Premiere Day Post-Mortem

Since I am living in Canada, where the airwaves are sadly starved of any Martha Stewart programming, I am relying on a devoted Martha Stewart viewer south of the border to bring me (and you!) the Martha Stewart television details necessary to our existence. My friend Jim Eber, who has been a fan of Martha's basically from the beginning, is the new Martha Moments correspondent! {Everyone say, "Hi, Jim!"}

I asked Jim to review the debut episodes of The Martha Stewart Show, Whatever and Mad Hungry for us - nothing fancy, just a paraphrasing of some of the details - so that we do not fall behind. Below are some of the details Jim has brought to our attention, show by show. I will relay them in my own words:

The Martha Stewart Show: Most of the first part of the show was an introduction to the new Hallmark programs. The big news of the day: Marc Morrone will be added to the roster of new shows beginning in January with his own show, filmed at his pet store on Long Island. Lucinda made quesadillas with Martha and her big tip: Never be without bacon! John Baricelli and Sarah Carey from Everyday Food made chocolate ginger cookies and Marc Morrone discussed his new show. Martha also discussed a new segment on the show called "Date Night." Martha will accompany a gentleman of some sort for an evening out in their town, on their terms. Then, Martha will invite them on a night on the town on her terms. Should be fun!


Whatever With Alexis And Jennifer: This is basically their radio show on TV: cheeky, irreverent and opinionated. The set is on the same soundstage as Martha's show, they just unfold it to reveal its minimalist and clean design. The guests were Paula Abdul, who discussed her early career, her time on Idol and her new dance show on CBS. Comedian Brian Donovan was also on: he has been on more than 100 Internet dates, which you can read about here. Then, a make-up artist (Siobhan O'Connor) took the stage to promote her new book on how to achieve the best looks for any occasion: "No More Dirty Looks."

Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala-Quinn: Of the two new shows, this one scored high marks with Jim, who considers it his new favourite. Lucinda is a natural on camera and she was joined in the kitchen with her son Calder in two segments to help out. They made sauted cabbage with onions, ginger and tomatoes. Lucinda also made pork chops with oven-sweet potato fries and cabbage. Dessert was ginger snaps and date sandwiches.

Everyday Food: Not a new episode as I had thought it might be. It was actually the first episode they ever filmed with all the old, familiar faces: Margo, Allie, Lucinda and John.

Next: Jim brings us the details on Martha's first interview special, which airs Sunday night. In "Martha Stewart Presents" she will interview four of America's best women fashion designers.

Mad Hungry with Lucinda

There is a lot going on at the MSLO Television department as fall approaches. The move to Hallmark has inspired a roster of new television shows, including Martha Stewart Presents, Whatever With Alexis & Jennifer and Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala Quinn, in addition to new episodes of The Martha Stewart Show and Everyday Food. Lucinda's new program is going to be one of the most exciting. Based on her fantastic book of the same name, the show will have a down-to-earth, family approach to cooking for busy moms on the go - without sacrificing great taste and presentation. You can see photos of the new set at Lucinda's blog by clicking here. I love how it looks: warm, familiar and comforting. The show will air weekdays at 12:00/11:00 central.


Lucinda Scala Quinn, editorial director for food at MSLO, preps a dish with her producers on set.

Martha Stewart Presents: Sep. 19

The first prime-time Martha Stewart special for the Hallmark Channel will premier on September 19th. This first installment in a series of specials called Martha Stewart Presents will be called "The Women Who Dress America" and will focus on female fashion designers, including Donna Karan, Dian Von Furstenburg and Tory Burch. The special is timed to coincide with the finale of New York Fashion Week. Martha will speak one on one with these amazing, entrepreneurial women, among others, and will discuss their passions, ideals and dreams, as well as forecast some of the style trends for women in America for the years to come.

Guests of the ongoing specials (there is another one planned for November) may include renowned American chefs, architects, politicians, restauranteurs or gardeners.

Bill Abbott, the president and CEO of Hallmark Channels, said, "Martha Stewart is one of the most emulated and influential people of our time. Guests on Martha's prime-time specials will come from many different arenas, and with Martha starting the conversation, Martha Stewart Presents will be one of the most interesting and entertaining hours on television."

Mark your calendars!

Martha's New Baking Show + Tornado

There have been several allusions of late about a new baking show being hosted by Martha Stewart this fall on the Hallmark channel, where all of her programming will now be televised. There are no real details yet, but Alexis and Martha have both mentioned the show in recent days. It also appears there will be a new book to accompany the show, according to the Sweet Dani B blog. The show is being taped at Cantitoe Corners, Martha's home in Bedford, New York.

Martha was, in fact, filming an episode of the show last weekend when the segment was interrupted by a tornado that whipped through her property, uprooting 120 mature trees (some of which caused extensive damage to her stone walls as they fell) and made quite a mess of her pergola, potted plants and greenhouse. The photo below illustrates just how close Martha was to losing the property's tenant's cottage, which is adjacent to the main house. You can read more about the devastation to her farm and leave Martha an encouraging message by visiting her blog.

"Martha" Wins Emmy!

I want to take a moment to congratulate all the staff who work so hard on producing The Martha Stewart Show for their Emmy win last night for Outstanding Service Show. I believe this is Emmy #12 or #13 for Martha's Television department and that shiny table in the green room may need to be altered to accommodate the ever-growing array of awards. Special cheers for Lenore Welby, Aaron Caramanis, Lan Cheung, the adorable make-up lady (who's name I sadly cannot remember at the moment!), the lovely receptionist, Director Joey and Audience Joey, all of whom were so kind and wonderful to me the day I appeared on the show, and who are so devoted to what they do on set every day. Thank you to Martha, too, for allowing me to be even a small part of this past year's award-winning season. You were lovely. What a pleasure it was!!