Food Network’s ‘Restaurant Impossible’ Reboot Sparks Outrage from Original Host Robert Irvine

The first episode of Food Network’s revamped ‘Restaurant Impossible: Last Call’ premiered this week, but the new series has already faced backlash from the show’s original host, Robert Irvine.

In a series of tweets, Irvine expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision to reboot the show without his involvement. He claimed that the network’s primary motivation for reviving the series was to secure tax credits, rather than to preserve the legacy of the original show.

Irvine, who hosted ‘Restaurant Impossible’ for 22 seasons, emphasized that the show was a labor of love for him and his team. He praised the hard work and dedication of the original crew, who worked tirelessly to help struggling businesses turn their fortunes around.

‘Guys, I can tell you that I won’t watch it because it was MY baby, not the networks,’ Irvine tweeted. ‘Together, Tom, Tanya, Lynn, and all the volunteers did amazing work together. For people we never knew but got to become family after two days… we all know the successful ones as we talk daily.’

Irvine also took issue with the network’s decision to film the new series in Canada, rather than in the United States. He claimed that this move was a cost-cutting measure, rather than a genuine attempt to revitalize the show.

‘The choice to film in Canada, which I refused because they wanted a new crew, builder, designer, etc. I’m loyal and said no, so they go to ruin a iconic show. Shame on them for tax credits,’ Irvine tweeted.

When asked by a fan why he wasn’t involved in the reboot, Irvine explained that he had been approached by the network to participate in the new series, but he had declined due to creative differences. He claimed that the network had wanted to make significant changes to the show’s format and tone, which he felt would compromise the integrity of the original series.

‘I agree. I made that show with the help of a great team for 15 years and now @FoodNetwork is ruining the legacy and making a mockery of the talent,’ Irvine tweeted.

In a scathing critique of the network’s decision, Irvine described the reboot as a ‘shit attempt to cheapen and revive what was a popular show across the world.’ He accused the network of being ‘shameless’ and prioritizing profits over the show’s legacy.

‘I don’t blame the people, I blame the shameless network trying to take something so successful and setting them up for failure,’ Irvine tweeted.

The controversy surrounding the ‘Restaurant Impossible’ reboot has sparked a heated debate among fans and industry insiders. While some have praised the network for reviving the show, others have expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision to exclude Irvine from the new series.