Watch TrueSouth

TrueSouth is a television series created by ESPN in 2018 that investigates the cultural identity of the southern United States as a whole. The host of the show, John T. Edge – an acclaimed food writer and Southern culture expert, takes viewers on an immersive journey into everything that makes the region unique.

Over the course of six episodes, TrueSouth explores the sights, sounds, and flavors that are distinct to the southern US. Through interviews, historical context, and colorful imagery, Edge discovers a region full of contradictions, complexities, and most importantly, good food.

Each episode delves into a different city or town, uncovering stories that allow Edge to showcase the South's most fascinating characters. In Nashville, he meets some of the most exciting musicians in the country, while in Mississippi he learns about blues history and meets an artisanal canoe maker. In all the towns, he learns the traditions that shaped the South, including the peculiarities that arise from living in cities marked by harsh southern weather; poverty, racism, and joys are only a few examples of the complexities that come with living in the new South.

One of the key aspects of the program is its emphasis on food. Each episode features local figures who have made it their business to produce or promote culinary creations that are deeply rooted in the region. For example, the first episode, which takes place in Nashville, explores the melting pot of Southern cuisines that influence the city's culinary scene. Throughout the show's first season, viewers learn about everything from barbecue to the country's oldest soda fountain.

Of course, TrueSouth is not solely focused on food. The series also documents some of the more challenging aspects of southern life, such as those faced by immigrants, depression, and the intersection of class and race. These are issues that are deeply ingrained in the South's social fabric, and Edge does an admirable job of using the show to examine them. The end result is an episode that feels educational as well as entertaining.

Beyond just the content of the episodes, TrueSouth also stands out for its technical qualities. The cinematography is consistently breathtaking, with sweeping shots that showcase some of the most beautiful vistas that the southern US has to offer. The music selection, too, is on-point, with each episode featuring a rousing soundtrack that sets the tone for the city or town being explored.

Overall, TrueSouth is one of ESPN's most impressive original series in years. Through John T. Edge's charismatic hosting style, the show effectively documents everything that makes the southern United States unique. From its food to its culture, the show captures the essence of the region in a way that will enthrall viewers of all backgrounds. Its technical execution is equally impressive, resulting in a program that is a feast for the senses.

TrueSouth is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on March 17, 2021.