The Truth Behind The Rachael Ray Show's Final Days

Rachael Ray electrified audiences for almost 20 years as the host of her syndicated daytime talk show "The Rachael Ray Show." But in 2023, the professional cook suddenly announced that it was coming to an end after 17 seasons. "Thank you to all of our guests — and to you, our dear viewers, who we love so very much — for helping us make so many amazing memories," an Instagram tribute from the show's account read. Before any rumors about Rachael Ray could circulate, the Food Network star told Deadline, "I've made the decision that it is time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career." 

After playing host for almost two decades, she felt it was finally time for her to produce her own projects, which would crucially allow her to have more creative control. "My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution," Ray explained. "That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios." The TV personality established Free Food Studios in 2023, with her long-time collaborators Brian Flanagan, Anthony Amoia, and Sean Lee. Their output was stagnant for some time, but now, with the help of a big network, the company is thriving.

In 2024, Rachael Ray made a deal with A+E Networks to form a joint programming venture, with A+E taking a 50% stake in Free Food Studios. At the time of the deal, the network had ordered nearly 300 episodes of Ray-based content, as reported by Variety. You can now see the beloved TV personality's face all over A+E's FYI Network, in shows such as "Rachael Ray in Tuscany" and "Meals in Minutes." Her reintegration onto the small screen gained traction online, but not always for the right reasons. Clips from the professional cook's shows had fans worried over Rachael Ray's unrecognizable appearance. Followers of her Instagram are concerned for her health while internet doctors are diagnosing her with illnesses, steroid use, and even alcoholism. Though Ray has had a slew of health problems in her lifetime, nothing about her latest potential issues has been confirmed.

Diehard fans might miss the old Ray, who they watched every day on "The Rachael Ray Show." That's why rachaelrayshow.com was so necessary for the nostalgia of old clips and memorable recipes. However, as of this writing, attempting to visit the website will redirect you to cbs.com, marking the end of the domain. The host posted on Instagram to confirm: "Rachaelrayshow.com website has officially signed off." She added, "So if you've been bookmarking recipes from the old days, don't worry — you can still find all your favorites (plus plenty of new ones from my current shows!) over at rachaelray.com."

Rachael Ray is making up for the absence of her syndicated talk show — and its website — with a new medium: podcasting. Ray launched her podcast, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," in October 2024 and has since talked with a slew of guests, from actor Billy Crudup to chef Jaques Pépin. Even with the addition to her internet presence, Ray tries not to be too online, or else the haters will get to her. In a December 2024 podcast episode with Anne Burell, the celebrity foodie said, "I never look at anything [about myself on the internet]; I'm afraid to, quite frankly." Ray even noted that at one point in her career, there was a website dedicated to hating her, aptly named "I Hate Rachael Ray."

Ray's attempt to shun her detractors is likely one of the reasons she hasn't responded to any of the flak she has received, from chatter about her well-being to jokes about her purported shady side. Her bubbly TV personality might be a front because, according to those who have been in her presence, she's not the fun-loving cook as once perceived. One Reddit thread seemingly revealed her shadier side, with someone noting that she was reportedly terrible to her employees. Since Ray is sticking to cooking and likely not responding to comments, we may never know what is true.