Customer Reviews

"Slow start for 1st two episodes, then became more captivating. Interesting story, as I live near Tacoma, which made the story more relatable to me. I feel like $20 was a bit steep for this purchase, but I guess it’s a trade off for not going through a streaming service."

"Balanced, thoughtful and at a good pace. While Jeff Smith was undeniably the villain, this series did a good job sharing that life is complicated. A mature presentation, not sensationalized."

"I think the series was very thorough in its coverage, though I think it could be cut to 4 episodes without missing anything important, and a lot of the history was very interesting. I’m just disappointed in the scenes with all the tone-deaf white men showing sympathy for Mr Smith, especially the pastor who actually brought religion into the abuse conversation - it’s not surprising, but your decision to include them is. And I understand you had to include mention of Elmo, but interviewing Kevin Clash for a doc about a molester? Yikes…"

"This thoughtful series documents the rise and fall of Jeff Smith, the Frugal Gourmet, a complicated and puzzling human being. Through a series of interviews that form a thread running through the episodes, we watch the trajectory of a brilliant career as it ascends and then implodes. The viewpoints of former friends, colleagues in the culinary world, business associates, and employees, give us a multi-dimensional view of Jeff, warts and all. There is no doubt that he was larger than life, mercurial, unpredictable, difficult, and brilliant. But the ultimate verdict depends upon those points of view: do his remarkable accomplishments stand alone, or are they tainted by his proven record as a longtime serial sexual predator? The series doesn't try to answer that question but rather to lay out the evidence, both good and bad. Jeff was generous and kind at the same time he was scarring young men for life and alienating friends and co-workers. Unquestionably, his life was an enigma."

"I was impressed by the editing, production and video quality. For me, the narrative suffered a lot from lack of attention to Jeff Smith's family and to Craig Wollam. If they refused interviews, this should have been stated."

"This was a thorough documentary. I liked how it took its time to build before dropping the real problem. Worth the money to view it. Wasn’t disappointed!!"

"I thought it was very good, maybe a little redundant. I'm not sure why this couldn't be a n regular tv."

"I remember when the Frugal Gourmet abuse story broke and how conflicted I felt about owning his books. This documentary explores the many sides of Jeff Smith. I think it was a fair, if not slightly complimentary, review of his life. The documentary leaves the viewer to decide how to feel about this deeply flawed American celebrity. I do not regret donating all of my cookbooks."

"Wonderful documentary. It stretched a little too long. It’s a hard subject. Worth watching."

"Excellent"

"This was a tastefully done documentary series on a celebrated personality who fell from grace. The details about the sexual abuse allegations against Jeffrey Smith, the Frugal Gourmet, were handled carefully, without leaning into prurience, which is often what happens in so many stories of this kind. Instead, the individuals interviewed, including several of the men who were teens when they encountered--and were subsequently abused by--Smith, presented a well-rounded picture of a charismatic yet troubled person who never fully acknowledged the harm he committed. We can appreciate what the Frugal Gourmet offered us. Yet, in the end, we are saddened by the reality of guilt, shame, and sexual repression that so many carried in his wake."

"I was very interested in seeing this documentary, but I was hesitant to pay for it since I pay for multiple streaming services already. I'm glad that I did. Firstly, because it was very informative and well done and secondly, to support new talent. I'm glad this is out there for others to see. This story needs to be told."