Valerie Bertinelli laments that Food Network is 'not about cooking and learning any longer'

The former "Valerie's Home Cooking" and "Kids Baking Championship" host says the network's current focus on competition shows is "sad" but "just business, folks."

The proliferation of culinary competition shows on the Food Network has left a bad taste in Valerie Bertinelli's mouth.

The One Day at a Time actress and former FN host criticized the network's perceived pivot away from old-fashioned cooking shows on social media Thursday, months after she was let go from her own competition series.

"I fell in love with Food Network two decades ago because of all the amazing ITK (in the kitchen) shows," Bertinelli, 63, wrote on Threads, shouting out Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals and programs hosted by Giada De Laurentiis and Ina Garten. "I learned so much. It's sad it's not about cooking and learning any longer. Oh well, that's just business, folks."

Bertinelli was replying to a viral thread from cookbook author Marlynn Schotland that posited, "I miss actual cooking shows on @foodnetwork. Remember those? Do you know what this world does NOT need? Yet another cooking competition show."

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Food Network representatives for comment.

Bertinelli hosted 14 seasons of Valerie's Home Cooking, an in-the-kitchen show, before Food Network pulled the plug in 2022. She revealed on Instagram last year, "Food Network canceled us last summer, I have no idea why. And I didn't say anything last summer because honestly, I was hoping they would change their mind. But they have not. So this is it, this is the final season." Bertinelli won two Daytime Emmys for the show.

"I have loved making this show. It was such a dream come true," she said at the time. "Every single part of it brought me so much joy. I loved the crew. I loved everybody in production. They loved making this show for you."

Bertinelli had also hosted Kids Baking Championship alongside Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman since 2015, but announced her dismissal from the show in January, citing budget cuts. "It really hurt my feelings," she said. "It really sucks."

Bertinelli added, "I have zero ill will toward anyone at [Food Network], I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them, and they are all lovely, kind, hard-working people. And I understand business is business."

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