made up more from people and culture than recipes. Curated by Emmy-nominated host and author Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”), the series embraces culinary traditions from the first Americans to the latest arrivals alongside Padma’s perspectives and personal connection to each story. Filmed around the country, each episode starts with a single dish that represents and connects to a community’s history and traditions, and explores the evolution of that immigrant community through that cuisine. From family recipes and street food to high-end restaurants, each dish explored is a symbol of a unique journey and story that provides viewers a window into where communities came from and the tale of how they set roots in America. In the hands of different families and waves of immigration, an organic evolution emerges between traditional recipes and new approaches, different perspectives and emotions, all captured through Padma’s eyes.

Each 30-minute episode follows Padma as she learns, immerses and celebrates communities from around the world that have taken root in America, changed it and been changed by it. The 10-episode series is produced by Part2 Pictures.

Food Network teams up Bobby Flay for two shows: ‘BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Symon’ with Michael Symon and ‘The Flay List’ with daughter Sophie

June 25, 2019

Bobby Flay and Michael Symon (Photo courtesy of Food Network)

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Culinary icon and acclaimed Food Network host Bobby Flay heats things up this summer with the premiere of two new series. On “BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon,” Bobby goes head-to-head against fellow Iron Chef Michael Symon in this four-episode stunt, as Bobby and Michael coach eight of the country’s most respected BBQ challengers for bragging rights. In “The Flay List,” Bobby visits the culinary spots he has frequented for years with daughter Sophie, as they experience classic locations and dishes, with Sophie introducing her dad to her latest discoveries.

“Bobby Flay is a leading authority when it comes to grilling, and a fierce competitor, so it is only fitting that Bobby treats viewers to a BBQ competition against Iron Chef and best friend, Michael Symon, for the ultimate in bragging rights,” said Courtney White, President, Food Network. “Bobby’s daughter Sophie Flay also joins Food Network this summer, as Bobby and Sophie share some of their favorite culinary destinations, giving audiences a personal and playful look on their picks that are perfect for all generations, as only a father and daughter can.”

Culinary superstars, Iron Chefs and best of friends, Bobby Flay and Michael Symon, compete against each other in the new Food Network competition “BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon,” premiering Thursday, August 1st at 9pm ET/PT. Over four one-hour episodes, Bobby and Michael mentor eight pitmasters at the famed Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, with barbecue battles to determine which challenger reigns supreme. While Michael and Bobby compete to inspire and coach their teams, a panel of judges, consisting of grilling experts Moe Cason, Chris Lilly and Amy Mills, decide which chefs will flame out. In the end, one competitor will earn the title of “Master of Cue” and star in their own digital series on FoodNetwork.com. Challenges during the season include a regional BBQ challenge, testing the pitmasters’ ability to cook any style; and Bobby and Michael battling in a high “steaks” challenge utilizing Tomahawk Ribeye. The final two pitmasters will meet in a BBQ battle for the ages, but when the sun sets, only one competitor will walk away with claim to the title and their own digital series. Fans that can’t wait for the premiere, starting Monday, July 29 viewers can watch the competitors compete in culinary challenges that will push their skills to the limit in the digital companion series BBQ Brawl: The Pre-Heat on the Food Network app.

On Thursday, August 22 at 10:30pm ET/PT, Bobby Flay and his daughter Sophie hit the streets in six half-hour episodes in search of the greatest local dishes around, in the new series “The Flay List.” During the season Bobby and Sophie visit the ever-buzzing Chelsea Market for some tacos at Los Tacos No.1, while grabbing creamy Italian gelato for dessert at Bobby’s favorite, L’Arte del Gelato. Afterwards, Sophie takes Bobby to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for her taco pick at hotspot Oxomoco. In another episode Bobby and Sophie start the day with a joy ride on bikes as they head to the Lower East Side for Sophie’s pick, Sweet Chick. After the meal, they check out Morgenstern’s gourmet ice cream parlor that Bobby’s been dying to try, before heading to Bobby’s pick of Blue Ribbon, where he spent a lot of time early in his career. Other episodes include stops at J.G. Melon for Bobby’s burger selection, Sophie’s taste for Detroit-style pizza at Emily,and a stroll to Korea Town for some dessert at Grace Street Café, followed by a steak dinner at Bobby’s old school pick, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

Fans can check out Food Network platforms all summer long for more on “BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Symon” and “The Flay List”, including hilarious behind-the-scenes videos of Bobby and Michael as they play barbecue guessing games, take our BFF quiz, and undergo a series of blindfolded taste tests. To catch the winning pitmaster’s digital series, visit FoodNetwork.com/BBQBrawl. To learn more about the restaurants visited by Bobby and Sophie, and to watch insider videos from set, fans can visit FoodNetwork.com/TheFlayList. Follow along and join the conversation using #BBQBrawl and#TheFlayList for more exclusive content.

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FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown 13 times and is the No. 2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.5 million readers. Food Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories; the portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Food Network debuts Southern-style cooking show ‘Delicious Miss Brown,’ hosted by Kardea Brown

June 24, 2019

The following is a press release from Food Network:

Born and raised on the Sea Islands of Charleston, South Carolina, cook and caterer Kardea Brown grew up in a big family with a love for food, especially the cherished recipes they passed down from generation to generation. She began cooking as a child in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned to make the traditional dishes of the region. In “Delicious Miss Brown,” Kardea shares the family events, culture and recipes close to her heart – including Sunday supper after crabbing on the dock, a low country boil at the beach and shrimp boating to prepare for the ultimate Shrimp Fest. The brand-new series premieres Sunday, July 28 at 11:30 am (all times ET/PT) on Food Network.

“‘Delicious Miss Brown’ is the perfect show for summer – the recipes are just right for a sunny day grilling outdoors or a fresh seafood meal by the water,” said Courtney White, President, Food Network. “Kardea’s personality is as irresistible as her food and our viewers are sure to enjoy getting to know her.”

Kardea Brown is a contemporary Southern cook born in Charleston, South Carolina. She is of Gullah/Geechee descent, a term used to describe a distinct group of African Americans living in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia who have managed to preserve much of their West African language, culture and cuisine. Kardea created the pop-up New Gullah Supper Club, where the menu pays homage to the dishes her grandmother and mother passed down to her. She is host of Food Network’s upcoming series “Cupcake Championship” and has appeared on “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Chopped Junior,” “Cooks vs. Cons,” “Family Food Showdown” and “Farmhouse Rules.”

Viewers can go behind-the-scenes with Kardea in a series of exclusive interviews and culinary challenges on Food Network’s Facebook and Instagram pages and share favorite dishes on social media using #DeliciousMissBrown. Fans can also get closer to Kardea’s kitchen on the South Carolina coast and find her recipes and videos at FoodNetwork.com/DeliciousMissBrown.