Food Network’s Ina Garten Announces Exciting New Project

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Food Network’s Ina Garten Announces Exciting New Project

Originally posted on TV Insider | Last updated Jun 24, 2026 3:35 PM ET

Ina Garten is stepping away from the small screen for her latest project.

In an interview with The New York Times published on Sunday, June 21, the Food Network star announced that she is launching her very own podcast, titled Happy Hour with Ina Garten. The series, which will debut in September, will feature fun conversations between Garten and guests, as well as recipes for delicious cocktails and mocktails.

“[Podcasting] was kind of younger and cooler and it was the thing that was moving fast, and I thought it would be really fun to be in that stream,” Garten told the outlet, noting that she was intrigued by the “messiness” of a podcast compared to a traditional TV cooking show.

“It’s happening in real time, it’s not overedited, so it feels authentic in a way that nothing else does,” she stated. “I’m always in pursuit of that messiness of real life.”

The idea for Garten’s podcast reportedly interested several media companies, including Amazon, Acast, and Barack and Michelle Obama‘s Higher Ground. Ultimately, Vox Media won the bidding war through a seven-figure deal with Garten.

“These shows are rivaling, if not bigger than, what we have historically called TV shows,” Vox Media chief executive Jim Bankoff said of the recent popularity boost of podcasts. “They are bigger than what we have historically called talk radio shows.”

Food Network

Garten created her podcast in part with executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, who also executive-produces Amy Poehler‘s Golden Globe-winning Good Hang podcast. While Garten’s flagship Food Network series, Barefoot Contessa, is filmed at her home in the Hamptons, the TV personality will film her podcast’s early episodes in her New York City apartment. Full video episodes of the podcast will be released on YouTube, with audio versions streaming on Spotify and Apple.

Currently sitting at the top of Garten’s dream guest list is Tom Holland, as she wants to ask the Marvel actor about what he and his wife, Zendaya, like to cook together.

“It’s all about personalization,” Ms. Garten stated. “You can watch TV one way, but you can watch and listen to podcasts any way you want, and I think that’s really what’s appealing about it.”

Someone else shared, “This is the best news !! Round of cosmos for all.” A different person posted, “Let’s get messy girl! I’m ready for this.” A separate commenter quipped, “Oh this is about to change my life.”

Garten has been a TV staple since Barefoot Contessa premiered on Food Network in 2002. Over the years, she has appeared on and hosted several cooking shows and released multiple cookbooks. Her series Be My Guest With Ina Garten recently wrapped its eighth season in May and featured celebrity guests such as Allison Janney, Jon Batiste, Hoda Kotb, and Michael Barbaro.

This article first appeared on TV Insider and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: