South Carolina ETV Announces New Season and New Title for Acclaimed Literary Series “Books By The River”

South Carolina ETV (SCETV), the state’s flagship public television network, has officially announced the return of its acclaimed literary television series with a fresh title and a compelling new season lineup. Formerly known as By The River, the show now reemerges as Books By The River, reflecting a stronger emphasis on the written word while maintaining its original spirit of celebrating Southern storytelling and literature.

The rebranding signals more than a name change. It represents a renewed commitment to elevating voices in the literary world—especially those rooted in the history, culture, and nuances of the American South. Hosted by Holly Jackson and filmed at ETV Lowcountry in Beaufort, Books By The River has grown from a regional gem into a nationally recognized platform for Southern authors to discuss their works, journeys, and insights.

The Evolution from By The River to Books By The River

The original series, By The River, debuted in 2018 as a co-production between South Carolina ETV and the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). The program quickly garnered attention for its intimate conversations with authors, beautiful cinematography, and commitment to storytelling that connects past and present through the lens of Southern literature.

After several successful seasons and a slew of industry accolades—including Emmy nominations and multiple Telly Awards—the producers decided to update the title to better reflect the show’s focus on literature.

“We wanted to create a name that more immediately tells new viewers what the show is about while maintaining the same calm, thoughtful tone that our fans already love,” said host and executive producer Holly Jackson. “Books By The River is a natural evolution—it evokes the same Southern setting, the same calm current of thought, and the same deep dive into literary creativity.”

The Setting: A Literary Haven in Beaufort, South Carolina

Filmed on location at ETV Lowcountry’s studio along the scenic Beaufort River, the show captures the charm and tranquility of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The setting itself plays a supporting role in each episode. The rustling marsh grasses, passing boats, and warm natural light mirror the themes of nostalgia, heritage, and transformation found in much of Southern literature.

The series is also a unique collaboration between SCETV and USCB, giving university students real-world production experience. From lighting and set design to editing and sound mixing, students help produce each episode, gaining skills in media arts while contributing to a nationally broadcast program.

Host Holly Jackson: The Face of Southern Storytelling

Holly Jackson, who serves as both the host and executive producer, has been integral to the show’s success. A seasoned journalist and storyteller herself, Jackson brings empathy, research, and a deep love of literature to each conversation. Her interviews are known for their warmth, depth, and ability to bring out unexpected revelations from her guests.

“I’ve always loved the way literature gives voice to things that are hard to say in everyday conversation,” Jackson says. “With this show, we give authors a space to not only talk about their books but to reflect on their lives, values, and hopes for the world.”

Jackson’s interviewing style blends intellectual rigor with Southern hospitality—never too formal, never too casual. She often reads an author’s entire body of work before sitting down for a 26-minute interview, crafting questions that go beyond the superficial and into the soul of the story.

The 2025 Season: A Stellar Lineup of Southern Authors

The new season of Books By The River will feature nine half-hour episodes showcasing some of the most compelling literary voices in the South today. While the full list of guests hasn’t been officially released, the show has already confirmed appearances by several award-winning authors across genres including:

• Historical fiction
• Southern Gothic
• Mystery and crime thrillers
• Memoir
• Contemporary fiction with cultural themes

Episodes include readings by the authors, discussions about their creative process, and reflections on how the South continues to shape their work.

“The great thing about the South is that it never runs out of stories,” Jackson says. “There’s beauty, there’s tension, there’s tradition and change—it’s fertile ground for storytelling.”

Acclaim and Awards: A Show That’s Making Waves

Since its inception, Books By The River (under its previous name) has racked up an impressive list of accolades, including:

• A Southeast Emmy® nomination in the Interview/Discussion category
• A Silver Telly Award for Cultural Series
• Four Bronze Telly Awards (Set Design, Cultural Series, Nature & Wildlife for TV, Diversity & Inclusion)
• An Excellence Communicator Award for Cultural Series
• A Distinction Communicator Award for Interview Series
• An Anthem Award in Education, Arts, and Culture

These awards not only validate the quality of the production but also highlight the cultural value of promoting regional voices on a national platform.

More Than Books: The Heart of Southern Culture

Although the show centers on books, its scope reaches far beyond the printed page. Discussions often touch on race, history, gender, family, and the evolving identity of the American South.

In recent seasons, authors have spoken candidly about everything from growing up during the Civil Rights Movement to navigating post-COVID creative blocks. Some episodes delve into the art of writing itself—how stories are crafted, revised, and finally shared.

“We’re not just talking about literature,” says Jackson. “We’re talking about life—how literature helps us understand it, and how writers give voice to things that society is still wrestling with.”

A Teaching Tool and Cultural Archive

Thanks to its collaboration with USC Beaufort and SCETV’s educational mission, Books By The River is also used as a teaching tool in high schools, libraries, and university classrooms.

“English professors often use our episodes to accompany assigned readings,” explains USCB media arts professor Dr. Brian Gaines. “It’s a fantastic way to let students hear directly from the authors they’re studying.”

Additionally, the show serves as an important archive of Southern literary culture, documenting emerging trends and preserving voices for future generations.

Behind the Scenes: Students and Staff Make It Happen

Each episode of Books By The River involves weeks of preparation and collaboration. Set designers work to match the theme of each author’s work, creating subtle visual cues through color and background. Students from USCB’s communication and media programs are responsible for camera work, editing, and sound.

“The show provides a rare opportunity for students to work on a high-quality, nationally distributed program right here in Beaufort,” says Dr. Gaines. “It’s experiential learning at its best.”

This kind of hands-on education has drawn students from across the Southeast and beyond, making Books By The River a central part of USCB’s media arts identity.

Support and Sponsorship

The continued success of Books By The River is made possible through the support of organizations committed to arts and education. Key funders include:

• The ETV Endowment of South Carolina
• South Carolina Humanities
• Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and the Sea Islands

These sponsors recognize the value of connecting community, culture, and creativity, and have consistently supported the series through grants and outreach.

Where and How to Watch

The show airs across multiple SCETV platforms:

• Sundays at 5:00 PM on ETVHD
• Thursdays at 8:00 PM on the South Carolina Channel
• Tuesdays at 11:30 AM on ETV World

Episodes are also available for streaming on and via the PBS app, making them accessible to audiences across the country.

The Future: Expanding the Conversation

Looking ahead, Jackson and the production team hope to expand the show’s reach by incorporating virtual interviews, literary panels, and live author events. They’re also exploring the idea of creating a podcast version of the show to meet the demands of digital-first audiences.

“We want to keep the essence of what makes the show special,” says Jackson. “But we’re also open to innovation—anything that keeps the literary conversation going and brings more people into the fold.”

Plans are underway for future seasons to include international authors with ties to the South, as well as collaborations with literary festivals and independent bookstores.

A Celebration of Southern Storytelling

With its lush backdrop, intellectual rigor, and heartfelt curiosity, Books By The River continues to enrich the cultural landscape of South Carolina and beyond. It’s more than just a show about books—it’s a living, breathing celebration of Southern identity, storytelling, and the enduring power of the written word.

As South Carolina ETV continues to invest in this beloved series, and as new voices emerge to take their place “by the river,” viewers can expect many more seasons of literary discovery and inspiration.