6 Most Annoying Food Network Stars
Home sick from work, flipping through channels on a rainy Saturday, or a just a food network-a-holic, you've probably noticed that not all Food Network stars are created equal. And by equal, we mean equally annoying.
6. Giada De Laurentiis
This lovely lady with the tiny arms and ample bosom hits about a 4.5 on the irritating scale. She reels you in with her cute smile, easy recipes and clean editing, then smacks you in the face with a mean left hook of ridiculous pronunciation. Anything with an Italian origin ("spaghetti," "lasagna," "mozzarella," etc.) emerges from Giada as if a small, enthusiastic Italian man has possessed her tiny body. She's a decent host, but the brief, nails-on-a-chalkboard bursts of Italian are enough to turn us away from that "spuh-ghi'-tee" she's peddling.
5. Sandra Lee
Aside from her outfits on "Semi-Homemade" that are coordinated to match the theme of the show or the cutesy name of all her recipes, the fact that she has a "tablescape" with every meal is enough to push the annoyance factor to a 6. Her show should be renamed Cooking for Trophy Wives
4. Ted Allen on "Chopped"
Awkward introductions, an overly serious tone and all the charming demeanor of a prostate exam, Ted Allen's a robot of a host for this new Food Network showdown. When he delivers his appropriately cheesy one liners with the gusto of a narcoleptic in a mattress factory, it makes us desperate for the good 'ol days of "Queer Eye". Annoyance factor: 6.5.
Voted "Most Likely To Be Wearing a Popped Collar" in high school, Bobby and Jamie Deen, seem to meander onto Paula's set and stir something while making uncomfortably fake comments with their Southern drawl. Their short stint on "Road Tasted" proved their ability to read cue cards and pretend it's friendly banter. How crappy of a host do you have to be replaced by the Neelys? A high scoring 7.
2. The "tech" dude on Ask Aida
This guy is a total douche nugget. According to the Ask Aida profile on Food Network's website, Noah Starr is the "tech guru" of the show. Apparently, the Food Network hasn't advanced past the days of the Commodore 64 if he's considered a guru of anything. Checking email and acting like a tool are his only technical qualifications (at least on the show). But then again, he did write for World Wrestling Entertainment, so he must be legit. Shattering the annoyance scale at a 9.
1. The Neelys
Where to begin? As much as we love watching an overly affectionate couple smother one another with compliments, we'd also like to watch a show involving food. Oh wait, there's cooking involved? Sorry, we were distracted by Gina's sassy planted comments and Pat's flattery (as sweet and fake as saccharin). If you really are as lovey dovey as you claim, come out from behind the counter and give us a hand check. If their barbecue sauce was as good as their counterfeit enthusiasm, we'd have a pantry full. Definitely a 10.
66 comment(s) / Post a Comment
Oh lord, the Neelys. SHUT. IT. And I couldn't agree more when it comes to Sandra Lee, aka WalMartha Stewart. However, I'm a fan of Ted's. I know he kind of yells everything he says, but I can't help it! I love him!
Posted On: Thursday, May. 28 2009 @ 11:39AMI have to say you did a great job covering the annoying on food network. I find Rachel Ray somewhere in the middle of that scale with her EVOO.
Posted On: Thursday, May. 28 2009 @ 11:42AM
Did you forget about Rachel Ray or are you related to her? Hellooh??
Giada cooks? I must watch and adore her for other reasons.
Posted On: Thursday, May. 28 2009 @ 4:59PMGreat post! We call Giada the big head lady with man hands. You have to put Rachael Ray on the list. Annoying as hell. I would also add that Guy Fieri guy.
Posted On: Thursday, May. 28 2009 @ 8:00PMHow is Guy Fiero (spelling? The guy in the TGIFridays commercials) not on the list? Actually, how is he not THE list?
Posted On: Friday, May. 29 2009 @ 5:23AMIn response to 'GG Allin Thicke'
Because, when compared to these people, He's nothing. Though, I do agree Rachel Ray needs to be on here. One more EVOO line and my head is going to explode.
