Rachael Ray, the beloved culinary icon known for her accessible cooking style, is expanding her thriving partnership with A+E Global Media. This significant deal includes an order for 110 new episodes from her Free Food Studios, further solidifying Ray’s prominent presence across the Home.Made.Nation multiplatform lifestyle block on A&E and FYI. This development promises fans an abundance of her signature comforting content.
In a move that has fans saying “yum-o,” A+E Global Media has announced a significant expansion of its programming partnership with celebrated television chef and personality Rachael Ray. This latest agreement involves ordering an additional 110 new episodes from Ray’s production venture, Free Food Studios, signaling a robust commitment to her distinctive brand of lifestyle content.
Rachael Ray: A Culinary Icon’s Enduring Appeal
For decades, Rachael Ray has been a household name, synonymous with accessible, quick, and comforting meals. Her signature “30 Minute Meals” concept, upbeat personality, and famous catchphrases have endeared her to millions. After concluding her successful 17-season daytime talk show, “Rachael Ray,” the culinary star embarked on a new chapter, reaffirming her dedication to food-centric storytelling.
Her approach has always been about making cooking less intimidating and more enjoyable, fostering a connection with viewers through shared culinary experiences. This timeless appeal has made her a consistent draw in the evolving media landscape.
Free Food Studios: A New Venture for Authentic Storytelling
In 2023, Rachael Ray launched Free Food Studios, a full-service production and distribution company, in collaboration with long-time producing partners Brian Flanagan, Anthony Amoia, and Sean Lee of Intentional Content. The studio was conceived as a creative hub for “in the kitchen” content, not only featuring Ray herself but also serving as a platform for emerging epicurean talent.
This venture quickly caught the attention of A+E Global Media, leading to an initial joint venture in 2024. As part of this foundational agreement, A+E Networks acquired a 50% stake in Free Food Studios, demonstrating a deep strategic investment in Ray’s vision and content pipeline. This initial pact resulted in a substantial order of 278 new episodes across various culinary and lifestyle series, as reported by Variety.
The “Yum-o!” Expansion: 110 More Episodes on the Way
Building on the success of the initial partnership, A+E Global Media officially announced on October 16, 2025, the order of 110 additional episodes of Ray’s programming. These new episodes are slated to begin production in the fall of 2025 and will premiere in 2026. The expanded lineup includes fresh installments of “Meals in Minutes,” a fan-favorite series that embodies Ray’s philosophy of approachable and comforting cooking. This news was highlighted by AOL, featuring Variety’s exclusive report.
Commenting on the renewed collaboration, Rachael Ray expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to continue growing our partnership with A+E and to keep sharing the kind of food and storytelling that feels like home. Together with Free Food Studios, we’ve built a creative space where cooks and viewers can connect through comfort, curiosity, and real-life inspiration—and I can’t wait to bring even more of that to audiences everywhere.”
Home.Made.Nation: A Multiplatform Lifestyle Destination
The new programming will air across Home.Made.Nation, A+E Global Media‘s dedicated multiplatform lifestyle programming block. This robust content hub spans A&E, FYI, and A+E’s growing network of FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) channels. Home.Made.Nation serves as a comprehensive destination for a wide array of lifestyle topics, including:
- DIY projects and home improvement
- Home searching and decor inspiration
- Food, cooking, and travel experiences
- Other general lifestyle-related content
The strategic placement of Rachael Ray’s shows within Home.Made.Nation underscores A+E Global Media‘s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging lifestyle programming to diverse audiences across all viewing platforms. A+E Global Media, a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst, boasts a vast reach, connecting with over 414 million households globally.
What This Means for Fans: More Comfort, More Inspiration
For the dedicated community of Rachael Ray fans, this expanded partnership translates directly into more of the content they cherish. Ray’s philosophy of simple, joyful cooking resonates deeply, providing a sense of comfort and a tangible connection to the culinary world. The continuation and expansion of shows like “Meals in Minutes” will offer fresh ideas and inspiration, maintaining her approachable style that has made her a beloved figure.
The integration into Home.Made.Nation means that Ray’s programming will be more accessible than ever, whether through traditional cable channels like A&E and FYI or through the convenience of FAST channels. This multiplatform approach ensures that fans can easily find and enjoy her cooking, regardless of their preferred viewing method, keeping her unique brand of “food and storytelling that feels like home” at their fingertips.
