10 years of overusing the word “bam” have finally caught up to him. Emeril Lagasse’s cooking show on the Food Network has been cancelled. “Emeril Live” will film the last supper on December 11th.

The Food Network has confirmed that “Emeril Live’’ — once the flagship of its primetime schedule — will cease production of new episodes in mid-December after 10 seasons.

[AP]

The beloved cliché-driven chef has put in his time on the channel devoted to the love of cooking. A rep for the network confirmed that he is still under a contract and will continue with his other show “Essence of Emeril.” He will also take part in various specials and other Food Network opportunities. Emeril also issued a statement via the rep expressing his gratitude.

“I am deeply appreciative to all the unbelievable staff — many who have been with the show since the beginning — and all the loyal viewers, and the many talented guests who have appeared on the show through the years. I look forward to continuing my association with the Food Network with `The Essence of Emeril,’ and I have lots of new ideas cooking.”

Possible reasons for the cancellation include a drop in ratings and Emeril’s bloated showbiz salary. The Alton Brown driven show, “Good Eats,” replaced “Live’s” 8 pm spot and increased viewers by 13% . The showy aspect of “Live” was also hard to swallow with a live audience and a band that seemed to provide little appeal. Basically, the network is making room for the fresh meat arriving. Guy Fieri, to name one of the up-and-comers, has been picked up for two more seasons.

Honestly, I haven’t watched anything Emeril-related in years. I just don’t think he creates everyday food that the faster-paced American public lives on. (Although cooking for me usually starts with something that comes from a box.)