Ah, “The Chew.” The beloved daytime talk show that blended cooking demonstrations, lifestyle tips, and celebrity interviews into a delicious, digestible hour of television. For six seasons, from 2011 to 2017, viewers tuned in to watch Carla Hall, Mario Batali (prior to his departure), Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz create culinary masterpieces, offer practical advice, and share laughs. But with the show’s cancellation, a question remains for dedicated fans: Where can you watch reruns of “The Chew?” Finding old episodes isn’t always straightforward, but there are avenues worth exploring. Let’s dig in.
The Challenge of Finding “The Chew” Reruns
The truth is, finding readily available reruns of “The Chew” can be tricky. Unlike some long-running sitcoms that are perpetually syndicated, “The Chew” hasn’t enjoyed the same level of continuous rebroadcasting. There are several factors that contribute to this scarcity.
One major element is licensing agreements. Broadcast rights and distribution deals have expiration dates. It’s possible that the agreements that allowed for the initial airing of “The Chew” haven’t been renewed or that they are held by entities that aren’t actively exploiting them. Also, the show’s focus on fresh ingredients and recipes might make some episodes feel dated over time, potentially affecting perceived rerun value.
Furthermore, the changing landscape of television and streaming impacts availability. While traditional television syndication once reigned supreme, the rise of streaming services has altered how content is consumed. Some shows transition seamlessly to streaming platforms, while others fade into relative obscurity.
Exploring Streaming Services for “The Chew”
One of the first places to look for reruns is, naturally, streaming services. However, this is where the search often hits a snag.
Unfortunately, “The Chew” isn’t currently available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. These services often prioritize acquiring content with broader appeal or newer shows to attract subscribers. The absence of “The Chew” highlights the challenges of older, niche-oriented shows securing a place on these platforms.
Smaller, specialized streaming services that focus on food-related content might seem like promising options. While platforms like the Food Network’s streaming service or similar culinary-focused platforms might host content from some of the show’s hosts, complete episodes of “The Chew” are typically not available. The licensing hurdles and the sheer volume of content required to host the show likely deter these services.
Checking Official Network Websites and Apps
Another avenue to investigate is the official website or app of the network that originally aired “The Chew,” which is ABC.
ABC’s website and app often feature episodes of their current shows, and sometimes, they might offer a limited selection of older content. However, it’s rare to find complete seasons or even a significant number of episodes of “The Chew” on these platforms. Network websites tend to prioritize promoting their current programming to drive viewership and engagement.
The availability of past episodes on ABC’s platform might depend on specific promotional campaigns or special events. Keep an eye on the ABC website and app, particularly around anniversaries of the show or if any of the hosts are involved in new projects with the network.
Social Media and Video Platforms
While dedicated reruns might be scarce, fragments of “The Chew” often live on through social media and video platforms like YouTube.
YouTube is a treasure trove of clips, segments, and even full episodes uploaded by fans. While the legality and longevity of these uploads can be questionable due to copyright issues, they can provide a temporary fix for those craving a dose of “The Chew.” Search for specific segments, recipes, or hosts to find relevant content.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter might also host clips and discussions about “The Chew.” Fan pages and groups dedicated to the show often share favorite moments and recipes. Searching for relevant hashtags and keywords can uncover hidden gems. However, remember that content on social media is often user-generated and might not be of consistent quality.
DVDs and Physical Media: A Retro Option
In the digital age, physical media might seem like an outdated option, but it’s worth investigating.
Unfortunately, “The Chew” never received a comprehensive DVD release. While some individual segments or compilations might have been included on DVDs featuring specific chefs or recipes, there isn’t a complete series collection available for purchase. This limits the ability to enjoy the show in its entirety through physical media.
Searching online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon might occasionally turn up unofficial DVDs or recordings of the show. However, be cautious when purchasing such items, as their quality and legality can be questionable.
Contacting ABC and Disney Directly
While it might seem like a long shot, consider contacting ABC or Disney (the parent company of ABC) directly to inquire about the availability of “The Chew” reruns.
Express your interest in seeing the show revived on streaming platforms or through syndication. While individual requests might not directly lead to immediate action, collective feedback can influence decisions regarding content distribution.
You can typically find contact information for ABC and Disney on their respective websites. Be polite and professional in your communication, and clearly state your desire to see “The Chew” made available for viewing.
Following the Hosts’ Current Projects
While you might not be able to watch “The Chew” itself, you can still follow the careers of its beloved hosts.
Carla Hall, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz have all remained active in the culinary and media worlds since the show’s cancellation. Following their current projects can provide a similar dose of food-related entertainment and inspiration.
- Carla Hall: Carla Hall has continued to appear on television shows, written cookbooks, and opened restaurants.
- Michael Symon: Michael Symon remains a prominent figure on the Food Network, hosting various cooking shows and specials.
- Clinton Kelly: Clinton Kelly has focused on lifestyle and design projects, appearing on television and writing books.
- Daphne Oz: Daphne Oz has continued to work in television, hosting and contributing to various food and lifestyle programs.
By following the hosts’ current endeavors, you can stay connected to the spirit of “The Chew” and discover new culinary delights.
Exploring Fan Communities and Forums
Online fan communities and forums dedicated to “The Chew” can be valuable resources for finding information and connecting with fellow fans.
These communities often share information about where to find clips, episodes, and related content. Members might have access to recordings or resources that are not readily available elsewhere.
Searching for online forums and social media groups dedicated to “The Chew” can help you tap into a network of passionate fans who share your love for the show.
The Hope for a Revival or Reboot
While watching reruns might be challenging, the possibility of a revival or reboot of “The Chew” remains a glimmer of hope.
