Cookin' Cheap
Encyclopedia
Cookin' Cheap was a nationally syndicated cooking show, originally hosted by Larry Bly and Earl "Laban" Johnson, Jr. (July 29, 1941 - March 2, 1999). Cookin' Cheap began its run in 1981 on Blue Ridge Public Television. It was at one time nationally distributed through the PBS system, and more recently did a syndication run on the GoodLife TV Network
.
Cookin' Cheap contrasted itself with contemporary cooking shows of its time by not attempting to hide the tedious preparation work that goes into cooking a recipe, and by using common ingredients purchased at local supermarkets in Roanoke, Virginia
, where the show was produced. Johnson stated that the idea for the show was born from the frustration he suffered when trying to recreate the recipes of Julia Child
, lacking ingredients that are unavailable in a small southern town.
and diabetes and in 1994, he temporarily took a leave from the show to undergo and recover from heart surgery. He returned in 1996. On March 2, 1999, Johnson was found dead at his apartment in Roanoke, Virginia
by several members of the production staff, when he failed to show up for a taping. He was 57. Before his death, Johnson left instructions for Larry Bly to write and deliver his eulogy at his funeral, which he did. Johnson was replaced by Doug Patterson, his hand picked successor, for the remainder of the show's run.
"threw all the master tapes in the trash", he has located alternate master tapes, as well as securing the copyright
to the show, and plans to release a DVD series.
AmericanLife TV Network
Youtoo TV, formerly known as American Life TV Network , GoodLife TV Network, and Nostalgia Television, is an American cable-television channel launched on May 1, 1985. It now claims over 15 million subscribers throughout the U.S...
.
Cookin' Cheap contrasted itself with contemporary cooking shows of its time by not attempting to hide the tedious preparation work that goes into cooking a recipe, and by using common ingredients purchased at local supermarkets in Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
, where the show was produced. Johnson stated that the idea for the show was born from the frustration he suffered when trying to recreate the recipes of Julia Child
Julia Child
Julia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for introducing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her subsequent television programs, the most notable of which was The French Chef, which...
, lacking ingredients that are unavailable in a small southern town.
Laban Johnson's illness and death
Laban Johnson suffered from complications of congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure
Heart failure often called congestive heart failure is generally defined as the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition...
and diabetes and in 1994, he temporarily took a leave from the show to undergo and recover from heart surgery. He returned in 1996. On March 2, 1999, Johnson was found dead at his apartment in Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
by several members of the production staff, when he failed to show up for a taping. He was 57. Before his death, Johnson left instructions for Larry Bly to write and deliver his eulogy at his funeral, which he did. Johnson was replaced by Doug Patterson, his hand picked successor, for the remainder of the show's run.
Cancellation
The show ended its run in October 2002. Budget cuts were cited as the reason for the cancellation, even though Bly has claimed the show only cost $20,000 per year to produce. Bly claims that even though Blue Ridge Public TelevisionPublic broadcasting
Public broadcasting includes radio, television and other electronic media outlets whose primary mission is public service. Public broadcasters receive funding from diverse sources including license fees, individual contributions, public financing and commercial financing.Public broadcasting may be...
"threw all the master tapes in the trash", he has located alternate master tapes, as well as securing the copyright
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
to the show, and plans to release a DVD series.