ABC’s The Chew canceled, please don’t replace it with GMA

ABC just announced it is canceling The Chew. This cancelation has some fans wondering why does there need to be a third hour of GMA?

The Chew has been a popular ABC daytime food show for seven years. The show combines cooking, entertaining and decorating into an hour long program. Currently, the format has three of the original hosts, Michael Symon, Carla Hall and Clinton Kelly, who tackle hot topics, cooking demos and other entertaining/educational segments. Today, ABC announced that the show will not be returning in September. Did someone make a mistake?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the daytime cooking show is being cancelled to make room for a third hour of GMA. Since The Chew usually ran around 1 p.m. ET, the separate third hour of GMA seems a little strange. More importantly, does anyone really want to see a third hour of GMA instead of the entertaining co-hosts cooking and sharing opinions about food? I personally don’t agree with this decision.

“The Chew” speak during the Disney ABC Television Group portion of the 2011 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 7, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

This past year has been a rough one for the daytime food show. First, Daphne Oz left the program. Then, Mario Batali, amid his scandal, was removed from the program. The show went from five hosts down to three.

In the past several months, the three hosts had a great presence together. They do appear to get along well. The show is always entertaining, upbeat and fun. It isn’t meant to be serious or overbearing. For an hour, television viewers could get some diversion and possibly learn something about food.

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As a food fan, I enjoyed the show because for two reasons. First, the recipes, tips and tricks were quite helpful. The show does a great job of educating without making it preachy. From big foodies to the new cook, everyone could learn something from this show.

Second, the show is fun. That hour of television isn’t about controversies, drama or other depressing topics. Sure, there might be some disagreements, but those moments are on fun topics. Truthfully, the world isn’t going to end if you call a hot dog a sandwich or would rather eat a grandma slice of pizza.

Like a great meal with friends, The Chew brings people around the table to enjoy a shared experience. Everyone has to eat. Why shouldn’t food be enjoyable? That hour of television is an hour that I personally enjoy and wish it would continue.

Of course, some people don’t like the show. Symon’s laugh can be a little much for some people. Mayne some viewers would don’t like cocktail hour. Maybe they think that Carla should have done better in Top Chef. In all honesty, this show isn’t about creating controversies, drama or chaos. Maybe that lack of drama keeps some people from watching.

If ABC does expand GMA to a third hour, I hope that it isn’t more news related programming. No one needs to see more sad, depressing stories. Maybe the Michael Symon, Clara Hall and Clinton Kelly will join the third hour of GMA. That program would be lucky to have them because no one wants to see an ABC version of the Meghan Kelly show.

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For fans, enjoy the summer’s shows. Right now, come September, fans will have to say goodbye to Symon, Carla and Clinton. Or, maybe fans can start a petition to keep The Chew.

Do you want ABC to keep this daytime food show? Why not tweet ABC with #KeepTheChew and see if fans can change their mind.

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