When you dwell online as much as we do, it can be easy to become cynical about the power of the internet. Watching people use this amazing tool to spread misinformation and violence can make it a sad and overwhelming place to be. But sometimes that power comes together for joyful things, like crowdfunding for “The Tiny Chef Show.”
On June 24th, the crew behind “The Tiny Chef Show” made a heartbreaking video announcement. After running two seasons on Nickelodeon and winning an Emmy, the network decided to cancel it.
The video shows our beloved stop-motion chef cleaning around his tree stump, until the phone rings. “You ready to cook up some more episodes? I got a million ideas,” Tiny Chef says excitedly into the receiver. Followed by a devastating gasp, “Canceled? What do you mean, canceled?”
Like anyone in the situation, he begins to beg the other person to reconsider. “I have ideas that will blow your minds,” Tiny Chef exclaims. His tone becomes much more sullen as he utters; “But we won an Emmy?… I understand. I love you too.” He hangs up and briefly tries to resume cleaning before giving up and sitting on the edge of his bed to cry.
“The Tiny Chef Show”’s Plea
This short video devastated fans of the normally whimsical and carefree show. However, the video’s caption did offer a glimmer of hope.
“SOS Cheffers, please go to the link our bio to learn how you can help us keep Chef on social media,” it reads. “Tiny chefs cooking show has officially been cancelled (very unexpected) and without the support of a major network we need crowd funding to keep cookin’ over here. Yesh this es weal! We want to thank @nickelodeon for giving Chef two blamazing seasons and all the besties he made there. Chef wouldn’t want anyone to blame his friends over there, he’s just deeply sad he doesn’t get to continue hosting a show he adores. Please let cheffy know how much he means to you in the comments he’s really feelin this one.”
The remarks allude to another lovely thing about the internet, allowing self-published projects to reach a wider audience. And thankfully, “The Tiny Chef Show” started as a sketch show on social media.
At this time, the series crowdfunding efforts have raised over $80,000 to allow it to continue. “Any money that’s come in, we’ve reinvested into this, so the fans will see it. Chef’s not going to give up!”
Even the great Dionne Warwick tweeted about Chef!
Legions of fans have called for PBS, Disney, and Food Network to potentially pick up the show. Only time will tell if “The Tiny Chef Show” will go back to self-publishing or if a network will strike while the iron is hot. While this is a huge hurdle, it doesn’t seem like the series is willing to give up just yet.
You can support “The Tiny Chef Show” here.
