Failed Return
In 2003, CBS stirred controversy with its proposed reality show, The Real Beverly Hillbillies, planning to transplant a rural Appalachian family into Beverly Hills’ luxury. The concept, criticized for mocking Appalachian culture for entertainment, met with resistance from regional advocates.
A similar uproar greeted another network’s idea for a reality show inspired by Green Acres, aiming to swap city elites with country life. Despite assurances from producers claiming no intent to offend, these concepts continued the problematic tradition of caricaturing a lifestyle in an unflattering light. Nevertheless, the public’s appetite for “hillbilly” themed content was satiated in the 2010s by shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Buckwild.