Joe Bastianich’s exit from the MasterChef franchise was announced on Wednesday, right before Thanksgiving. Bastianich’s departure leaves fans with mixed feelings. Bastianich’s exit offers an opportunity to reboot.
Bastianich is leaving MasterChef to focus on other business endeavors, including the expansion of his different companies. Surprisingly, the Joe Bastianich exit was not met with pleas from MasterChef fans for him to stay, instead followers of the programs he was involved in, think it’s time to bring fresh blood to the series.
Bastianich was part of a panel composed of Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot. Producers are now focused on a replacement that can bring more vitality to the two shows, but also blend well with the other remaining judges.
Names like Alton Brown, Cat Cora and Giada De Laurentiis are being floated around. Some say that the addition of a female voice would be a very good thing.
The Joe Bastianich exit was made official via the following statement put out by Shine America, One Potato Two Potato and Fox that produce the different shows:
“Joe has played an integral role in the success of both MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, and we all appreciate his incredible culinary insight, sense of humor and passion. He will always remain a member of the MasterChef family.”
Bastianich did issue his own statement, it read:
“After several gratifying years as a judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, I have decided to step down from my role on the show. It has been a pleasure working alongside Gordon and Graham on five seasons of MasterChef and three seasons of MasterChef Junior, and I look forward to continuing my current collaborations with Shine America. As co-owner and partner of the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, as well as Eataly throughout the Americas, I will be focusing my time and energies on their continued global expansion.”
Bastianich, a married father of three, has restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Singapore and Italy with business partner Mario Batali.
The 46-year-old culinary expert will continue his work on MasterChef Italia and CNBC’s Restaurant Startup.
What are your thoughts on this unexpected Joe Bastianich exit? Who do you think should replace him?
Alton Brown should replace Joe !
Ina Garten. Only female TV chef worth her salt. Anyone but Giada. So annoying.
Giada is that.