Limited-run series builds on Emmy-nominated "Good Things Brewing" and highlights why Milwaukee was named as one of Conde Nast Traveler's Best Big Cities in the United States

Visit Milwaukee and its partners at TEAM LAMMI are proud to debut “Milwaukee Made,” presented by Discover the North Shore, Marquette University, Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Sprecher Brewing Co., a three-episode television series that celebrates the stories, culture and spirit that define Milwaukee as a premier destination to live, work, and visit.  

 

Airing June 14-29 across 15 Midwest markets, the limited-run series builds on the success of Visit Milwaukee's acclaimed web video series of the same name and continues the momentum of the Emmy-nominated "Good Things Brewing" television program. 

 

"’Milwaukee Made’ showcases what makes our city special," said Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. “From our championship basketball culture to our legendary brewing heritage and world-class Milwaukee Theater District, this television series brings Milwaukee's authentic stories to viewers across the Midwest, inviting them to discover why Conde Nast Traveler named us one of the best big cities in the United States."

 

The series will air across 15 markets throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota, including major stations such as WGN-TV Chicago, TMJ4 NBC Milwaukee, CBS 3 Madison, and KSTP ABC Minneapolis. Hosted by Milwaukee native and star event planner David Caruso of Dynamic Events by David Caruso, the series features three themed episodes that dive deep into Milwaukee's most defining characteristics:

 
  • Episode 1: Basketball Culture (June 14/15) explores how the Milwaukee Bucks have become more than just a hometown NBA team; they're part of the city's DNA. From two championship seasons (1971 and 2021) to the bustling barbershops, exciting dance crews, and one-of-a-kind retailers that fuel the community, viewers will see how the Bucks bring Milwaukee to life beyond the final buzzer. 
  • Episode 2: Brewing Revolution (June 21/22) celebrates Milwaukee's evolution from The Original Brew City into a hub of beverage innovation. While honoring the legendary beer brewing tradition that built the city's reputation, this episode showcases today's trailblazers crafting everything from rich coffees and artisanal teas to bold sodas, non-alcoholic cocktails, and premium N/A beers. 
  • Episode 3: The Milwaukee Theater District (June 28/29) highlights the city's thriving arts scene, from live theater and concerts to fine arts, murals, galleries and sculpture gardens. The episode showcases Milwaukee's Theater District as unmatched for accessibility, proximity to live events, and sheer number of performances, featuring the creative minds who make Milwaukee one of the cultural gems of the United States.
 

"’Milwaukee Made’ represents the immersive, first-person storytelling that drives tourism and economic impact," said Brian Lammi, president of TEAM LAMMI. "By showcasing real people and genuine experiences, we're not just promoting Milwaukee, we're inviting viewers to become part of these stories themselves." 

 

Featured cast members include industry leaders and community champions such as Peter Feigin of the Milwaukee Bucks, Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery, Chad Bauman and Mark Clements of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, LaShawndra Vernon of Pryme Solutions, Susan Varela of Skylight Music Theatre,  Ryan Castelaz of Discourse Coffee & Agency Cocktail Lounge, and Sharad Chadha of Sprecher Brewery Co., among others. The series also features special appearances by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and former Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette University men’s basketball star Steve Novak.

 

"As someone who was born and raised in Milwaukee, it’s been an absolute joy and honor to help tell the stories that make this city so vibrant and unforgettable,” says host David Caruso. “Milwaukee Made’ is a love letter to the people, places, and passions that define who we are—from our championship spirit and creative brewing scene to the incredible energy of our Theater District. I’m so proud to help showcase Milwaukee’s magic to audiences across the Midwest."

 

The limited series is championed by presenting sponsors Discover the North Shore, Marquette University, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and Sprecher Brewing Co., and was produced with support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Production partners include Kingdom Filmworks and Shine United. 

 

Beyond television, the "Milwaukee Made" campaign includes comprehensive digital and social media activations, influencer partnerships, bonus web content, and extended marketing efforts throughout 2025. Additional promotional opportunities include exposure during the Jordan Love Charity Softball Game TV Special and integration with TEAM LAMMI's sports programming throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. 

 

Where to Watch: 

  • KWWL – NBC (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) – 6/15, 6/22 at 6:30 a.m., 6/28 at 5 p.m. 
  • WGN-TV (Chicago) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 6 a.m. 
  •  KDSM Fox 17 (Des Moines, Iowa) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10:30 a.m. 
  •  WLUK-Fox 11 (Green Bay, Wis.) – 6/14, 6/22, 6/29 at 12 p.m. 
  •  KODE-TV – ABC (Joplin, Mo.) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 6 p.m. 
  •  Fox 4 (Kansas City, Mo.) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10:30 a.m. 
  •  WLAX/WEUX FOX 25 48 (La Crosse and Eau Claire, Wis.) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 9:30 p.m. 
  •  Channel 3000 – CBS 3 (Madison, Wis.) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 6:30 p.m. 
  •  TMJ4 NBC (Milwaukee) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10:30 a.m. 
  •  KSTP – ABC (Minneapolis) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 6:30 p.m. 
  •  WYZZ – Fox (Peoria, Ill.) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10 a.m. 
  •  WHBF – CBS (Quad Cities, Ill.) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 6:30 p.m. 
  •  KGCW – CW (Quad Cities, Iowa) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10:30 a.m. 
  •  WREX – NBC (Rockford, Ill.) – 6/15, 6/22, 6/29 at 10:30 a.m. 
  • WSAW-CBS (Wausau, Wis.) – 6/14, 6/21, 6/28 at 11 a.m. 
 

Complete market and showtime information is available at visitmilwaukee.org/milwaukeemade, along with complete episodes, bonus content and extended interviews. A full media kit is available here.  

 

For media inquiries and interview opportunities, contact Claire Koenig at ckoenig@milwaukee.org or 414-520-6708.