Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros.

Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros., broadcast on OVATION in 2015, is an entrancing gastronomy, art, and culture-based TV show that takes viewers on a vibrant journey through the Southern United States. Teeming with southern charm and hospitality, the show deftly connects the viewers with the past, presents a feast of present-day Southern life, and hints at the future, all through the perceptive eyes of James Beard Award-winning food and travel writers Matt and Ted Lee.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Matt and Ted Lee act as ideal guides, focusing each episode on a specific Southern city. With their infectious enthusiasm about their heritage and deep-rooted love for the South, they introduce viewers to a multitude of cultural gems that make the South such an intriguing place.

As the series unfolds, the essence of the cities of Charleston, Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans, Asheville, and Louisville are intimately explored. The Lee brothers weave their way through the bustling streets, checking out local farmers’ markets, cafés, and off-the-beaten-path food joints, revealing the culinary heritage that each city holds. Through their exploration, the Southern kitchen is revisited in a new light, wherein traditional meals are given a modern twist, and storytelling merges with cooking, offering the viewers a nourishing platter of the city’s history, its people, and rituals.

Yet, the show is not only about food. Committed to offering a holistic view, Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros. ventures into various aspects of the Southern lifestyle that contribute to its unique blend of tradition and innovation. The show delves into the arts and culture scene, presenting the glorious architecture, intriguing local music, prolific artists, and fascinating crafts that form the backbone of the city's identity.

The Lee brothers possess an approachable style that resonates throughout the show, as they engage in candid conversations with local chefs, artists, craft distillers, musicians, and more. Each of the people they meet offers another piece to the puzzle, broadening the understanding of the region’s rich tapestry. The conversations are always respectful and brimming with curiosity, proving them to be not only great hosts but also curious travelers.

Infused with this friendly spirit, the Lee brothers ensure that the show maintains a perfect balance of informative and entertaining content. Like an intimate Southern dinner party, Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros. invites everyone to the table, encouraging viewers to partake in an enthralling journey full of new experiences that succeed in invoking a greater appreciation for the Southern United States.

The imagery and cinematography of the series are equally engaging, offering a captivating visual journey. From the swaying live oaks and cityscapes to colorful market scenes and bustling kitchens, the cameras traverse the landscape like an eager traveler. The result is a show that is vivid in its spectacle and unmissable in its detail.

On another note, Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros. does not shy away from incorporating social commentary subtly. By respectfully acknowledging past socio-cultural issues or conflicts, they display an awareness of the region’s past, which they intersperse with a celebration of how far the South has come over the decades.

The show has garnered substantial praise for its authentic portrayal of Southern life, managing to steer clear of clichéd imagery or tired Southern stereotypes, focusing instead on the unique blend of resilience, creativity, and the heartwarming southern hospitality that makes this region stand apart.

In conclusion, Southern Uncovered with the Lee Bros. goes beyond the simple narrative of food or travel show. It’s a captivating celebration of Southern culture that lovingly sketches the South as the melting pot it truly is, encompassing its food, its people, its culture, and its vibrant, yet complex, history. Definitively, a must-watch for anyone keen on understanding the heart and soul of the Southern United States.