(Side note : Duct-tape would make Ray do-able ;D )
Posted On: Saturday, May. 30 2009 @ 6:20AMGuy Fieri is the most annoying. By far.
(have you guys seen foodnetworkhumor.com yet?!)
Giada drives me NUTS! It's the accent and the seemingly close proximity of the microphone to her mouth so that it picks up smaking sounds and knive slicing with a wet and piercing sssssssssssss. Also, can't agree with you more on Paula's sons. They're cute but should leave the cookin' to their Momma.
Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 7 2009 @ 6:46PMRachel Ray is just hard to watch. She's pathetic. From her scratchy voice (have the surgery, take some time off), to her insistence on carrying more than she can, to her unflattering clothes (honey, hide the hips) she deserves to knock the Neelys down a peg.
Note to Rachel: Explaining that EVOO is extra virgin olive oil EVERY SINGLE TIME negates the concept.
Note to author: Try to find 6 Food Network stars that *aren't* annoying. I know it's hard work and all... but come on, you can do it!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 10 2009 @ 9:51AMUm you missed rachel ray and that anoying southern lady paula deen!
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 10 2009 @ 7:10PMPat Neely is so hen-pecked its sickening. I thought the same thing about Giada and her pronunciations. One of the Deen boys is gay and if I wasn't already married, I would search for Rachel Ray (very sexy).
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 11:23AMRight on with Giada (sickening), the Neely's (Pat is so hen-pecked). One of the Deen boys is gay. Rachel Ray (will you marry me?) She is so sexy.
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 11:26AMMarc Summers could be on this list!
But I think Food Network is to blame for forcing their "vision" and "ideas" on some really good people that would otherwise not be so annoying.
@Stone - took your challenge to heart and created my own "6 *Least* Annoying Food Network Stars" on my blog. :)
Check it out.
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 12:53PMWHERE IS THAT DUFF CAKE GUY ON THE LIST. THE SHOW IS BORING. THERE IS TOO MUCH CAKE BAKING ON TV AND NOT ENOUGH COOKING.
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 1:42PMGET RID OF DUFF THAT CAKE GUY. LETS STOP BAKING CAKES AND START COOKING
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 15 2009 @ 1:43PMI WOULD HAVE RATED SANDRA LEE MUCH HIGHER ON THE ANNOYANCE SCALE! AND WHAT ABOUT RACHEL RAY??? SHE'S UP THERE WITH THE NEELY'S!
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 12:51PMWhy do you people even watch food network then if you're going to criticize all of the stars? Leave Rachael Ray alone! She Rocks, You people just have no clue as to what makes good TV!!!!
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 22 2009 @ 12:20PMWhen you get down to it...most everyone on Food Network is annoying. Paula playing up being Southern, Giada for her pronunciations, Guy for looking unkept and always saying "that's money", Rachel for her nasty habits in the kitchen and everything else she says and does, Sandra Lee for being corny, Paula's sons because she is the only reason they are on TV and there are no words when it comes to the Neelys...the list goes on and on. Tyler is the best!
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 22 2009 @ 1:22PMActually Sandra Lee's new show is so funny its worth her being irritating. Watching her try to save money is great- every time she complains about how she likes to do things the easy way and buy things pre-shredded or mixed or something but noooooooo, she's getting paid to save money.
Agreed, where is Rachel Ray?
Oh and that guy- he's on in the mornings, and hosts "easy entertaining" or something. He makes me want to strangle him about three times an episode.
Jaimie Oliver and Ina Garten are my favorites.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 23 2009 @ 8:46AMHonestly you missed one. Rachel Ray is the MOST ANNOYING ENTITY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. She says EVOO to save time and then ends up explaining it. Good Job Rachel Ray. NICE JOB!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 23 2009 @ 2:05PMMy husband watches Giada's show just to watch her eat at the end, usually it's on mute!
Have to agree that not including Rachel Ray was a massive oversight. That woman is vile!
