Alfonso Ribeiro To Host New Cooking Channel Series

Actor/performer Alfonso Ribeiro will host a new Cooking Channel show Unwrapped 2.0, the network said Thursday.

Ribeiro, best known for his role in the 1990s sitcom Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and more recently for winning ABC's Dancing with The Stars competition series last month, will provide viewers with behind-the-scenes details on the preparation of classic American treats, said network officials. Unwrapped 2.0 is a reboot of Food Network’s long-running series Unwrapped, hosted by Marc Summers.

"Viewers will love Alfonso's charismatic charm and engaging personality," said Michael Smith, general manager and senior vice president of Cooking Channel in a statement. "As a talented actor, dancer and television host, Alfonso's multi-faceted background and inquisitive nature make him the perfect fit to take the reins of Unwrapped 2.0."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.