New reality series on North Carolina farmer-chefs showcases rural life in a positive light

Reality television producers have spent the past several years poking fun at absurd stereotypes of rural life with shows about hillbillies, drunks, white trash and comical-looking characters acting like fools. But a new series is showing a different side of life in small-town America by highlighting a pair of successful restaurant owners who buy local and create dishes with local flavor. The show, "A Chef's Life," premiered recently on PBS. It "counters the Buckwilds and Swamp Peoples of the small screen with a narrative about the strengths and wisdom of rural communities," Lora Smith reports for the Daily Yonder.

The show centers around Vivian Howard and Ben Knight (PBS photo), who own the Chef and the Farmer, which opened in 2006 in Kinston, N.C. "In the opening credits of the show, Chef Vivian sets up the story’s premise: An Eastern Carolina daughter returns home to raise a family, run a small business and explore her community through the lens of food," Smith writes. "Interspersed with Vivian’s narration are beautiful sun-soaked shots of Eastern North Carolina farms and the farmers who tend them. Heritage-breed hogs root at the camera and a float resembling a giant ear of corn sails through a tiny main street parade."

"What follows is a representation of rural people and place that is rarely seen on television. The people are creative, intelligent and interesting. The family drama is relatable. And humorous moments aren’t at the expense of those on screen," Smith writes. Knight told Smith, “What you see in those other reality shows creates a huge schism in how we treat one another in this country. This show is trying to bridge that gap in a way that is approachable.” (Read more) (Yonder photo by Chris Fowler: The vendor list for Chef and the Farmer)

A second season has already begun filming. For more on the show or to find local listings, click here.