My fav. Food Network star has to be Ina Garten. She's classy and composed and I love the "story" bits of her show with Jeffrey.
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 25 2009 @ 2:30PMI see the Neely's and I switch channels as fast as I can
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 26 2009 @ 8:35AMIf you shut up long enough to watch Alton's show, you might learn something.
I miss Emeril!! Bring him back, no matter the cost.
Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 28 2009 @ 10:04PMExcluding Rachael Ray and Sonny Anderson of "Cooking for Real" from this list was a huge mistake ... Rachael Ray's anecdotes about her upstate New York home and her aversion to baking trump Giada's overly enthusiastic pronunciation of Italian. (Rachael Ray secretly mentors Sonny Anderson.)
Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 1 2009 @ 9:26AMCome on, guys! Giada's a real Italian! Born in the old country even. Cut her some slack for actually pronouncing the Italian names in Italian.... on a show with "Italian" in the name! Not like she's put on a fake British accent or anything.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 2 2009 @ 1:35PMThe challenge at this point would be to find 6 FN hosts who AREN'T annoying
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 4:34PMSo i always thought Sandra Lee was a man in drag - and i was like wow the cooking network is so progressive. But now that i found out shes actually a woman im just really creeped out
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 8:33PM@Noob V2.1 LOL about duct tape on RR. How about her arms too? She's going to pull a muscle over emphasizing with her arms!
I find the Neelys to be the most annoying. It's the constant stream of sickening sweet talk.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 9 2009 @ 7:39AMAnd yet these shows with these host are still on....hummmm I guess they are not THAT annoying otherwise they still won't be on.
What's annoying about Alton Brown? To me, he's the Bill Nye of the food world. His humorous presentation of the science of cooking as well as it's techniques are a refreshing change from staid shows of other food show hosts.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 28 2009 @ 12:25AMWow you guys are right on with the Neelys, can't stand how phoney they are, have to turn the channel sometimes. Rachel Ray has had her day, move on food network and get some real cooks
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 28 2009 @ 10:30AMOh gosh. You hit the nail on the head. I need to say that as annoying as the Neelys are I have to put the Fat Pretentious Snob on The Barefoot Contessa at top of the list with an 11. Everthing she does is 'the best'. What is she doing on TV. Is her husband a network exec? I read he is a Dean at Yale, but she has to have connections. Adding coffee to chocolate to bring out the flavor isn't your secret Ina, everyone does it. Get over yourself! I think the only on that channel I like is Emeril Live and an occational Iron Chef.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 30 2009 @ 7:29AMThe Neeleys are so annoyihg. I actually watched a few episodes and made some of the dishes, but I just can't stand the way they act. Take it to the bedroom!
I like the little guy from chopped and I will watch Sandar Lee. Alton and Bobby Flay are my DH favorites. We both watch Jamie Oliver. I love his show.
I just want to see a cooking show with simple ingredients, basic food and a nice host who doesn't try to be perky. I am so over perky.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 30 2009 @ 1:59PMOMG! I LOVE THIS!!! Finally! Someone writes a piece well worth reading! "Douche Nugget"...hahahaha!
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 30 2009 @ 7:23PMYou missed the most annoying thing about Food Network: Bobby Flay. Never before has there been someone who was genuinely as consistently clueless and punchable as Bobby Flay. If I had a dollar for every time I wanted to break his nose with a broken broomstick I'd have enough money to hire a real chef for Food Network.
Posted On: Thursday, Jul. 30 2009 @ 9:54PMI completely agree with this list. Even I find Giada's cleavage distracting, and I am a straight female! Seriously, there's a time and a place for boobs, but it's not on the Food Network.
I also agree that Alton Brown is awesome. I am just learning how to cook, and most everything I know comes from Good Eats. I got hooked on that show after I saw that he made an episode devoted entirely to my favorite food, mac and cheese. Alton is my culinary hero.
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 31 2009 @ 9:11PMRachel Ray should definitely be higher on the list than Giada!! My mom calls Giada lollipop head LOL And I can't stand Sandra Lee more than ANYONE on this list, although I don't know the Neely's at all.... never seen it..... Sandra Lee's cooing and smiling is soooo annnooooyyying!!
