New show features Sikeston family

SIKESTON -- The fyi Network is considering a new show that will fit with its mix of lifestyle and reality programming. This one, however, will have a familiar look for Southeast Missouri residents.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, "Small Town, Big Style," will debut on the network, featuring Sikeston residents Sarah and Ty Ferrell and Ty Ferrells' mother, Frannie. The show combines the talents of the three Ferrells as they renovate a house in the 30-minute pilot.

"We are not officially green-lighted," said Sarah Ferrell, who added she is learning television terms from her experience in the production. "The network has not contracted for the series. The pilot could air and not be picked up, or it could do really well; then they would contract us for a series. We don't know yet."

Before filming began for "Small Town, Big Style," Ferrell said she and her husband discussed the effect working on a reality television show would have on them and their families. She said she realized it would open their lives to scrutiny and the opinions of others.

In the end, they agreed the pros outweighed the cons.

"Because this was something we got to do together as family, we thought that was so neat, we didn't want to pass it up," Ferrell said.

The pilot was filmed as the Ferrells worked to renovate De Bizzell's house in Sikeston in November.

Ferrell said it wasn't just three Ferrells involved; the entire family pitched in to bring about the renovation for the show. Her sister served as the production assistant, working on details even before filming began, and her father-in-law and brother-in-law, Steve and Chase Ferrell, lent their services to the production.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.