Being on television is certainly far more ubiquitous today than it was, say 7-10 short years ago. Times certainly have changed. There was a time when an appearance on the Food Network or the Travel Channel could absolutely change the trajectory of your business. No question. It is still very possible these days, but less likely, simply because of the sheer number of programs out there constantly bombarding us with places to go and foods to eat.
That said, there is still some talent out there that moves the needle. One of them is Show Host Samantha Brown.
Samantha’s career has spanned roughly 2 decades. She’s traveled the globe several times over in search of places that would appeal to a mainstream audience’s curiosities. There hasn’t been a lot of Bourdain-like introspection. Likewise, there hasn’t been any Fiery-like food porn. Samantha Brown’s lane has been somewhere in between. It’s why she’s been such a force on the travel programming scene for so long. Her appeal, really, is universal.
Last April, Ms. Brown and her production team made their way to Savannah for an episode of her current show, “Places to Love.” It’s part food, part culture, part people. The final product premieres this Sunday, February 19th, at 6:30pm on Georgia Public Television.
Wednesday, Visit Savannah, led by President Joe Marinelli, held a private screening of the episode at The Historic Savannah Theatre downtown. The 23 minute showing was followed by a visit from Samantha Brown herself via Zoom. Which gave her the opportunity to talk about her experience producing this episode.
“When we go in to a new city, we always ask ‘what don’t people know about but should’? she said. “Everyone in Savannah was so helpful in sharing in that vision.”
If you know Savannah as well as a lot of us do, then you probably know a lot of what is in this show. There’s a Girl Scout element, of course, there is food, of course, but there is much more. There is far more depth to this show than grabbing a beer on River Street and telling everyone that you can walk with it on the street.
The reality is, the people across America-and the world for that matter-that will watch this show, don’t know the Savannah “Team Brown” presented. A lot of us do, and we are supposed to. Now millions around the globe will as well. Yes, Samantha Brown’s reach is that prominent.
I will say, though, there’s a lot of insight in this show that most of Savannah probably doesn’t know. Stories about our history that are right under our noses but you’ve never taken the time to find out about them. Samantha Brown does. I recommend the 23 minute investment to anyone who has any interest in Savannah whatsoever. And if you are reading this, we can assume you do.
Samantha Brown's Places to Love Sunday, February 19, 6:30pm ET Georgia Public Television (Channel 9) Also available any time via stream at GPB.org
