Customer Reviews

"A well - documented series chronicling the rise - and subsequent fall - of Jeff Smith. Quality documentary featuring interviews of those who knew the subject during his period of great fame. Very worthy of streaming!"

Jeff M - Cape Cod

"I watched the Frugal Gourmet on WTTW here in Chicago and I loved the show. I heard about the allegations against Jeff Smith but really never knew the depth of his problems. This was an excellent series and I learned so much about the man behind the camera. No excuses for him, he was a criminal and left a lot of victims in his wake. I’m glad to finally learn what really happened. Your presentation was beautifully done, thank you for sharing it."

Carol L

"Well executed. One doesn't have to remember the Frugal Gourmet to appreciate what his story demonstrates - the complicated and ugly nature of how celebrity allows people to get away with doing bad things and the people that enable it so they can live in that celebrity orbit."

Kim Lynne

"Looks higher budget than most. Quality interviews, shots, sound, and editing. Balanced way of showing the human and better qualities of his character, instead of making him back and white. Happy to pay direct. In fact, I prefer the artist is the direct beneficiary."

JAD

"Very well produced. Captured the drama perfectly. Such a tragic story. Even among the victims, you captured their anguish. A tale of hubris, self destructive behavior, and what could have been. Well done!"

John Malone

"I watch A LOT of docs… biographies, true crime and history. The detail in filming, transitions and content were very professionally done. I do think it could have benefited from just a skosh more of editing to condense this into a 3-4 episode doc would have been ideal. However, the length did add to the anticipation. It also gave more of a balanced view of the subject, so much so that I came away from it unsure of the creator’s opinion (which is the proper way to make a documentary, in my opinion). I don’t typically pay more than $3.99 to watch docs, but I had a good feeling and I was right. Hope you make a killing and advertising on Facebook worked! Good luck!"

Marie P

"Well laid out series of videos, it was a binge worthy series."

Momo

"The quality and reporting here was excellent, and I appreciated the kind but fair lens used to tell the story of this incredibly sad portrait of a conflicted man. I enjoyed Jeff Smith's show and bought his books, but as soon as the accusations were revealed, I could no longer support him. I stand with all of the men he abused, and am so sorry they did not get the apology and justice they deserved in the end."

Jenny

"Very well done! Fascinating story that I knew very little about. I did watch his show when it was on. I was saddened by the number of people in the film who continue to defend him. And maintained a friendship. In my opinion his choices and actions destroyed lives. That is unforgivable. Side note, the film looks great! The cinematography is so bright and crisp."

Tim

"A moving and balanced docuseries. I appreciated that it gave a voice to everyone involved, regardless of which side of the story they were on. It felt honest, thorough, and left me with a much clearer understanding of the man behind the 'Frugal Gourmet' title. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the full story."

K3rr11968

"I watched the Frugal Gourmet in the late 80s and 90s as a young bride and thoroughly enjoyed his show. Bought the cookbooks and still have them. So I was very interested in watching this documentary and have emerged from it with an emotional response I wasn’t expecting. First of all I must say this was excellently made… a truly wonderful and insightful docuseries. I appreciated the well fleshed out background to Jeff Smith’s story and also the story of the people behind him and next to him along the way. I was fascinated by the entire rise - and ultimate fall - of this very complex man. I now have sons myself and was horrified by the abuse Jeff Smith has been accused of. My empathy lies with his victims. I must say I felt sad for Jeff Smith as well. I didn’t think I would feel that way at all. But I do. And I can only say I hope this documentary is seen by many others as it absolutely draws the viewer in and days after finishing it, the show just won’t let go. Excellently done."

Kris M

"Very thorough dissection of a complicated life. By digging into he early years of Jeff Smith’s life the listener begins to get a glimpse of the “drivers” that guided Smith to the success he had. Unfortunately his success led him to be trapped in a public image - causing his demons to be exercised in private. The producers of this video do something very unusual - instead of “cancelling” Jeff as is the popular tactic in today’s culture for someone who has committed horrible crimes - they endeavor to allow us to see Jeff as a “whole” person including voices from many who know of his crimes but still love the Jeff they knew,worked with, benefitted and grew from. While that may be criticized by many - as the crimes he committed left deep scars on the victims (this too is detailed in this pod cast) Jeff Smith is, as we all are, multi and deeply faceted. There is still good in Jeff Smith - and it is a credit to the producers that they show this through the voices of contemporaries."

Kathy