New HGTV series aims to spotlight Lake of the Ozarks, the 'Hamptons of the Midwest'

Hollywood appears to be taking a liking to the Lake of the Ozarks. Over the past seven years, the mid-Missouri reservoir has gained widespread attention for its portrayal in the Netflix original series "Ozark." Moving away from this dark, ominous portrayal, the Lake of the Ozarks will be given a brighter look in HGTV's new release estate series.

HGTV, a television channel known for its home improvement and real estate shows, announced its upcoming series "Lakefront Empire" in early February. The first episode of the eight-part season airs at 9 p.m. Monday, March 11.

"Lakefront Empire" will follow Peggy Albers, a former convicted felon, in addition to Cierra Grein, brothers Jonas and Justin Farrell, Gerardo Cornejo and Amanda Smith as they work to secure "dream waterfront homes for their clients." A HGTV news release calls the Lake of the Ozarks the "Hamptons of the Midwest."

In the season premiere, Albers will show clients three lakefront listings in Linn Creek, Porto Cima and Sunrise Beach and the Farrell brothers will work with local business owners to find their "dream weekend cabin."

More: These 16 television shows, movies are set in Missouri — but were they filmed here?

Who is Peggy Albers?

Considered one of the most successful real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks, according to a HGTV news release, Albers does not shy away from sharing her story.

At the age of 19, Albers began selling methamphetamine and went on to serve more than 15 years in federal prison. At the time, she was in her 30s and had a 2-month-old son, according to an HGTV promotional article for the series. She was 45 years old when she was released.

Following her release, Albers' father encouraged her to obtain a real estate license, but upon her initial try, she was denied, according to a story published by The Missouri Times in 2019. She was eventually permitted a probationary license after the Osage Beach community "rallied" around her.

Over the years, Albers has been vocal in supporting legislation that removed barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals with nonviolent, nonsexual criminal records.

“Telling my story of overcoming obstacles and kicking a** was great, but putting my little hometown on prime-time television — it’s just amazing!” Albers said in the HGTV promotional article.

Who are the 'Lakefront Empire' cohosts?

Jonas and Justin Farrell

Osage Beach natives, the Farrell brothers are brokers at John Farrell Real Estate Co., a real estate company founded by their parents, John and Lynn Farrell, in 1984. The company specializes in "the sale and management of residential, commercial and development property," according to the John Farrell Real Estate Co. website.

Cierra Grein

Another Osage Beach native, Grein is a broker and co-owner of Gibson & Grein Real Estate Network, a real estate company that was founded by her mother, Tina Grein, in the 1980s. Cierra was voted Missouri's Best Realtor in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Gerardo Cornejo

Born in El Salvador, Cornejo and his family emigrated to the United States in 1990; he grew up in Bellflower, California. Today, Cornejo is a broker and co-owner of the Cornejo Group based in Jefferson City.

Amanda Smith

Born and raised in St. Louis, Smith is the owner of Smith & Associates Realty Group, which specializes in residential properties.

Where to stream 'Lakefront Empire'

• Philo: $25 per month, 70+ channels

• YouTube TV: $62.99 per month, 100+ channels

• Hulu + Live TV: $76.99 per month, including access to Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN

• Sling TV: $20 per month, 32 channels

• Fubo: $59.99 per month, 187 channels

• Discovery+: $4.99 per month

• Max: $9.99 per month

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: New HGTV series 'Lakefront Empire' to spotlight Lake of the Ozarks