I looove the cake guy, though!!! Duff is HILARIOUS!! I also love Alton Brown and Ina Garten, even though she can be a bit snobby I think her stuff is really nice and fresh and of good quality. Those are my favorites. :D Bobby doesn't bother me THAT much. He used to be too cocky for me, but he's only a little cocky I think...
Posted On: Monday, Aug. 3 2009 @ 9:40AMYou forget Ina Garten the KING OF ANNOYING Guy Fieri, that annoying douche with the bleached blonde hair and his ridiculous fashion style from 1996. Disgusting.
But I disagree with you about Paula's sons, only because I have such a crush on Bobby, he's so handsome and such a sweetheart. What can I say? My hormones prevent me from not liking him.
But I agree about everybody else, and what you wrote about Giada, that totally made me laugh out loud.
Posted On: Tuesday, Aug. 4 2009 @ 12:14PMAlso, I agree that Tyler and Paula are the only ones that are NOT annoying. I also like Rachel Ray, but I swear, that EVOO thing, and also, when I'm tired and have a headache, the sound of her voice just aggravates it, although I do like her as a person. And Paula's sweet and I LOVE her, but I get bored watching her show if she's on by herself, she's not the skilled conversationalist like Rachel Ray, which is her greatest strength. And Tyler is so cute and sexy, but I guess his only flaw is that he's becoming fat. But he's probably the only fat guy I'd sleep with, because in general, fat men are a HUGE turn off, but Tyler is the exception.
Posted On: Tuesday, Aug. 4 2009 @ 12:20PMI totally disagree about the comment regarding Ina Garten. There isn't an annoying bone on that woman. She's very down to earth and very relaxed and I find her refreshing. I disagree with Giada being on this list, she may show too much cleavage, but she's far from annoying. And yes, cut her some slack for her accent, so what if she's a perfectionist at pronouncing the words, it's how they're supposed to sound. I don't disagree with rest, especially the Neelys. Rachael can be at times annoying, but that personality has gotten her where she is today, so don't hate on her.
Posted On: Tuesday, Aug. 11 2009 @ 10:38AMWHY is Rachel Ray not on this list!?
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 14 2009 @ 3:40AMJess, you are incredibly wrong. Ina Garten is so "relaxed" that its like she ate a bottle of Valium before taping. She always has on the same dreamy smile and speaks in that DULL voice. *shudder* she's a nightmare!
And Giada tries SO hard to sound Italian that she just sounds fake. I am Italian and know that it is NOT pronounced "spee-GEE-tee".
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 14 2009 @ 11:51AMHOLY CRAP WHERE IS BOBBY FLAY THE TOOL!!!!!
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 16 2009 @ 4:47PMAgree on all parts with minor exceptions. I generally watch Giada with the volume off or picture in picture. I really like Chopped but Ted is way over the top. The Neely's i run the other way as well as Sandra lee and Paula Dean's kids. Who cares about them? Triple D is a great show. Not a hige fan of Guy's, but you have to take him with the show and that's not to bad. I actually miss earlier shows like Naked Chef. I liked Jamie Oliver and his shows. Simple and easy going.
Posted On: Monday, Aug. 17 2009 @ 1:36PMI pretty much agree with you, except you forgot the most annoying of them all, RACHAEL RAY! She is queen of annoying. Why can't they just shut up and cook!
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 21 2009 @ 10:26AMRACHEL RAE IS A MUST!!! her fucking EVOO among other accronyms that NO ONE understands are bad enough alone but THEN she has to reiterate the meaning of it (ie "EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil") god what is the point of saying EVOO if you are going to say Extra Virigin Olive Oil right after?!?!?
