File this under Things That Had to Happen: Apparently, a lot of teenagers watch Top Chef, as according to Bravo, “season-to-date, [the show] ranks in the top 15 among kids/teens 2-17 in the Wed 10-11 p.m. time period … versus ad supported cable entertainment networks.” With numbers like that, Bravo has decided to develop a Top Chef–for-teens series concept. Why not? If that doesn’t work out, there’s always Top Chefs Gone Wild, Ms. Top Chef, Top Chef Babies, and many more. The lesson, as always, is you can’t have too many Top Chefs. The full release from Bravo, after the jump.
NEW YORK - June 11, 2008 - Bravo announced today the development of its new creative competition series “Top Chef Junior” (working title) and the eight episode pick-up of the docu-series, the untitled “Jean-Christophe Novelli Project.” The announcements were made today by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bravo Media.
“With ‘Top Chef’ as the number one food show on cable comes the natural expansion in our food domain,” said Berwick. “With ‘Top Chef Junior’ we’re reaching a growing market and are developing a series that will teach and test the skills of younger aspiring chefs and appeal to the whole family. We feel that Jean-Christophe Novelli’s reputation, personality and expertise will prove incredibly enticing to our passionate core audience.”
The love of food reaches all ages and teens today are continually expanding their culinary knowledge - from cooking classes to kids’ cookbooks. “Top Chef Junior,” which will be based on the Emmy-nominated hit culinary series “Top Chef,” is an eight episode series where teens (likely ages 13 to 16) will compete to see if they have what it takes to become a junior “Top Chef.” Season-to-date, Bravo’s “Top Chef” ranks in the top 15 among kids/teens 2-17 in the Wed 10-11 p.m. time period (at No. 14) versus ad supported cable entertainment networks. Magical Elves (“Top Chef,” “Project Runway,”) will produce the series, with Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz serving as executive producers.
