calsfoundation@cals.org
December 2, 2003
The first episode of The Simple Life was broadcast on the Fox network. The show was a surprise success, with the first episode drawing thirteen million viewers. The reality television series depicts two wealthy young socialites, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, as they struggle with everyday tasks, including manual labor and low-paying jobs such as doing farm work, serving meals in fast-food restaurants, and working as camp counselors. The first season of The Simple Life (2003–2004) was set in Altus (Franklin County), a small town in the Ozark Mountains known for its vineyards.