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 21 2009 @ 6:07PMI agree about the Neely's i love to knock them out. Rachel Ray should be at the top with her messy creations she prepares. It looks like she slops her food together. Ina Garten is by far my favorite, she is an exceptional cook and I could watch her creations all day. As far as Giada I wasn't too much into her before but now I absolutely love her shows, i think the way she pronounces her words is wonderful.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 22 2009 @ 7:09AM
says:
In response to all that asked why I didn't include RR on this list. The answer is: it would have been way too easy. Plus, she sits at Oprah's right hand, which means she can send flying monkeys to kidnap me in the night, and that makes me nervous.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 22 2009 @ 10:03AMI must admit that Paula is very annoying and I can't stand her voice... IT looks horrible seeing folks who are so overwieght hovering over a pan of frying foods then watching them dig their fingers into the cake icing... Gross... Just looks so glutton! Paula that is how you got so big... Lay off the fied foods...
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 23 2009 @ 12:33AMI agree that Paula is gross. She is very piggy; certainly not a southern lady with class. She was on some Christmas show with Amy Grant and the two of them were discussing using Ritz crackers when they have bugs in them, b/c no=one would know once the dish was made; they both said they'd done it. Rachel Ray needs to be on the list. Most of the FN has gone down the flusher.
I love Ina, and I actually like Giada. She's adorable. she and Ina are the only two I watch.
Posted On: Tuesday, Aug. 25 2009 @ 7:17PMThis is too funny and right on! I love to watch the food network, but some of the people on there are to much to watch. You said everything I was thinking. My husband can't stand to watch Giada. We think she looks like a bobble head doll. I would have to say that "douche nugget" is my favorite thing from this post! hahahah! :)
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 26 2009 @ 2:51PMYou must be one of the chef that being rejected by food network, I feel your pain.
I only agree with your opinion about the Neelys, not about their food, but about the smothering stuffs ... it just too much to bear. But, I don't like your comments about all the other chefs. It just made you like a pathetic loser.
Posted On: Monday, Sep. 21 2009 @ 11:13PMThe Neely's should be way on top of the AAnoying List She acts like she's oversexed and not by her possibly gay husband. I like Ina,but let's face it if she says How Bad Could That be One More Time let's all scream. I'm just curious is her husband gay?
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 2:28PMAt first I enjoyed watching The Neely's show. I will agree they are very annoying at times. My nephew asked me, "Is that man gay?" (Pat Neely) I was like I don't know..don't think so..could be..? He said, "Either he's gay or he hangs around women way too much." I was like 'Dim!'
As for RR aka Rachel Raye...she has always been annoying to me from the jump. She's a very grown married woman but reminds me of a 12 year old boy. You know when a kid is coming of age and he tries to be cool by using words he thinks are cool and etc...Pass the EVOO..let'em hang-out for a bit...Hullloooo! LOL!
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 19 2009 @ 12:26PMOK...let's see....Top of the list and the award is handed to the disgusting to watch:
Neely's....OMG....they are so sickening, no one is that happy in love, get a life and they don't belong on FN. They belong on Late nite TV (adult channel) Tennessee whore does Pat...eeeewwwwww
Barefoot Contessa comes in next with her soft spoken...Jeffrey loves this, umm I think he is a grown man...why call him Jeffrey..and Ina thinks she invented water...come on...
Sandra Lee...ok...this is a show on how to save money...well look around you Mrs. Trumble..coordinating clothes with kitchen decor...uhh like...not
Giada...has anyone noticed the size of her head in relation to her body...like wow!
Rachael Ray...is starting to be Giada the second with boobs overflowing all over...EVOO..why short cut it if you are going to spell it out anyway....
I'm tired of typing...will stop for now...but as Arnold would say..."I'll be back!
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 4 2009 @ 6:38AMI assume it's because this was a list of the most annoying *stars* that he's not on the list...but this guy:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/jim-oconnor/bio/index.html
is easily the most annoying, trite host on FN. I hope his act is a put on.
Interesting that someone would find Alton Brown annoying. I think his is the only original show on FN, but I openly admit to favoring nerd-ness and geek-ocity in all forms and iterations.
