Food Network Re-Ups Rachael Ray

NEW YORK, December 17: Food Network and Rachael Ray have
secured a two-year agreement for a new prime-time series, Rachael’s Vacation, for launch in January, as well as an extension of her
signature daytime series 30 Minute Meals for 60 new episodes per year.

Rachael’s Vacation will
debut on January 12, 2008, in a 9 p.m. time slot, and will follow Ray as she
takes time to vacation and explore distant cities, counties, foods and lifestyles,
with the motto of “can do” travel. Each episode will show viewers hip, fun and
funky places, as Ray doles out info and tips on where to travel for globe
trotting and weekending.

"Rachael is the quintessential example of the homegrown
stars we create at Food Network," said Brooke Johnson, the president of
Food Network. "She has been with us since 2001 and we have built a strong
partnership that will continue for years to come and bring more new and
exciting projects."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski