Paula Deen Launches Digital Network

Paula Deen Ventures plans to create the Paula Deen Network, an interactive digital experience scheduled to launch in September that will allow viewers to engage and access Deen and her Southern home cooking via computer, smartphone or tablet. 

“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,” said Deen in a prepared release. “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 Paula Deen Network is a paid subscription-based online offering. Early registration will begin in July, allowing Deen’s most passionate fans to ensure they are fully subscribed when the Paula Deen Network launches. Individuals who pre-register at www.pauladeen.com will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Savannah to join the live studio audience. A 14-day free trial period will be available to all users at the time of launch in September.

According to Paula Deen Ventures CEO Steven Nanula, “While Paula had several offers to return to broadcast TV, 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. 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.”

In addition to access via computer, smartphone or tablet, Smart TV compatibility will be introduced at a future date. On the Paula Deen Network, Deen will provide her signature Southern dishes and simple, healthy meals in a fun, unscripted format on a daily basis with all-new recipes, episodes and cooking tools.

A preview of the Paula Deen Network will be shared at the first Paula Deen Live! shows in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., June 21 and 22. Deen is opening a restaurant, Paul Deen’s Family Kitchen, in Pigeon Forge this summer.

Recently, she opened The Paula Deen Store, a cookware shop that features the original stove from her first cooking show, in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

According to Paula Deen Ventures investor, Najafi Companies CEO Jahm Najafi, “Paula has always been an innovator – from breaking ground with the creation of her company to being one of the pioneers of cooking shows on television. The Paula Deen Network is one more example of Paula doing things her own way and taking control of her brand to connect directly with her ardent fans.”

Production for the Paula Deen Network began in mid-May at her new studio in Savannah, which has been designed to closely resemble the set of her first series, “Paula’s Home Cooking.” The set was built specifically to host a live studio audience and will feature a range of guests, family and friends, including appearances by Deen’s sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, and her husband, Michael Groover.

Deen has again teamed up with her longtime producer, Gordon Elliott, who is executive producer of her tour, “Paula Deen Live!”, and creator of “The Chew” on ABC.

Programs for the Paula Deen Network will feature both short-form and long-form content. Fans will be able to cook step-by-step with Deen as she showcases tips, recipes, ingredients and products. In addition to the dishes she is known for, she will also show viewers how to make simple, healthy and budget-friendly meals for the entire family. Deen will also showcase lifestyle segments highlighting the best of Southern living, such as decorating tips for the holidays and discovering hidden treasures with local merchants.