Posted On: Monday, Dec. 7 2009 @ 9:33PMThe Neeley's are the most annoying people on FN and I'm sure Pat is gay.
Ina Garten is obnoxious as hell even though she obviously knows what she's doing.
Sunny Anderson is a fake Rachel Ray wannabe(also fake and annoying) and way too fat for such a young girl.
Bobby Flay is full of it and his food never looks like anything I would want to eat. Giada should sound Italian because she IS Italian
and so what if Sandra Lee is a little obsessed with matching her outfit and backdrop to her menu her ideas are practical
I love this thread. Anyone else notice that every damn thing Giada uses in her recipes is described as being 'lemony' or 'minty'? I heard her describe SAGE as being lemony and minty. SAGE!!
The fake Italian accent irks me, but not as much as her very limited vocabulary when it comes to describing whats going into her food. I have a feeling shed describe black licorice as being lemony and/or minty.
The Neelys - I never know if theyre going to cook or have sex.
Cant believe Paula Deen isnt on this list.
Posted On: Sunday, Dec. 27 2009 @ 8:30AMOMG I TOTALLY AGREE, BUT YOU FORGOT UBER ANNOYING RACHAEL RAY, SHE NEVER SHUTS UP! I THING THIS IS FROM WEARING TOO TIGHT PANTS! IT WOULD BE OK IF I LEARNED SOMETHING FROM HER SENSELESS ENDLESS BANTER, BUT IT IS THE SAME RETORIC OVER AND OVER AND OVER.....HELP
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY COMMENTS ON THE NEELYS' TOO! THE FIRST TIME I WATCHED THEM PAT REALLY GROSSED ME OUT WHEN HE ACTED SEXUAL WHILE RUBBING DRY RUB ON MEAT!!! HE AND GINA ARE GROSS AND HAVE NOTHING SPECIAL TO SHARE! AND DEFINATELY NOT ENOUGH TO HAVE A TV SHOW. I CAN GO TO THE GHETTO FOR SOME OF THOSE RECIPES!!!
ha ha ha @ Jerseygirl...
"Jeffrey loves this, umm I think he is a grown man...why call him Jeffrey"
and another ha ha ha! I found this article cuz I had done a search on "Ina Garten Annoying" (it's on right now) Just got the urge. She got her initial notoriety on Martha Stewart. Maybe that's one reason I find her so annoying. There are others. Hadn't thought of the "jeffery" thing before. But it's SO true!!
I love "Good Eats." Alton Brown explains things perfectly.
Posted On: Thursday, Jan. 7 2010 @ 10:54AMGIADA SHOWS CLEAVAGE TO TAKE THE FOCUS OFF THAT HUGE HEAD!!! HER BABY HAS A BIG HEAD TOO!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 12 2010 @ 7:23AMThe commnets here are too funny and oh-so-true! I love Tyler and Bobby Flay and I do think that Ina is a great cook. She may be into the whole Hamptons thing but her food is good. Giada literally has a mini-orgasm when she tastes HER OWN FOOD! My kids first noticed her huge head, I always watch foodtv or HFTV and they describe her as "the lady with the big head" and I know exactly who they're talking about. I don't think her food is that great and it's annoying how she's selling herself on her maternal grandfather. How does her father feel about his kids changing their name to their mother's?
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 26 2010 @ 1:13PMMy favorites on FN: Ina, Tyler, Ann Burrell.
Some others are just "OK", but the WORST are: GIADA (shark teeth, hook nose, sagging cleavage, bobble head, "man hands", horrible recipies (maple syrup in coleslaw? brown sugar on lump crab?) and retarded fake pronunciations. We turn her off when the show starts -- just as we do:
The Neelys! AWFUL JUST AWFUL.
How's about Nigella??? WHAT A SLOB. Separates eggs by smashing them in her hands!! Anyone care for egg shell pudding? Stuffing food into her mouth with the palm of her hand while raiding the frig at night. She eats like a drunk stevedore! No thanks. Makes me gag!
Posted On: Monday, Feb. 1 2010 @ 10:10AM