Celebrity chef Giada leaves Food Network to start new projects with Amazon Studios
The 52-year-old Italian-American celebrity signed a multiyear deal with Amazon for an unscripted series. A Food Network spokesperson wished De Laurentiis good luck in a statement on Friday writing “Giada De Laurentiis is culinary royalty”.
“[Giada] is someone who has taught audiences to properly pronounce every cut of pasta imaginable for nearly two decades”, added the spokesperson. “Food Network will always be proud of the beautiful content we have created together, and our table will always have an open seat for Giada”.
The famous chef hosted several programs such as “Giada at Home”, “Everyday Italian” and “Giada Entertains”. “Giada at Home” and “Giada Entertains” reruns are to air on Food Network and Discovery+.
The Emmy-wining host confirmed her plans in a statement to People:” I’m looking forward to this next chapter. I’ve been a fan of Amazon for a long time, and I’m excited for what we will accomplish together”.
Lauren Anderson, head of advertising-based video-on-demand content and programming at Amazon Studios, said: “Giada De Laurentiis has remained at the forefront of her industry for nearly two decades. We look forward to developing an exciting slate of projects with Giada, as she expands into new areas and we broaden our portfolio of cooking and lifestyle content”.
Bobby Flay, another Food Network star, almost left the company in 2021, after 27 years. He was reported to be taking part in negotiations to sign a multimillion-dollar contract. 58-year-old Flay signed a 3-year contract extension, after Discovery Communications prepared to part ways with him amid his alleged demands of a $100 million payday.
The “Beat Bobby Flay” star was looking for a contract that would rival Food Network star Guy Fieri’s $80 million deal.
Apart from her hosting career, De Laurentiis has also published several cookbooks, among them “Eat Better, Feel Better”, “everyday Italian” and “Giada’s Italy”. The woman has also successfully tried her hand as a restaurateur with GIADA and Pronto by Giada, both in Las Vegas.
