Paula Deen, the disgraced cook and TV personality, is starting to wage her comback with a new digital network.
Deen was left with few partnerships after she admitted to using the n-word in a court appearance last year. The backlash included her getting dropped from the Food Network where she hosted a pair of its most popular cooking shows. In an effort to bring her brand of southern comfort cooking back to the masses, Deen has decided to launch her own network and company – Paula Deen Ventures, reported TV Guide.
"Guess who's going digital, y'all! I'm so excited about my new online network and can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on," Deen said in a statement. "We're going to have so much fun being together and cooking up some wonderful new and classic dishes. Y'all can get my recipes, tips and cooking anytime you want—this is for you. I can't wait to crank up the oven and get cooking for the people I love: my family, my friends and my fans!"
The network, which is expected to launch in September 2014, has The Chew creator Gordon Elliott onboard as a producer. Production began last month on the network’s shows, which will include 20-Minute Meals and Paula Cooking Light. Unsurprisingly, Deen’s shows will feature guest appearances by her sons Jamie and Bobby Dean, and husband Michael Groover.
"While Paula had several offers to return to broadcast television, she ultimately decided to launch the Paula Deen Network because it gives her a greater level of direct access to her millions of fans when it is convenient for them," Paula Deen Ventures CEO Steven Nanula revealed in a statement. "In addition, Paula will enjoy full creative control of the shows, recipes and content, and be able to give her fans exactly what they love most about her. With 4.2 million fans on Facebook and 1.24 million followers on Twitter, it was clear to us that an interactive digital network was the way to go."
Prior to launching the Paula Deen Network, Deen will embark on a 20-city tour. She’ll hit the road later this month, kicking off the tour in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., June 21.
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