Watch New York Originals

New York Originals is a documentary series produced by FilmBuff, released in 2010. The show is a celebration of the city's unique culture and its residents who preserve its legacy through their remarkable crafts. The series takes viewers on a journey through the Big Apple's streets, featuring the city's most iconic stores and the people who run them. It showcases the enduring legacies of small business owners and artisans who have dedicated their lives to their crafts, whether it be the art of neon signs, the mastery of cutting meat, the complexities of hat-making, or the beauty of handmade candles.

The show is comprised of eight episodes, each highlighting different artisans and businesses across New York City's boroughs. The series' main narrator is Jamie McDonald, who serves as an on-screen host, guiding viewers across the city's famous districts while interviewing the creative minds behind these local gems.

In the first episode, viewers are taken to Coney Island, where Billy Smith's mom-and-pop store, Rudy’s Barbershop, has been operating for more than eighty years. Smith has honed his craft, cutting hair for over five decades on the same block. As he shares the history of his family-run establishment, viewers are enraptured by the details that make it so special.

Another episode takes viewers to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where they meet Greg Depalma, the owner of Crest Hardware, an iconic hardware store that has been around for over 50 years. As viewers witness the store's transformation from a simple hardware store to an art and design hub, they gain an appreciation for the role that local businesses play in community life, and how Depalma is breathing new life into a neighborhood.

Other episodes feature an informal survey of the Bronx's bakeries, the creation of historic neon signs, and the art of making leather goods at the Brooklyn-based workshop of craftsman Dustin Yellin. There is also an episode celebrating the history of the delicatessen and how the esteemed Katz's Delicatessen has continued to churn out their signature pastrami and kippered salmon dishes for over a century, captivating both locals and tourists.

Throughout each episode, viewers are treated to an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at each artisan's trade, product, or service. As they witness the day-to-day workings of their craft, it becomes clear that the individuals running these businesses are preserving New York's storied heritage through their inspirational work.

What makes New York Originals stand out is its ability to put everyday people and their narratives on a pedestal. It celebrates 'the little guy,' paying homage to the exquisite products and services they offer, often overshadowed by larger retail chains. As a result, the series offers viewers an unconventional guide to New York - a city that's much more nuanced than just the skyscrapers of its downtown.

In summary, New York Originals offers an excellent and entertaining look at the unsung heroes of local business in New York. They are individuals who enjoy a hometown following and loyal customers, who appreciate their hardwork and dedication in their respective crafts. The series offers a glimpse into the life of a local business owner, their timeless operating philosophies, and the community-building impacts of these beloved establishments. It's a truly heroic ode to the unsung heroes of New York City.