'The Chew' and 'The Revolution': ABC Launches Exciting New Daytime Series
April 14, 2011 — -- ABC will debut two new daytime programs this fall and winter: "The Chew," a program about food news and trends, and "The Revolution," about health and lifestyle transformations.
At the same time, the network will lower the curtain on "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" this September and January, respectively.
Brian Frons, president of ABC's daytime television group, detailed the changes in a news release today.
"While we are excited about our new shows and the shift in our business, I can't help but recognize how bittersweet the change is," he said. "We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days."
"The Chew" and "The Revolution" aim to emulate the formula and success of ABC's "The View." "The Chew" will feature a rotating cast of hosts, including chef Mario Batali, restaurateur Michael Symon and nutrition expert Daphne Oz. "The Revolution" will feature a "dream team" of lifestyle consultants including fashion guru Tim Gunn, celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and "American Idol" alum Kimberley Locke.
Before launching the shows, Frons said, ABC will pay respect to the two soap operas that have been part of its daytime programming stable for decades.
"All My Children" and "One Life to Live" are iconic pieces of television that have made an indelible mark on our culture's history," Frons said. "Each of the shows has touched millions and millions of viewers and informed the social consciousness. It has been a privilege to work with the extraordinary teams who brought the residents of Pine Valley and Llanview to life each day and we thank the cast, crew, producers and most especially the fans for their commitment to the shows through their history."
He added that the network will "conclude each series in a manner that respects their legacies and the longstanding hopes of many of their viewers."
"All My Children" has been on the air since 1970; "One Life to Live" since 1968. Specific end dates for each series have yet to be released. "General Hospital," a soap opera that also airs on ABC, will remain on the air.
