Reporter: Heather Rosenbaum | Videographer: Jonathan Merryman
Climax, VA -- The new TV show "Moonshiners" featuring several people from Climax premieres Tuesday night.
With a red pick-up and overalls, Tim Smith may seem an ordinary Southern guy, but a new show on Discovery plans to feature the Climax resident and make him a national name.
"When they tell me I can be the lead part in a big show like this, it's kind of exciting!" said Smith.
"Moonshiners" takes viewers through the history of this Southern tradition.
"Everyone has an opinion on moonshine whether it is good, it's bad, whatever it may be. I think that is what attracted us to the idea," said Matthew Ostrom, the executive producer.
Ostrom says they set the show in Climax because of Smith and his expertise on the subject, but "Moonshiners" also has roots in Kentucky and Tennessee.
"He is just such an amazing character, someone that was incredibly knowledgeable, someone that was willing to take us into his world," said Ostrom.
"I think it means that we've got some very talented people living in the area. Instead of looking at the big cities, we've got some talented people here too," said Smith.
Smith shares the spotlight with other locals, including ABC agent Jesse Tate.
"Nobody in the whole series was actually making any liquor, we wouldn't allow that. If we knew somebody was making liquor they would have been in the next episode in handcuffs," said Jesse Tate.
Everyone expects the show to draw big numbers, and even bigger attention to the Southside.
"I think it's going to do very well. I think it's a world where people are fascinated by," said Ostrom.
"Just get ready!" said Smith.
The show will air Tuesday at 10 p.m. Kickback Jacks in Danville plans to have a premiere party starting at 9 p.m. with the local cast members.
Watch a sneak peek.
Tim Smith
