Valerie Bertinelli Stuns Fans: Why She’s Leaving Food Network and What Comes Next

Valerie Bertinelli is reminding fans why she has been a beloved presence on screens for more than five decades. The 64-year-old actor and cookbook author took to Instagram from Vancouver, Canada, where she is shooting a new Lifetime movie, to reflect on “53 years in this crazy business,” adding that she will “never take any of this for granted.” Bertinelli’s heartfelt post struck a chord with followers who have watched her evolution from teen star on the 1970s sitcom “One Day at a Time” to Food Network favorite and New York Times–bestselling author. She shared that the long, traffic-heavy commute to set has become “a time for reflection and meditation,” helping her stay grounded while stepping back in front of the camera for the first time in several years. Return to Acting After Personal Renewal The Emmy winner is channeling that gratitude into her latest dramatic role, which Parade reports will see her portraying a mother in a suspense-filled Lifetime project slated for early 2026 release. Although exact plot details remain under wraps, Bertinelli says the story “tugged at my heart from page one,” reigniting the excitement she felt when she first entered Hollywood at age 14. Health Journey Still Inspires Fans Bertinelli’s renewed professional momentum comes on the heels of a headline-making wellness transformation. In 2023 she committed to a “kindness-first” approach to weight loss, prioritizing mental health and balanced eating over restrictive dieting—an approach she continues to showcase in her Instagram cooking videos. A recent 2025 retrospective on her journey notes that she credits therapy, daily walks, and Mediterranean-style meals for helping her feel “lighter inside and out.” Fans Celebrate a Career of Firsts Bertinelli’s social media feed quickly filled with messages applauding her resilience, with one follower commenting, “You’ve shown us it’s never too late to chase new dreams.” That sentiment mirrors the star’s own philosophy: “I’m finally learning that happiness isn’t a destination—it’s the ride,” she wrote. What’s Next for Valerie • Lifetime Movie: Currently filming in Vancouver; expected 2026 premiere. • Cookbook No. 4: Rumored for a spring 2026 release focusing on comfort food “with a healthy twist.” • Talk-Show Stint: Bertinelli will guest-cohost “The Drew Barrymore Show” on June 30, sharing a shrimp-and-veggie cups recipe from her forthcoming book. Why It Matters Bertinelli’s willingness to publicly examine aging, body image, and career reinvention resonates with multiple generations. As Hollywood continues to expand opportunities for women over 60, her return to scripted drama could signal a broader shift toward telling more authentic mid-life stories. For now, the star is simply savoring each day on set: “Even after all these years, there’s still an excitement that bubbles up inside me,” she told fans—proof that genuine passion never fades, it just finds new stages on which to shine.