Many of you have been asking about an airdate for the TV special that was filmed at my competition, Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™, last July at Show Me Sweets. Unfortunately, I’ve just been notified that the network has decided not to air the show due to a change in corporate strategy that is deemphasizing one-off specials like this program. I have been assured that this decision had nothing to do with the footage, the competitors' work, or anything related to the cookie competition itself. In fact, all of the feedback from the network and production company was very positive and complimentary. But sometimes a network can change its direction, and shows that are in production can be put on indefinite hold. What happened here is nothing that 7Beyond, the production company, or I could have anticipated or controlled, as much as we would have liked to. 7Beyond is still trying to find a way that the program can air or stream, and, if that happens, I will update you as soon as I have news.
This decision is, of course, incredibly disappointing for me and the many people involved – contestants, judges, sponsors, and Show Me Sweets organizers - who made substantial investments of time and dollars to make this show something the cookie community – if not the larger US TV-viewing public - would remember for a long time. Believe me, I wish I could personally change the network’s mind, but, in the absence of being able to do that, I can only hope that those involved derived intrinsic value from being part of a world-class creative team.
7Beyond wants to stress that they appreciate all the hard work and efforts that went into making the show an exemplary one. And I want to personally thank everyone involved for your incredible talent, commitment, and leaps of faith in joining me on this journey. I am so, so heartbroken about the outcome, but I sincerely hope that, when the next big opportunity crosses my path, we can join forces again in good faith to show the world what we’ve got!
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at sweetlife@juliausher.com.
