Emeril Lagasse Gets Original Series on ION

NEW YORK: ION Television has slated its first original non-scripted series, The Emeril Lagasse Show, a weekly hour-long entertainment program that will feature celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. 

The Emeril Lagasse Show will be recorded in front of a live studio audience, watching as each week the chef welcomes celebrity guests, musicians and entertainers. Karen Katz and After Five Productions, which executive produced Lagasse’s long-running Food Network series Emeril Live, will be executive producer of the new series. The show will air on Sundays at 8 p.m. starting March 28. 

In addition to his TV presence, Lagasse has a new, live, call-in radio program, Cooking with Emeril, which airs twice weekly on Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS XM. He also has a new column in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia’s Everyday Food magazine.

"We are excited to bring Emeril’s ‘Positively Entertaining’ persona and larger-than-life superstar-chef status to ION Television," said Brandon Burgess, the chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. "His brand will be a dynamic addition to our general-entertainment network and a treat for our audience." 

"Emeril is a terrific talent whose passion for food coupled with his natural showmanship will attract a broad range of viewers," commented Charles A. Koppelman, the executive chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which acquired the assets related to Lagasse’s media and merchandising business in 2008. "We’re thrilled to be working with ION Television, a network that shares our commitment to fresh ideas, quality and innovation. This new show is an important step in further extending the Emeril Lagasse brand." 

"I’m excited to be live on ION Television nationwide, bringing the high energy, interaction and everyday celebrations to audiences across the country," said Lagasse. "I look forward to sharing my passion for interesting people, fascinating places, good music and, of course, great food."