Yahoo Lifestyle Bobby Flay Signs New Multiyear Deal at Food Network (EXCLUSIVE)
Bobby Flay has signed a new exclusive multiyear deal at Food Network.
As part of his new pact with the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable channel, Flay will take on active role in the development and production of his own series through his Rock Shrimp Productions, and new episodes of Flay’s primetime culinary competition series “Beat Bobby Flay,” “BBQ Brawl” and “Bobby’s Triple Threat” are already in the works.
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While the financial aspects of the deal were not disclosed, a source close to the negotiations tells Variety that the new contract had a “robust” pay bump for Flay and marked the highest percentage raise for any WBD talent at a tumultuous time for the company.
Flay made his first appearance on Food Network when he co-hosted “Grillin’ & Chillin’.” Since then, has starred in dozens of Food Network programs, including “BBQ Brawl,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Brunch @ Bobby’s,” “The Flay List,” “Iron Chef America” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” as well as numerous specials.
Flay has received five Daytime Emmy Awards for “Boy Meets Grill,” “Grill It! with Bobby Flay” and “Barbecue Addiction.” In 2015, he became the first chef to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“Bobby Flay’s long standing relationship with Food Network is immeasurable. He captivates our audience with his incredible culinary skill, fierce competitive spirit, and the ability to convey his deep passion for food,” Warner Bros. Discovery head of food content Betsy Ayala said. “Bobby generously shares his food philosophy while inspiring everyone to enjoy their time in the kitchen. Continuing this creative relationship with such an extraordinary talent is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.”
Flay added: “I am thrilled to continue to call Food Network my home. The food world is always evolving and having this platform to connect my life’s passion with audiences is a privilege I never take for granted. Stay tuned for some incredibly exciting new shows.”
“Bobby has been integral to making Food Network the powerhouse network that it is, and it’s tremendous news that he will continue entertaining his passionate and loyal fans at the network he calls home,” Warner Bros. Discovery’s outgoing U.S. networks chief Kathleen Finch said.
Flay is repped by Envisionary’s Jon Rosen.
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