I Bid You Peace: The Rise & Fall of the Frugal Gourmet(2026)

I Bid You Peace: The Rise & Fall of the Frugal Gourmet is a documentary series that chronicles the extraordinary career and sudden collapse of Jeff Smith, the beloved television chef who built a devoted following with his accessible cooking philosophy. Smith's warm, charismatic presence made him a household name across America, transforming how millions approached home cooking. The series examines his meteoric ascent through the 1980s and 90s, when his show became a cultural phenomenon, before exploring the allegations and legal troubles that dismantled his empire and tarnished his legacy. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary unpacks the contradiction between Smith's public persona and the private controversies that ultimately ended his career, offering viewers an intimate look at fame, reputation, and redemption in the age of television.