"Overall, the series was very good and interesting, though it could have probably been done in 3 or 4 episodes. We would have liked to see a bit more history of his childhood and upbringing, and maybe a segment that explored the mental health aspect of his life a bit more deeply. Something to examine potential explanations for the "why" of the way he was. Nonetheless, it was a a thorough and balanced overview of a complex and troubled man, accompanied by a nostalgic review of the birth and history of food television in the United States."
JV
"Fascinating series. A deep look into a complicated personality. The interviews of friends, employees and coworkers were so honest and obviously painful for some. The editing was well done kept me engaged for the entire 5 part series. I like the the old videos shown in a television of the era, that was a nice touch."
Rebecca
"It was more of a history of him than a major breaking story as it was advertised. Interesting, but I’m not sure I would pay $20 again if I knew then what I saw now."
Doc
"Very well done documentary, as a 68 year old man I lived through these times with Jeff. Loved his show, had one of his cook books. It was really hard for someone to come out in the 70's, homosexuality was still listed as a mental disorder until 73. I think this led to many people leading double lives instead of being who they really are. No excuse for any abuse certainly, it's just very sad when a person can't be authentic."
Steve Cooley
"Excellent docuseries. Worth the price to watch such in depth storytelling, and to support an independent filmmaker.
Almost as disturbing as Smith's predatory behavior is the priest's willingness to make excuses for it."
Susan
"Really interesting documentary. Interview format, so a lot of people to keep track of and listen to. I would be interested to learn more about the story from his family’s point of view! In other words, this documentary made me want to know more. As much as I miss Smith’s influence on my culinary life, I believe those who came forward!"
Jane Shortridge
"Watched all 5.... i do believe there was repetitiveness with the interviews ,so maybe more editing was in order. I really would have liked to learn some more of how his last 5 years were spent..post losing his show,book deals and all. Overall it was honest ,informative and much work went in to making this docuseries ,so 4 stars .
I surmised interviews were done 2018 or thereabout."
V.a
"Very well shot, you got all the key interviews, and it was very educational. It made me search my soul. Best of all, your documentary helped bring moral clarity to people like me who hoped to salvage the good that Smith did, from the evils he committed. I found out that his crimes were much worse than I knew, and Dr. Amit Bhattacharjee taught me that it is important to make a sacrifice in order to have moral clarity: boycott the good that Smith still has to offer, to make a clean break. Let his victims know that we do not consider their pain to be an acceptable price. John Evans is intelligent and I respect his ability to abide contradictions and stay in contact with Smith without forgiving him. But Dr. Bhattacharjee is right. If Smith wanted to be forgiven, he needed to publicly admit what he did and plead guilty. Truth has to come before reconciliation.
Please make appearance credits available in the near future."
Jason Brougham
"Loved! Every episode was great"
Michelle
"The docuseries was excellent. So many interviews with those who knew him well. The music and cinematography was also excellent. Thought 5 episodes was a bit much though. Some could have been combined or perhaps cut some of the interviews. Overall very good documentary on a complicated man. I remember watching his cooking shows as a kid. This explained a lot that went on behind the scenes."
CM
"The series was amazing! Well done! Comprehensive! Nice cadence to the episodes. Loved it!! Your streaming technology is awful however. Times out too fast. CC has to reset after every pause or bathroom break. We worked our way through but please spend some money on your platform!!"
HDW
"Well executed, informative, and fair. Jeff Smith was a complicated man and this documentary series takes all sides into account."
Anne Ryder