'America's Test Kitchen' Host Christopher Kimball Leaving Show

“America’s Test Kitchen” host Christopher Kimball is hanging up his apron.

Producers announced Monday Kimball is leaving the show due to a contract dispute.

“We made every effort to offer Chris a reasonable contract that reflected his significant contributions to the company and are disappointed that we could not reach agreement,” wrote Boston Common Press, the show’s parent company. “We know this change will be a surprise to many, but we are confident that the ensemble cast, 50 test cooks, and support team for America’s Test Kitchen will continue to offer our audiences the same high quality product going forward.”

The statement contained no comment from Kimball, who will stay on as host for the 2016 seasons of America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country television shows.

America’s Test Kitchen, which premiered in 2001, is filmed in Brookline and airs on PBS. It’s the most-watched cooking show on public television.

Photo: Boston Common Press