In a video uploaded to the official YouTube channel of The Tiny Chef Show, Tiny Chef (voiced by Matt Hutchinson) gets a call from his bosses at Mickelflodeon, who deliver the devastating news that instead of commissioning new episodes, Tiny Chef’s show is being canceled. Never mind that Chef and his friends behaved on set. Never mind that Chef won an Emmy for the network. Never mind that the news will put all of Tiny Chef’s friends out of work. The corporate overlords have delivered the news, and that’s final.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2UQBR3F_-I
Watching this adorable Gumbi character slowly break down, his voice cracking and then the tears streaming down his face, is absolutely heartbreaking. Instead of getting angry, or demanding answers, the little chef lets out a big sigh, says, “I understand,” and tries to get back to cleaning before sitting on his bed with his head in his hands, breaking down in tears. It’s a visceral and relatable reaction to the idea of a piece of art you’ve been making for years suddenly being ripped from your hands for no discernible reason.
It’s not like the show wasn’t popular, or that it was too niche. Created by animators Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid and Ozlem Akturk, “The Tiny Chef Show” followed its titular chef as he created tiny dishes each episode, from granola bars to apple pie. A celebrity guest lent their voice to each episode, including Rupaul, Alan Cumming, Kristen Bell and even Rza. And the show wasn’t just popular with kids, but with Emmy voters. “The Tiny Chef Show” has received six Children’s and Family Emmy nominations since its 2022 premiere, winning two, in 2023 and earlier this year. It also won two Annie Awards.
At a time when animators are under constant threat of their medium disappearing and companies cutting jobs, replacing artists, or completely erasing completed work for a tax break, seeing Tiny Chef being openly emotional is a moment of catharsis and heartbreak for both animators and just fans. Goodbye, Tiny Chef. We hardly knew you.
