The Discovery cameras were explained to locals as part of a documentary called “The American Dream.” That cover story opened doors that would otherwise have remained closed. More important, Stearns recruited experienced, local talent who believed in the mission of bringing jobs to Erie. He did not try to go it alone.
| Episode | Title | Air Date (Original) | Key Plot Point | |---|---|---|---| | S1 E1 | | Aug 6, 2019 | Stearns lands in Erie with $100, sleeps in his truck, and begins scouting for survival work. | | S1 E2 | Start Up or Die Trying | Aug 13, 2019 | He takes odd jobs (cleaning houses, printing T‑shirts) to generate seed capital. | | S1 E3 | Take the Bull by the Horns | Aug 20, 2019 | Stearns pivots to flipping used cars, rapidly multiplying his $1,500 into $10,000. | | S1 E4 | House of Cards | Aug 27, 2019 | He confronts health setbacks and nearly loses his funding. | | S1 E5 | No Pain, No Gain | Sept 3, 2019 | The barbecue restaurant concept – Underdog BBQ – begins to take shape. | | S1 E6 | Exposed | Sept 10, 2019 | Stearns reveals his true identity to key team members. | | S1 E7 | Trial by Fire | Sept 17, 2019 | The restaurant opens to a packed crowd; operational stress tests begin. | | S1 E8 | Final Reckoning | Sept 24, 2019 | Professional appraisers assess the business. | index of undercover billionaire