Aired: 1/23/2026
Jeff Smith's journey from Seattle student to beloved chaplain and gourmet entrepreneur leads to the birth of The Frugal Gourmet. As opportunities grow, personal and professional pressures challenge his vision for the future.
A national TV appearance launches Jeff into stardom. With bestselling books and worldwide culinary adventures, The Frugal Gourmet becomes a sensation-while rising fame brings growing tensions behind the scenes.
Jeff returns his show to Seattle and explores new creative directions. As projects shift and risks increase, his career enters a period of uncertainty that reshapes both his work and personal life.
Jeff's public image is shaken when serious allegations emerge, forcing supporters and critics alike to confront difficult questions about power, trust, and legacy in the spotlight.
Jeff slips into obscurity. Friends and observers consider how ambition, talent, and personal struggles ultimately define his complicated legacy.