Emeril taking it up a notch on a new network

[February 04, 2010]  (AP) -- Emeril Lagasse is trying his hand at the talk show format as he launches a new weekly prime-time series that will mix equal parts music, celebrities and food.

Like Lagasse's long-running Food Network series, "Emeril Live!", his new hour-long "The Emeril Lagasse Show" on the ION Television network will be taped before a live audience and feature a band on set.

The Food Network ceased production of "Emeril Live" in 2007. In early 2008, the rights to Lagasse's franchise of books, television shows and kitchen products were purchased by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., which will share production oversight of the new show with ION Television.

Lagasse continues to host "Emeril Green," a Planet Green cable series in which he helps novice cooks prepare wholesome meals. "The Emeril Lagasse Show" will air Sundays at 8 p.m. beginning March 28.

[Associated Press; By J.M. HIRSCH]

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