Customer Reviews

"It was very interesting hearing from people who knew Jeff Smith personally and from different eras of his life. The story of a man financially ruined by health problems who returns to be one of America’s most famous TV chefs while skeletons lurk in his closet is a compelling story."

Micah

"I found this documentary to be exceptionally compelling and well done. I was a huge fan of The Frugal Gourmet and the show was definitely a foundation for my love of cooking. I watched as a young person and found Jeff to be engaging, interesting, informative and entertaining. I am sad his life was so very complicated and tragic, for him & the people he hurt. The documentary was riveting to watch and while you never know for sure, I hope it's portrayal was accurate and did give victims some light and validation to their injury."

Amy H

"Very well done. Well researched and well told."

Mrs Nedwof

"Was a good presentation of the facts......"

Anna

"This was an interesting and compelling look at the Frugal Gourmet. It made an effort to share all sides of a complex man, not hiding the good or the bad. I was very glad I bought this and recommend it to a wide audience."

CGB

"A very thoughtful and comprehensive treatment of the life and downfall of Jeff Smith."

Ann

"At first, I was binging this series but then I intentionally slowed down because each episode was so fascinating and in depth that I needed a chance to really digest the information and the emotional journey it took me through. I lived through the Jeff Smith years as a viewer at that time. I knew about his “downfall” but did not have the details. I thought the research was amazingly in depth. The access the filmmakers managed to get to those who were right there with him every step of his career was so impressive, and the eyewitness accounts were so vivid, this disturbing story really came alive. It informed my attitude about other powerful people’s charges of sexual abuse, and I thought the delicate way it handled the ambivalence and uncertainty in the victims reporting such experiences extremely insightful. Most importantly, I really feel it, educated me to appreciate the role of the brave observers and my anger at those who so cavalierly excused his behavior."

Joyce Tamara

"This was good but a bit long. They did a good job at showing all perspectives on him. Since he settled lawsuits, there will never be a trial or punishment if he was guilty but it sounds like the end of his life was pretty punishing. However, really I feel for the alleged victims who never felt they got justice. Regardless of what he did criminally, he was a lifelong alcoholic and had classic narcissistic personality traits. I wish people knew more about identifying those red flags and staying away from toxic people like that who can reel you in."

KellyS

"As a fan of the frugal gourmet during the 80’s I was interested in seeing this as his “fall” had somehow escaped me. It was very well done and unbiased. Enjoyed hearing all sides of the story and my deepest condolences to his victims and I bid THEM Peace."

Beverley Wright

"The series was harrowing and at times almost painful to watch as I truly admired and enjoyed years of the Frugal Gourmet on PBS. I found myself being upset for his victims and feeling almost no sympathy for Jeff Smith. It was difficult coming to terms with his deceitful, duplicity, but was glad that in the end, the men he molested received financial compensation. That doesn’t begin to make them whole or even serve justice, but I was actually glad Smiths career was ended when his behavior was exposed. The series was well written and wonderfully directed."

Charleen

"Excellent Documentary! I used to work for WTTW/Channel back in the 80s. The Studio… and entire building for that matter always smelled heavenly when Jeff Smith was in town taping the Frugal Gourmet. Jeff was a complicated man. He came off as the friendly Pastor with incredible cooking talent on air. When the tapes were not rolling, he could be SO rude! He once berated an assistant in front of me for not holding a wine goblet properly. We heard “rumors” of disturbing behavior through various colleagues who worked with him. At the time, none of us believed it… or more upsetting.. none of us said or did anything about it. We were so young, and didn’t know how to react. Several years after I left the Station, he was charged with several counts of Sexual Harassment and Abuse… towards men specifically. None of us were surprised by this news."

SBS

"I think the series was put together very well. The story overall was very disappointing in terms of how this very talented and then powerful man took advantage of those below him. I was a big fan. I thought his program on PBS was very good. I am very glad that the shed light on this situation to hopefully prevent this from happening again. Then again so much of this goes on in the Catholic Church and I believe anywhere in our country. So what I liked about the series is that it talked about how talented he was, but yet they still told the story of his abuse of the people he worked with."

Mike Cimarusti