Hey,

Is anyone watching the revamped version of the Next Food Network Star? They dropped the word "next." Now there are three groups. Each has it's own mentor, who also chose the group. Alton, Bobby and Giada. II'm not sure why they changed the format.

I missed it the first night it was one, but watched it on on-demand.

It seems like an interesting bunch of contestants.

This show is turning out rather odd. Alton Brown definitely has his favorite and he is very hard on the rest. Bobby Flay is so cool - gotta love his swagger.

Hey Dianne!

Not certain what I think of the new format. I'm sure they changed it hoping to find a true star.

As a homeschooling mom, wife, life coach, and writer, I have little time to manage television. So, I TIVO my programs and watch 2 or 3 per week. Like Design Star, Project Runway, and American Idol, The Next Food Network Star (FNS) used to take precedence during its season. The new format is falling a little flat for me and I am not giving FNS the time I normally would have. In fact, I have only watched the entirety of the 1st episode.

I am thinking that this new format may actually allow them to choose a true star (as Guy has been their only true gem). With this new format, the mentor can spot the best candidate early on and really coach and prime him/her into a real FNS. Meanwhile, the selection process is a little flavorless for me.

However, I am planning to stick it out. If it doesn't heat up though, I will not be returning next year.

I was definitely not in love with the first show. There are "moments" in the following ones. The judgement portion where they go to the "pitch table" is a little odd, especially when the comments the mentor gives about the contestant is lackluster.

I'm going to try a few more episodes too...and see how it goes. I missed last night because I was watching a movie, but will see it "on-demand" at some point this week.