I find Oprah annoying too, and Dr. Phil, each in their own way. For that matter, I find Emeril Lagasse very annoying as well. I think each of these people, including Rachey Ray, appeal -- appeal very strongly -- to a significant group of people, enough to substantiate their wildly successful television programs, bestselling books and magazines.
Rachel Ray's first episode was just too over-the-top, even for Rachel Ray. I think she's really trying to make that leap that Emeril Lagasse made, from studio cooking show to live-audience variety show. Emeril is annoying too. However, his live show is at least marginally watchable IMHO -- BUT BUT BUT the first episode of Emeril Live was NOT NOT NOT -- it was no better than Rachel Ray's first episode, IMHO, and so I think we'll need to wait and see if Rachel Ray gets into a groove -- becomes less of a cartoon characature of herself -- as the weeks go on. I think if she just stays the same, even her fans will abandon here.