Robert Irvine has hit at Food Network over his decision to restart Restaurant impossible without him, accusing the network of sacrificing the show’s legacy for 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 an entirely new crew, builder and designer based in Canada.
“I’m loyal and said no, so they go to ruin an iconic show,” Irvine wrote. “Shame on them for tax credits.”
When a fan asked if the show should even carry Restaurant impossible name without him involved, Irvine agreed, writing that he had “made that show with the help of a great team for 15 years and now Food Network destroys the legacy and makes a mockery of the talent.”
He went further in a follow-up post, describing the reboot as a “sh*t attempt to cheapen 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.
“I don’t blame the people, I blame the shameless network that tries to take something so successful and set 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 ahead of the reboot’s debut that he bore no ill will toward the network, writing at the time that “there’s no hard feelings seriously” and wishing the new production “good luck.”