The popularity of food-related content and the continued success of the show’s hosts suggest that there might be an audience for a revamped version of the show. The landscape of television is constantly evolving, and there’s always a chance that a network or streaming service might recognize the potential of bringing back “The Chew” in some form.
Keep an eye on industry news and announcements for any potential developments regarding a revival or reboot of the show. Social media campaigns and fan petitions can also help demonstrate the continued demand for “The Chew.”
The Future of Food-Focused Daytime Television
Even if “The Chew” doesn’t return, its legacy has influenced the landscape of food-focused daytime television.
The show’s blend of cooking demonstrations, lifestyle tips, and celebrity interviews paved the way for other similar programs. The success of “The Chew” demonstrated the appeal of culinary content to a broad audience.
The future of food-focused daytime television will likely involve a combination of traditional formats and innovative approaches. Streaming services and online platforms offer new opportunities for creating and distributing culinary content. The legacy of “The Chew” will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of food-focused television programs.
The Importance of Remembering “The Chew”
Ultimately, the challenge of finding “The Chew” reruns highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating beloved television shows.
“The Chew” provided viewers with entertainment, inspiration, and a sense of community. Its cancellation left a void in the landscape of daytime television.
By continuing to discuss and share memories of “The Chew,” fans can keep its spirit alive and potentially influence future content decisions. Even if readily available reruns remain elusive, the show’s impact on the culinary world and the memories it created will endure. So, keep searching, keep sharing, and keep hoping that one day, “The Chew” will return to our screens in some form.
Why was “The Chew” cancelled?
ABC officially cancelled “The Chew” in 2018 after seven seasons. The network cited declining ratings as the primary reason for the cancellation. Viewership had been gradually decreasing over the years, and ABC decided to replace it with “GMA3: Strahan & Sara” (later “GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke,” and subsequently “GMA3: What You Need to Know”) to try and revitalize its daytime programming block.
Internal factors might also have contributed to the decision. There were rumors of tension among the hosts and changing creative direction. Furthermore, the cost of producing a daily lifestyle show like “The Chew,” with its celebrity guests, elaborate cooking segments, and dedicated studio audience, may have been a significant financial consideration for ABC.
Are there any legal ways to watch full episodes of “The Chew” online now?
Finding legally accessible full episodes of “The Chew” online is challenging due to rights and licensing agreements. ABC’s streaming service, Hulu, does not currently offer “The Chew” in its library. Similarly, popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ do not have the rights to stream the show.
Occasionally, short clips or segments from “The Chew” may surface on YouTube through unofficial channels, but these are often removed due to copyright infringement. Check the official websites or social media accounts of the former hosts (Mario Batali, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Michael Symon) as they sometimes share recipes or throwback content related to their time on the show, but complete episodes are generally unavailable for legal streaming.
Are there DVDs or other physical media available for “The Chew”?
Unfortunately, “The Chew” was never officially released on DVD or Blu-ray. While many cooking shows and daytime programs release seasons or compilations on physical media, “The Chew” was not one of them. This makes accessing the show difficult for viewers who prefer to own physical copies.
Keep an eye on online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon Marketplace, as sometimes individuals may offer recordings they made of the show. However, be aware that these are not official releases and their legality might be questionable depending on how they were obtained. Proceed with caution and consider whether supporting unofficial recordings aligns with your ethical standards regarding copyright.
What happened to the hosts of “The Chew” after the show was cancelled?
After “The Chew” concluded, each of the hosts pursued various individual projects. Carla Hall continued her television career, appearing on shows like “Top Chef” and “Crazy Delicious.” Clinton Kelly remained active in the lifestyle space, hosting other television programs and writing books. Michael Symon continued to focus on his restaurant ventures and maintain his presence on the Food Network.
Mario Batali’s career took a different turn due to allegations of sexual misconduct, which surfaced around the same time “The Chew” was cancelled. He stepped away from his restaurants and television appearances. The other hosts have remained active in the culinary and entertainment industries, building upon their established careers.
Why is it so difficult to find reruns of “The Chew” on TV?
The absence of “The Chew” reruns on television is mainly due to licensing and syndication agreements. Networks and production companies often negotiate specific terms for how long and where a show can be aired after its original run. In the case of “The Chew,” it’s possible that the agreements were limited or expired, preventing widespread reruns.
Another contributing factor is the cost associated with airing reruns. Even for a popular show, networks need to weigh the cost of licensing fees against the potential viewership and advertising revenue. It may be that ABC, or another network, did not deem the potential return on investment for “The Chew” reruns to be high enough to justify the expense.
Are there any fan communities or online archives dedicated to preserving “The Chew”?
While there isn’t a large, official online archive of “The Chew,” some dedicated fan communities exist on platforms like Facebook and Reddit. These groups often share memories, favorite recipes, and occasional clips of the show. Searching for “The Chew” fan groups or forums on these platforms can connect you with other enthusiasts.
Individual fans may have created personal archives of episodes they recorded from television during the show’s original run. These might be shared informally within online communities, but accessibility is limited and depends on the generosity of individual collectors. Always be mindful of copyright concerns when interacting with such archives.
Will “The Chew” ever be rebooted or revived?
As of now, there are no official plans for a reboot or revival of “The Chew.” While the show had a dedicated fanbase, the circumstances surrounding its cancellation, including declining ratings and the controversy surrounding Mario Batali, make a revival unlikely. The television landscape has also changed significantly since 2018, with an increased focus on streaming content.
However, the possibility of a future revival cannot be completely ruled out. In the ever-evolving entertainment industry, shows are often revived or rebooted years after their original run. If there is significant demand from fans and a viable business plan, a new version of “The Chew,” perhaps with a different format or hosts, could potentially be considered in the future.