Customer Reviews

"This series explored an important topic, especially in view of what's happening with the Epstein files. Unfortunately, I found it incredibly repetitive, with so many scenes where various subjects said the same thing, sometimes word for word, that they'd been quoted as saying earlier. I also found is kind of appalling that the priest who was clearly defending Smith's behavior was given so much screen time. His attempts to deflect the horrific charges were, again, repeated way more than they should have been, especially with no proof on his part."

"Like some other reviewers as soon as I discovered there was a documentary on Jeff Smith I immediately purchased and binge watched. It was so well done, the hard truths but so respectful at the same time. I was a huge fan of the Frugal Gourmet PBS series and in my early 20’s it was my Saturday morning ritual to watch on my local PBS station with This Old House and the Victory Garden. He taught me so much and I can still hear him say “hot pan, cold oil, food won’t stick” in my head when I fry, my husband bought me the Turkish coffee grinder he used for pepper when our first daughter was born, and don’t get me started on garlic. Such a shame for someone who was such an engaging teacher and beloved figure to have a horribly unchecked dark side."

"It is very slow to start and does not give many details. It was just ok"

"Great documentary! So intriguing to see how his friends viewed him after the allegations against him. Also, I found it fascinating how so many put up with his abusive personality. Binge worthy!"

"Really well done documentary. My love and competence as a home cook was all due to watching Jeff Smith as the Frugal Gourmet in the late 80s. I bought and consumed multiple books of his. Understanding the dark influences that haunted Jeff provided insights that I had never known before. It was a tough watch seeing this respected and influential personality succumb to his own personal demons, but it felt necessary to fully grasp the idea that professional success, even with a spiritual component, does not insulate someone from their own self-inflicted demise. A cautionary tale that reminds us everyone is battling something we know nothing about. For me this was a worthwhile lesson about a person I respected and enjoyed, while behind the scenes controlling and ruining others careers and lives."

"Very good docuseries. I remember my parents watching him when I was growing up and I vaguely remember there being some sort of scandal. Those young men deserve for their story to be told, no matter who it makes uncomfortable. I was skeptical about purchasing from the website, but after reading all the comments and reviews I decided to take a risk. So glad I did. Very well done."

"This was very well done. So nice to hear from people who loved Jeff Smith, and heartbreaking to hear about the hurt and pain his choices caused to others and ultimately himself. I loved The Frugal Gourmet TV show and cookbooks and was so sad when this came to light. Terribly sad."

"I immediately purchased this upon learning that it existed and I'm glad I did. I'm the target audience for this: a chef who grew up watching PBS cooking shows, and A LOT of The Frugal Gourmet. I loved the show and cooked his recipes as a youth. Then he was gone. I had always heard that something happened, but never exactly what. This docuseries does an excellent job of telling a story that needed to be told without ever being heavy-handed. It is a fair portrayal of this controversial figure, mainly told by a small group of individuals that knew him well. Highly recommended viewing for foodies, PBS fans, and those looking for a degree of closure to the Jeff Smith story."

"A well-done documentary showing a complex man. People can walk around with incredible light and genius, and horrific darkness in the same body. But, I think juggling those extremes for an entire lifetime must have a cost."

"I was a fan of his. I catered and worked at restaurants off and on in late 80's, early 90's. I had heard rumors, did not believe at first then did. I never payed attention to the resolution of his situation because I had my children in the early 90s and just did not care enough to pay attention. It's a sad story about another man who is allowed to do whatever he wants. Because he's smart, talented. I think the doc was too generous to him. There are not two sides to this story. It also could have used more editing, I found it repetitive. No surprise that the clergyman defended him even after the evidence was incontrovertible."

"I definitely had a strong opinion before I watched. I must say the documentary seemed even-handed to me. It did not change my opinion, but it definitely gave thorough coverage and consideration of various viewpoints. It was a well done series and I enjoyed the presentation very much."

"I remember never missing a Frugal Gourmet show. I had gotten into watching cooking shows starting with "The French Chef", which was also a PBS production. This documentary tells the story of Jeff Smith's life and rise to fame chronologically, as good documentaries do. What comes across from the many interviews of those who knew and worked for Jeff is that he was an enigma. His image as a pastor, happily married, and as a successful celebrity, slowly starts to crumble as the allegations of sexual abuse surface. Since he is a sympathetic character, you don't want to believe it, at first. When more and more credible survivors tell their stories, you then see the reality of the "Jekyl and Hyde" reference in the film. I think that "I bid you peace" gives a comprehensive account of the rise and fall of "The Frugal Gourmet" without a sensationalist agenda."