The cable network CMT announced in June 2011 that it would bring a new reality dating series to the small coastal city of Fairhope, Alabama. The show, titled Sweet Home Alabama, was set to premiere on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
A Southern Dating Competition
The eight-episode series centered on Devin Grissom, a University of Alabama student originally from Cordova, Tennessee, who described herself as a devoted southern belle with deep respect for tradition. Grissom, an avid SEC football fan with aspirations of a career in sports public relations, was looking for a partner who shared her values and could earn her family’s approval.
The show’s format pitted 20 bachelors from across the country against one another in a series of challenges, all set against the backdrop of Fairhope’s charming downtown and waterfront scenery. Each one-hour episode featured eliminations as Grissom narrowed the field in her search for a lasting relationship.
Local Contestants in the Mix
Among the 20 competitors were several men with strong ties to South Alabama and the broader region. Britton McPherson, a vintage home restoration carpenter from Mobile, and Cody Harris, a rodeo professional from Robertsdale in Baldwin County, represented the local area. Multiple contestants also hailed from Birmingham, including U.S. Marine veteran Beau McKinney, landscape company owner Collin Varallo, and bartender Tribble Reese.
The remaining bachelors traveled from cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, San Diego, and several towns throughout Tennessee and the Southeast.
Production Details
The series was produced by Glassman Media, the production company behind the ABC show Three Wishes. Andrew Glassman, Grant Julian, and Carrie Franklin served as executive producers, with Claire McCabe and Jayson Dinsmore overseeing the project for CMT.
The selection of Fairhope as the filming location put the Baldwin County city in a national spotlight, showcasing its tree-lined streets, scenic Mobile Bay views, and welcoming small-town atmosphere to a cable television audience.