There are some residents of Beaufort County who, for whatever reason, have never left. Then there are the well traveled who settled here out of choice — drawn to the water, weather or the people. Simply put, it’s rare for the outside world as a whole to be introduced to the personality of a small town, especially through television.

But now, like a curious child with his hands up against the glass at an aquarium, ESPN viewers will get a behind-the-glass glimpse at life on the Pamlico River. The main attraction? A 6-foot-8, nine-time NBA All-Star and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.

The newest SEC Storied feature, titled “Dominique Belongs to Us,” directed by Kenan K. Holley, will air at 8 p.m. on Friday on ESPN. It will profile Dominique Wilkins’ troubled departure and eventual return to Washington, which took place last December, along with his successful career at Georgia.

Of course, Washington in all its beauty has forever been an attractive, yet modest destination for vacationers all along the East Coast. Unlike Miami Beach or New York City, this area appeals to a certain demographic of travelers.

But with any publicity, there’s usually some sort of effect.

Take a college’s enrollment for example. In 2010, Butler University, led by its sharpshooting small forward Gordon Hayward, made it all the way to the National Championship Game, coming just a few inches away (a half court heave pinging off the rim) from knocking off Duke and walking away with the title. They lost, but due to the recognition, the university certainly won, as enrollment has doubled in the last five years

Not to say a primetime ESPN documentary will garner as many viewers as a National Championship game, but the film will certainly put the small town of Washington on the map for many who were unaware of its existence.

The tone of the film will likely, in part, also have some kind of an effect on the town’s reputation.

Whether you’re a purest or a person open to change, this film will bring attention, maybe even more than there’s ever been, to Washington. What that attention will bring is, at this point, unknown.