The SBS documentary series follows a variety of people across the Riverina as they battle drought, crime, homelessness, rural isolation, a lack of health specialists and substance abuse.

Lockhart Shire town The Rock and its resident 'Rodney' feature in the show as he confronts alcohol abuse and tries to move out of a caravan park.

Lockhart Shire mayor Rodger Schirmer said he would not have used the phrase 'dirty laundry' himself, but he hoped that some good might come of the show.

"I don't know whether I would have used that terminology but it makes for good voyeuristic television, I suppose, if you can see people doing it tougher than you are," Cr Schirmer said.

"But if in highlighting their misfortune it brings action from the relevant authorities, then the show is worthwhile."

The Wagga suburb of Ashmont featured heavily in the first episode of Struggle Street, depicting the aftermath of a burglary and people being threatened by a group of youths.

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Ashmont resident Vicki, who asked that her last name not be used, said the show "had made us all look like d---heads".

"I've struggled all my life with issues like mental health but I don't put myself on TV," she said.

Another Ashmont resident, Kane Brunskill, said he agreed with Dr McGirr's statements on the show.

"With a name like Struggle Street, it's not going to show people doing well," he said.

"They have got to show the good with the bad, otherwise people won't be able to get help."

Dr McGirr told NSW Parliament last week that the TV series was "capturing the heartbreaking challenges" in his electorate and raising issues that fellow MPs "might otherwise see as only numbers on paper".

Dr McGirr later told The Daily Advertiser that his use of the phrase "dirty laundry" was not directed at any Struggle Street participants.

"I think there are people who are making a fist of it in those circumstances but it is difficult for them and I think that's a shame," he said.

In response to Dr McGirr's comments, Struggle Street executive producer David Galloway said the aim of the show had always been to shine a light on day-to-day Australians who were doing it tough.

"It may not always be flattering, but these are issues we need to be talking about (and they) are not just about Wagga and the Riverina."

The third episode in the four part series of Struggle Street will air on Wednesday night at 8.30pm and will include a segment on the fire that led to the demolition of Matong's pub late last year.

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