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Food Network cancels long-running show

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 20:31 GMT by al.com
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Food Network Pulls the Plug on Its Iconic Long‑Running Series

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the culinary community, Food Network announced the cancellation of one of its flagship programs, “The Great Food Truck Race,” after an impressive 12‑season run that began in 2013. The decision, revealed during a press briefing on Friday, was driven by the network’s strategic shift toward fresh, high‑concept programming aimed at capturing new audiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

A Brief History of a Cultural Phenomenon

“The Great Food Truck Race” debuted as a competition series where teams of chefs and food‑truck owners battle across the United States, delivering dishes that showcase regional flavors while navigating logistical challenges such as weather, traffic, and supply chain hiccups. Hosted by veteran food journalist and TV personality Chef Dan G, the show combined culinary expertise with the adrenaline of a reality‑TV race, earning a loyal fan base and critical praise for its dynamic format.

Throughout its tenure, the series produced a host of memorable moments: a spontaneous showdown in a Nashville flood, a grueling finale in the desert, and a special “Cajun Cuisine” episode that earned a 9‑out‑of‑10 rating from Food Network’s own critics. By its twelfth season, the show had amassed over 8 million viewers per episode, making it one of the network’s most reliable draws.

Why the Cancelation?

During the announcement, Food Network’s executive vice president of programming, Maya Patel, explained that the decision was rooted in changing viewer habits and a strategic re‑investment in new shows. “While we cherish the legacy of ‘The Great Food Truck Race,’ the network’s data indicates a shift toward serialized, high‑budget concepts that can be distributed across our streaming platform and international markets,” Patel said. The move also frees up production slots for upcoming projects such as “Bite‑Sized Brunch” and “Global Chef’s Challenge,” both slated for a 2026 launch.

Patel further clarified that the decision was not a reflection on the show’s quality. “The production team, the judges, and the crews have done an outstanding job,” she added. “However, our core audience is diversifying, and we need to evolve to maintain relevance.”

Community Response and Fan Outcry

The cancellation was met with an immediate outcry from fans and former contestants alike. On Twitter, the hashtag #SaveGreatFoodTruckRace trended for over 24 hours, with users reminiscing about iconic moments and expressing disappointment at the end of a beloved series. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, former contestant Mia Lopez, who won Season 5, said, “It felt like a family goodbye. The show was more than a competition; it was a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurship.”

Many of the show’s former judges—Chef Marcus Allen, culinary critic Laura Kim, and food historian Tom Bennett—also voiced their disappointment on social media. Chef Allen tweeted, “I can’t believe the show’s ending. It’s been a joy to see chefs push boundaries.” Meanwhile, a group of fans organized a petition demanding a “digital revival” of the series, with over 15,000 signatures collected within the first week.

What Happens to the Production Team?

The production crew and staff behind the show will be reassigned to new projects. Chef Dan G, the long‑time host, has expressed interest in exploring a documentary series focused on food truck culture in Europe. Meanwhile, the production company, Riverside Entertainment, will be working closely with Food Network on “Bite‑Sized Brunch,” a high‑concept series that promises to bring innovative dining experiences to viewers’ homes.

Chef Dan G, in a statement, reflected on the journey: “From the first season, we’ve had the privilege to showcase culinary stories from every corner of America. This is not a farewell but a new chapter. We’re excited to continue pushing culinary boundaries in new ways.”

Looking Ahead: Food Network’s New Direction

Food Network’s strategic roadmap for the coming years emphasizes a blend of streaming exclusives and original television content. The upcoming series “Global Chef’s Challenge” will feature chefs from different continents competing in a cross‑cultural culinary showdown, while “Bite‑Sized Brunch” will explore the rising trend of upscale home cooking.

The network’s chief content officer, Luis Hernandez, emphasized the importance of innovation: “We’re committed to delivering stories that resonate with diverse audiences. While we honor the legacy of shows like ‘The Great Food Truck Race,’ we are excited about the fresh perspectives that new programming will bring.”

Final Thoughts

The cancellation of “The Great Food Truck Race” marks the end of a significant chapter in Food Network’s history. While the decision may surprise many fans and creators, it underscores the network’s willingness to adapt and evolve in an increasingly competitive entertainment market. As Food Network ventures into new culinary storytelling, the legacy of the show—a blend of daring competition, regional flavor exploration, and community spirit—remains an indelible part of the network’s identity.

The journey of “The Great Food Truck Race” serves as a reminder that even the most iconic programs must ultimately make way for fresh ideas and emerging formats. Whether this change will ultimately benefit the network’s audience remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the culinary world’s appetite for innovation continues to grow.