Everything Amish is hot right now. From their well-crafted cabinets to reality shows like Amish Mafia and the Breaking Amish franchise, America is mildly-obsessed with the Amish way of life, and now, a familiar face is going deep into the heart of Amish country to raise some... barns. Word to your mother (and everyone else), Vanilla Ice is going Amish for the DIY Network in the aptly titled, Vanilla Ice Goes Amish, and now it has a release date.

The series, which was first announced back in April, will debut on October 12th and feature rapper-turned -home-renovation guru Rob Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice) as he casts aside the power tools and modern conveniences to learn what it is to be a true craftsman.

This show won't just be about hammers, nails, and handsaws, though: Van Winkle will also learn what it's like to be a part of the guarded and humble Amish community, immersing himself in their culture, dressing as they do and living as they live. Here's Van Winkle on his experience filming the show.

"Sometimes you gotta get in where you don't necessarily look like you fit in," laughs Vanilla Ice. "Home renovation is a huge passion of mine and I love learning and developing my craft. Getting the opportunity to live with and learn from the best, top-notch craftsmen in the world - the Amish - I mean, it doesn't get any better than that! This family took me under their wing and let me into their lives and for that I will be forever grateful."

Vanilla Ice Project

Vanilla Ice Goes Amish is Van Winkle's second stab at a home improvement-centric show for the DIY Network following The Vanilla Ice Project, which ran for three seasons and focused on the star's attempts to renovate and flip houses. This is also his second time roughing it in front of the cameras. Back in 2004, Ice stopped being polite and got real on the UK reality series, The Farm.

The difference between that and this is that no one is going to get voted off Vanilla Ice Goes Amish. This isn't a competition show and Ice does seem to take renovation and real estate seriously. If this show can showcase his love of home improvement and put out a respectful portrait of the Amish without embracing the tactless, "point a finger and laugh at something you don't understand" impulse that often defines the reality TV medium, Vanilla Ice Goes Amish could rise above its smirk inducing title and actually prove to be worthwhile unscripted entertainment.

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Vanilla Ice Goes Amish premieres on the DIY Network on Saturday October 12th @10PM ET