‘Rachael Ray’ Renewed For Two More Seasons
CBS renewed Rachael Ray for two more seasons Thursday.
The talk show will continue to air in syndication through the 2015-2016 season.
“Rachael Ray is one of the best brands in the business and our station clients and advertisers recognize that,” said CBS Television Distribution’s president of sales Joe DiSalvo. “We’re thrilled to keep a talent like Rachael in the family and extend the show to 10 seasons.”
Rachael Ray premiered on September 18, 2006, and averaged about 2.6 million views daily in its first season. It was the highest-rated first-run syndicated talk show since Dr. Phil premiered in 2002. It was also one of only four daytime talk shows that premiered during the 2006-2007 season to be renewed.
The current eighth season premiered on September 9 with guest Chef Ryan Scott. The following week, Arsenio Hall helped kicked off the season with a surprise 45th birthday party for Ray.
Rachael Ray won the Daytime Emmy Award for Best Outstanding Talk Show in 2008 and 2009.
A former guest sued the talk show earlier this year, claiming that her appearance on the program caused her humiliation and anxiety.
Two years ago, Christina Pagliarolo agreed to participate in a series of segments addressing teenage weight issues. Pagliarolo, who was 18 and weighed 260 pounds at the time, wanted to lose 70 pounds before attending her prom. She claimed the show’s fitness trainer grossly mistreated her by screaming at her and forcing her to exercise. She also said she was forced to hike in the mountains as part of her fitness routine.
In April, Pagliarolo sued the talk show for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress due to the trainer’s abusive treatment. She also alleged that she suffered serious injuries resulting in severe leg pain by the end of her training.
A representative for Rachael Ray said at the time that the program was not aware of the lawsuit.
“We haven’t received this purported lawsuit but if it does materialize we will defend ourselves against it vigorously and fully expect to prevail,” the rep said.
