Bright Leaf Hot Dogs Featured In New North Carolina-Produced TV Series

The collaboration will highlight the 85th anniversary of the popular Red Hots brand.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A new television series featuring world-renowned billiards champions and Southern comfort food is set to begin filming in Sampson County, North Carolina, highlighting both local industry and a longtime North Carolina brand celebrating a major milestone. The series, called Grace the Table, will feature Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, produced by Carolina Packers in Smithfield, as the popular Red Hots brand marks its 85th anniversary.

Why it matters

The collaboration between the new TV series and the iconic North Carolina hot dog brand showcases the state's rich culinary and sports heritage, providing a platform to celebrate local industries and talent. As a longtime staple in the region, the 85-year milestone for Bright Leaf Hot Dogs underscores the enduring appeal of traditional Southern comfort foods.

The details

The new series is being produced by Dirty Laundry Picture Company, an independent film and television studio based in Clinton, NC. Filming is scheduled to begin on February 17, with Bright Leaf products appearing on set during a February 19 filming date. The series will be hosted by Allison Fisher, one of the greatest female billiards players in the world, and will feature several legendary figures from the sport, including Jeanette Lee, Ewa Mataya Laurance, Mike Sigel, and three-time world champion Earl Strickland.

  • Filming is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.
  • Bright Leaf products will appear on set during a February 19, 2026 filming date.
  • Release of the series is planned for late summer to early fall 2026.

The players

Dirty Laundry Picture Company

An independent film and television studio based in Clinton, North Carolina, and the producer of the new series Grace the Table.

Bright Leaf Hot Dogs

A popular North Carolina hot dog brand produced by Carolina Packers in Smithfield, celebrating its 85th anniversary.

Allison Fisher

Widely regarded as one of the greatest female billiards players in the world, and the host of the new series Grace the Table.

Earl Strickland

A three-time world champion in billiards, winner of more than 100 titles, and a featured guest on the new series Grace the Table.

Monty Hobbs

The creator and executive producer of the new series Grace the Table.

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What they’re saying

“Producing a show with legends in the sport — talking about their lives while indulging in the foods from their childhood that provide comfort — is everything I could ask for.”

— Monty Hobbs, Creator and Executive Producer, Grace the Table (jocoreport.com)

What’s next

Release of the series Grace the Table is planned for late summer to early fall 2026.

The takeaway

This collaboration between a new North Carolina-produced TV series and the iconic Bright Leaf Hot Dogs brand showcases the state's rich culinary and sports heritage, providing a platform to celebrate local industries and talent. The 85-year milestone for Bright Leaf underscores the enduring appeal of traditional Southern comfort foods.