Sarah Palin’s new show isn’t about politics. Not exactly. But it is tactically clever.

“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” made its television debut Sunday night, just weeks after an anti-incumbent, anti-Washington wave in the 2010 election. She is successful in doing what campaigners have been attempting all season: Showing voters she’s not just a politician.

“Family comes first, it’s just got to be that way,” Palin said in a preview.

It’s becoming increasingly popular for politicians to also be TV celebrities. Has Sarah Palin discovered a new type of campaign ad?

Voters who tuned in might remember the outdoorsy, cupcake-making version of Palin next time she runs for public office.

“Alaska. I love this state like I love my family,” Palin said in the first episode’s opening sequence of clips.

The eight-part series airs on TLC, which is owned by Discovery Communications. But it’s not just some documentary-style nature program. Despite what Palin says, it really is reality TV.

Although, Palin literally climbed a snowy mountain and went salmon fishing next to fighting bears, much of the time, cameras were just following her around the house. And everything was set to a soundtrack, of course.

Only a few minutes of the episode showed Palin working. She shot a video for Fox News’ “The O'Reilly Show.”

Palin also dished about her new neighbor, who is allegedly spying on her family and writing “an ugly book” about her.

“It’s just none of his flipping business,” Palin said on camera.

Leading up to the premiere, the show had some serious promotion, including a long feature in The New York Times.

It's getting Palin attention, and this is just the beginning. It doesn't matter that the show isn't about politics. It’s still gives her momentum should she run for office in 2012.

“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” airs at 7 p.m. Central Time Sundays on TLC.