Three new episodes will air across 13 Midwest markets,
building on the success of the first season

 

Visit Milwaukee and its partners at TEAM LAMMI are proud to debut the second season of "Milwaukee Made," presented by Marquette University, El Rey Foods, Herb Kohl Philanthropies and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. The three-episode television season celebrates the people, culture and innovation that define Milwaukee as a premier destination to live, work and visit. As one of the newest cities recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, Milwaukee continues to earn national attention for its thriving culinary scene and vibrant visitor experience.  

 

Airing July 11 through September 5 across 13 key Midwest markets, including Milwaukee, the new season builds on the success of the acclaimed first season and continues the momentum of the Emmy-nominated “Good Things Brewing” television program.  

 

"This season of ‘Milwaukee Made’ takes our storytelling even deeper into the heart of this city," said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. "From the food innovators feeding the nation from our kitchens, to the fashion and footwear icons  putting Milwaukee on the global style map, to the very best stories we've told across both seasons, this series is a testament to the creativity that continues to elevate Milwaukee’s reputation and draw in travelers of all kinds.” 

 

The series will air across 13 markets throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota, including major stations such as WGN-TV Chicago, TMJ4 in Milwaukee, CBS 3 Madison and KSTP Minneapolis. With his signature charisma and energy, returning host David Caruso, of Dynamic Events by David Caruso, guides viewers through each of the themed episodes.  

 

This season’s new episodes include:  

 

  • Episode 4: Style Makers (airing Aug. 1 and 22)  

Milwaukee's fashion innovators are putting the city on the map, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge. With a rich history as one of the nation's largest leather manufacturing centers, a legacy that lives on through world-class design education, Milwaukee is now home to a bold new wave of makers, including Shake James, All Goods’ Ali Acevedo and others redefining Milwaukee style and taking it to new heights.    

 

  • Episode 5: Local Flavor (airing Aug. 8 and 29)  

Milwaukee's food innovators are feeding the nation, literally from our kitchens to yours, blending old-world tradition with bold new flavors. Some of the biggest names in the food industry were founded in Milwaukee, including El Rey Foods and Usinger's, creating products that have become household favorites. The episode also celebrates Milwaukee's emergence as a MICHELIN Guide city, showcasing the culinary talent and dining experiences earning national recognition.  

 

  • Episode 6: Best Of (Aug. 15 and Sept. 5)   

In its first two seasons, “Milwaukee Made” has highlighted the innovative businesses and extraordinary people who make this city special. From Gee's Clippers in Bronzeville to Discourse Coffee in Walker's Point to Usinger's in downtown Milwaukee, this celebration episode revisits standout stories that capture the culture, creativity and community shaping Milwaukee today.  

 

A collage of 12 portraits features Milwaukee business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs standing inside their workplaces. The diverse group is photographed in restaurants, shops, markets, and creative spaces, highlighting the people behind Milwaukee's local businesses and neighborhoods.

"What excites me most about the second season is how it expands the Milwaukee Made universe," said Brian Lammi, founder and CEO of TEAM LAMMI. "We're going deeper into the neighborhoods, the kitchens and the design studios — the places where Milwaukee's identity is built. That's the kind of storytelling that inspires people to book a trip."  

 

Featured cast members include community champions and industry leaders such as Curt Kluth and Steve "Saz" Sazama of Saz's Hospitality Group; Giacomo and Nick Fallucca of Palermo's Pizza; Ernesto Villarreal of El Rey Foods; Fritz Usinger of Usinger's; Ali Acevedo of All Goods; Carrie Arrouet of Lela Boutique; Shake James of Clicks/SNEEX, Lynne Dixon-Speller of the Edessa School of Fashion and Marla Poytinger of Bars & Recreation, among others. The "Best Of" episode also features returning favorites including Ryan Castelaz of Discourse Coffee, Russ Klisch of Lakefront Brewery, Mark Clements of Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Susan Varela of Skylight Music Theatre, Peter Feigin of the Milwaukee Bucks and Gaulien "Gee" Smith of Gee's Clippers.  

 

"Milwaukee has never stopped surprising me, and this season is proof of that," said returning host David Caruso. "We're sitting down with the people who are feeding us, dressing us and shaping what this city looks like, and their stories are as bold and original as Milwaukee itself. I couldn't be more proud to bring them to audiences across the Midwest."  

 

Season Two is presented by Marquette University, El Rey Foods, Herb Kohl Philanthropies and Milwaukee World Festivals. The series was produced by Kingdom Filmworks and Shine United, with executive producers Peggy Williams-Smith, Josh Albrecht, David Caruso, Brian Lammi, Mark Kass and Tom Kermgard.  

 

Beyond television, Visit Milwaukee’s “Milwaukee Made” campaign includes digital and social media promotions, along with bonus web content and extended marketing efforts throughout 2026, doubling down in the same markets where the show will air.  

 

Weekly episode previews, digital-exclusive content and guest Q&As will be featured on VisitMilwaukee.org/MilwaukeeMade throughout the season.   

 

Where to Watch   

Season One episodes will air July 11, 18 and 25. Season Two premieres with new episodes on Saturdays, Aug. 1, 8 and 15,  22, 29 and Sept. 5, 2026 2026. All episodes will air in:  

 

  • Cedar Rapids: KWWL (NBC)  — Sunday, 6 a.m.   

  • Chicago: WGN — 6 a.m. Saturday, 6 a.m.    

  • Des Moines: KDSM Fox 17 — Sunday, 10:30 a.m.      

  • Green Bay: WFRV (CBS) — Sunday, 5 a.m.   

  • Joplin: KODE-TV (ABC) — Saturday, 6 p.m.   

  • Kansas City: Fox 4 KC — Saturday, 5:30 a.m.   

  • La Crosse, Eau Claire: WLAX FOX 25 / WEUX FOX 48 — Sunday, 10 p.m.    

  • Minneapolis: WUCW (CW) — Sunday, 9 p.m.   

  • Madison: Channel 3000 (CBS)  — Sunday, 10:30 p.m. - Starting 7/18 (two additional airings on TWW on weekends)   

  • Milwaukee: TMJ4 (NBC) — Sunday, 11 p.m. (5 weeks - 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 9/6), Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (4 weeks - 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30)    

  • Peoria: WYZZ (Fox) — Sunday, 10 a.m.   

  • Quad Cities: WHBW (CBS) — Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on CW affiliate KGCW    

  • Rockford: WREX (NBC) — Saturday, 5:30 a.m. 

 

Complete market and showtime information will be available at VisitMilwaukee.org/MilwaukeeMade, along with full episodes, bonus content and extended interviews. Milwaukee Made Media Kit is available here. 

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