Robert Irvine denounced Food Network on his decision to restart Restaurant Impossible without him, accusing the channel of sacrificing the legacy of the series for the benefit of tax credits.
Irvine, who hosted the original series for 15 years, revealed on social media that producers had approached him about returning for the new version, titled Restaurant Impossible: Last Callbut that he turned down the offer because it would have meant working with a completely new team, builder and designer based in Canada.
“I’m loyal and said no, so they’re going to ruin an iconic show,” Irvine wrote. “Shame on them for the tax credits.”
When a fan wondered if the show should even air the Restaurant Impossible name without him being involved, Irvine agreed, writing that he had “made this show with the help of a great team for 15 years and now Food Network it ruins the legacy and makes a mockery of the talent.”
He went further in a follow-up article, describing the reboot as a “shitty attempt to devalue and revive what was a popular show around the world,” while making it clear that his frustration was directed at network executives rather than the new cast members.
“I don’t blame the people, I blame the shameless network trying to take something so successful and setting them up for failure,” he wrote, adding, “You made a bad decision!!!!! Sorry.”
The new series, hosted by chef Aarón Sánchez and Canadian restaurateur Jen Agg, premiered on July 23, three years after the original. Restaurant Impossible ended its run in 2023 after 22 seasons.
Irvine’s comments mark a notable shift in tone from earlier this summer, when he told fans before the reboot began that he had no ill will toward the network, writing at the time that “there was no anger seriously” and wishing the new production “good luck.”
