I've been a fan of The Next Food Network Star on Food Network although I wasn't a viewer from the very beginning. I only started watching it when Season 4 premiered in June 2008. So when Season 7 was slated to premiere on June 5, 2011, I was excited.
Sadly, this season hasn't lived up to expectations.
I'm tired of shows keeping contestants around simply for the "drama" factor. Why is it that they feel they need it? Most shows would be a lot more interesting and enjoyable without all the manufactured bullshit. Food Network Star Season 7 is no different.
The show's "drama" factor stems from a contestant named Penny.
It has been stated in several articles that Penny has an agent. That is a clear violation of the contract for the show.
The rules state the following:
"Applicants will be ineligible if, as of October 1, 2010 they have any type of contract for talent representation (for example, a talent agent or manager), an acting contract, a television hosting contract, a merchandising agreement, or any other contractual arrangement that would prohibit applicant from entering into a talent contract, management contract and/or merchandising contract with Food Network. If you are selected as a Semi-Finalist, you will be required to provide evidence in a form that is satisfactory to Food Network in its sole discretion that any such agreements or contracts will not prohibit or limit in any way a Semi-Finalist's obligations to Food Network, as set forth herein, and in accordance with such other directives of Food Network."
Why is she still on the show? Are we to believe that The Food Network is not aware of this? Or are we to believe that The Food Network prefers ratings and manufactured bullshit? I'm inclined to believe the latter.
Penny has zero class, integrity, or social skills for that matter. On the last episode she reacted to comments from another contestant by making cat noises at her twice. She wasn't reprimanded for her behavior. In fact, the only comment that was made to her came from Giada De Laurentiis. She said, "We are a Food Network family and we need to get along."
Really? If this is the kind of trash that Food Network wants as part of its "family", Food Network will get exactly what it deserves. Nobody will tune in to watch her show, and Food Network will be left to deal with a 39 year old that acts worse than a two year old that is having a tantrum.
I remember when this show, for the most part, was about COOKING.
Unfortunately for the viewers, Food Network can't decide from week to week what they're looking for. One week it's personality. The next week it's cooking skills. What will it be next week?
Food Network Star Season 7 is SHIT in my book. Unless the PTB wake up and realize that the manufactured bullshit is getting them nowhere with viewers, they will continue to be a SHIT show.