'Next Food Network Star' premiere sizzles

June 09, 2009 The reality show, which follows aspiring chefs and ultimately awards the winner his or her own series on the Food Network, bested all series premieres in the Food Network's history with 2.2 million total viewers (up 16% over the season four opener). The series has maintained its momentum since last season's finale, which had the largest audience of any telecast in Food Network history with 4 million viewers. However, last season's winner, Aaron McCargo, Jr., has seen low ratings for his own show, "Big Daddy's House," in keeping with generally small viewership and short runs for past "Next Food Network Star" winners.

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