The Bravo television network is no stranger to product placement and subliminal advertising when it comes to shows like "Top Chef." Viewers by now are used to seeing chefs prepare dishes with Swanson chicken broth, or Diet Dr. Pepper. In fact you can even purchase "Top Chef: The Game" if you just can't get enough of the challenges from week to week.
Now, Bravo's "Top Chef" is taking merchandising to a whole new level with a retail product line of their very own.
Fans of the show will soon have the opportunity to purchase themed floral arrangements from Teleflora, branded wines from Terlato Wines International, and knives by Master Cutlery -- all of which are inspired by the aspects of the show. Paid access toonline cooking classes hosted byformer "Top Chef" contestants will be available as well.
The aforementioned themed floral arrangements might look something like this, for starters: Gerbera daisies mixed with clusters of brussels sprouts, asparagus stalks, and cinnamon sticks.
Bravo plans to earn their revenue through this via licensing fees or taking a percentage of sales earned.
Followers of other Bravo shows such as "Real Housewives" and "The Fashion Show" will also be able to find a plethora of products to suit their taste, such as Kooba handbags and contestant-designed fashion statements.
However, this may do some damage to Bravo's already blatant display of product references amidst their programming, and some viewers are already unhappy. Will the additional product placement push more fans over the edge?
Source: The New York Times
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