After ending her 17-year run with The Rachael Ray Show in May 2023, Rachael Ray did anything but slow down. The iconic chef-turned-TV personality immediately shifted gears, launching new projects that showcase her unrelenting creativity and passion for food, travel, and philanthropy. Ray’s departure from daytime TV was driven by a desire to explore new opportunities in both television and business, particularly with her recently founded production company, Free Food Studios. This venture is focused on producing content that spans everything from cooking to home renovation.
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One of Ray’s new projects includes her series Rachael Ray in Tuscany, which premiered in mid-2024. Filmed primarily in her home in Italy, the show features Ray exploring authentic Italian cooking while integrating her personal experiences living in Tuscany. The show is a fresh departure from her previous work, offering fans a glimpse into her personal life while staying true to her culinary roots. Additionally, Ray continues her philanthropic work with World Central Kitchen, actively supporting food aid efforts in Ukraine.
Her production company, Free Food Studios, is at the heart of Ray's next chapter. Through this initiative, she’s developing new content that speaks to her core values of community and food. One standout project involves a home renovation series that focuses on helping families rebuild after disasters. The show combines Ray's love for design, her generosity, and, of course, her culinary talents, as each renovation culminates in a shared meal prepared by Ray herself.
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Ray’s commitment to sharing good food hasn’t wavered. She’s returned to the basics with new cooking shows like Meals in Minutes, which aired in early 2024 on the FYI network. This series emphasizes quick, family-friendly meals, reminiscent of her early days on the Food Network. Beyond her television endeavors, Ray’s lifestyle brand continues to thrive, with cookbooks, cookware lines, and pet products, all reflecting her down-to-earth approach.
Ray’s journey after The Rachael Ray Show represents a natural evolution for someone who has spent decades connecting with audiences through food. Her decision to step away from daytime television was not a retirement but rather a shift towards projects that are closer to her heart.
Whether it’s showcasing the simplicity of Tuscan cooking, rebuilding homes, or supporting humanitarian causes, Ray continues to inspire with her characteristic warmth and energy. Fans of Ray can expect more from this next chapter, as she balances time between her homes in upstate New York and Italy while continuing to do what she does best—bringing people together through food and community.
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