Kilcher Family: The Last Frontier is one of Discovery’s most popular reality shows, but the Kilcher family isn’t always what they appear to be on television. Besides fish, what people expect to see from Alaska is excellent reality television. Fortunately, shows like Alaska: The Last Frontier, which follows the Kilcher clan as they live off the earth on their 600-acre homestead outside of Homer, Alaska, are available.
Alaska: The Last Frontier has shattered the pattern of traditional reality television by offering viewers a glimpse into what it’s like to live the hard life in one of the world’s most remote locations, and fans like it. By 2021, the series had broadcast eleven seasons and over 150 episodes, with numerous interesting behind-the-scenes stories revealed throughout the decade-long run.
Tanner Fox updated on March 21st, 2022: Alaska: The Last Frontier recently aired its eleventh season in October 2021, continuing its tradition as a fascinating Discovery Channel reality series. The series follows the escapades of die-hard Alaskan Atz Kilcher and his family, documenting the wild and sometimes contentious lives of a group of people who aren’t afraid to live far off the grid.
After more than a decade on the air, dramatic behind-the-scenes stories are sure to emerge. While some are exaggerated, others shed light on the lives of the family members when the cameras aren’t filming.
The Production Company Was Fined For Hunting Violations
There are rules in each state that govern when, where, and how bears can be hunted, but it appears that the Kilcher family were either unaware of these restrictions or entirely ignored them when they went into the air to take out a Black Bear.
It is unlawful to hunt from a helicopter in Alaska. The family was accused because they captured footage, and a former member of the production firm tipped off Alaska State Troopers about it. Wilma TV Inc., a subsidiary of Discovery, and Atz and Cristina Kilcher were also charged with the hunting offense. The accusations were dropped in exchange for a relatively minor $17,500 fine.
Atz And Jewel Had A Rough Relationship
Jewel Kilcher, Atz Kilcher’s famous daughter, has had a few things to say about her father over the years, and despite appearing on the show, she had some big troubles when she was younger. The singer/songwriter recalls her traumatic upbringing at the hands of her father in her book, “The Architecture of All Abundance: Seven Foundations to Prosperity.” She sought his permission before publicizing the story of her maltreatment as a 15-year-old girl who ran away from home.
While she says they now have a “wonderful relationship,” her father’s experiences during the Vietnam War and the horrors he endured as a youngster rendered her household a toxic environment. Jewel’s mother abandoned the family farm when she was eight years old, and life was difficult for her, but she has forgiven her father, and the two have formed a bond that she is now comfortable sharing in public.
The Kilchers Are Never In Any Real Danger
The “reality” being shown is nearly entirely fictional, as is often the case with reality television. Many episodes seek to turn everyday situations into potentially fatal incidents, but the truth is frequently far less entertaining.
Not only are they surrounded by a film crew, but the people on this show and similar presentations can also be taken to a hospital or given life-saving treatment if the worst happens. While a horrible documentary about an absolute family freezing to death would undoubtedly make news, Discovery is unlikely to air it.
They’re Just Twelve Miles From Civilization
According to how the story is portrayed, the Kilcher Family Homestead is about as far away from civilization as any human can get. That is just not the case, and while their 600-acre parcel of land is undoubtedly vast and far from the hustle and bustle of city life, they are closer to civilization than many people realize. If the Kilchers decide to leave their life of rough existence, it’s only a short trek to the next city, Homer, Alaska.
Homer is a tiny village of approximately 5,000 people located about 218 miles southwest of Anchorage. Homer was formed in 1964. Therefore, it is a relatively new city. Still, it does include a Safeway Food Store, many schools, a public library, two newspapers, and a few radio stations. It’s a tiny American town with everything the Kilchers need to survive if they travel there.
Atz Lee Kilcher Was Hospitalized For Serious Injuries
Living on the homestead might be difficult, but Atz Lee and his family make it work. There is still the possibility of injury, and he is no stranger to it. Atz Lee was injured in an accident while trekking in Otter Cove in 2015. He landed on his arm, shoulder, ankle, and hip, breaking them all.
He also fractured some ribs and punctured both lungs. He was visibly gravely injured, and his ongoing involvement in the television show was questioned for a time, but he persevered. Atz Lee was able to fully heal and return to the series thanks to the support of fans and his wife, Jane.
Jewel Was Once Homeless
Jewel went from living on a homestead with a large family to being homeless when she left home at 15. She thought she’d be in that scenario for a few months but ended up living in her car for a year.
She took odd jobs when she could, but it was difficult for her to get employed without an address to mention on her employment applications. Instead of allowing her situation to depress her, she channeled her emotions into her music, which helped her climb out of homelessness.
She has commented about how her childhood aided her because the pioneer culture she grew up in enabled her to live independently. As an adult and a talented singer/songwriter, she has dedicated her time and money to assisting young women who are also subjected to the humiliation of homelessness.
Jane And Atz Lee’s Children Aren’t A Part Of The Show
Jane and Atz Lee have children, but Jane is reportedly opposed to having them appear on the show. This creates an interesting juxtaposition in that the children are supposedly an essential part of the couple’s lives. Still, they never appear on a show created partly to document their lives.
Finally, it is a decision taken by two parents to respect their children’s privacy. Perhaps they will choose to appear more frequently as they grow older, but this seems improbable considering what Jane has mentioned about them.
It’s Scripted
Anyone who has seen reality television over the last few decades should know that these shows are substantially scripted. Unfortunately, while an unscripted documentary-style series appears to be appealing on the surface, there just aren’t enough television-worthy events in the Kilchers’ lives.
It’s not like a typical scripted show in that the producers don’t always feed them dialogue. It’s more about creating a circumstance that must play out. For years, reality programs have done this, and Alaska: The Last Frontier is no exception.
Leave a Reply