Do the Alaskan Bush People get paid? We asked! Read our interview with the Brown family.
AWESOME and EXXXTREME news: #AlaskanBushPeople are back for Season 3 on Nov. 11! https://t.co/csWIiiibrP pic.twitter.com/pVaPOVz4cS
— Ryan Berenz (@ChannelGuideRAB) October 22, 2015
Alaskan Bush People Season 1 Recaps: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | The Wild Life
Season 2 Recaps: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Wild Times | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | SHARK WEEK! | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Lost Footage | The Wild Year
NEW! Is Alaskan Bush People Fake? Does It Matter?
Viewers of Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People have been wondering if the four episodes of the Brown family’s adventures in the wilderness are all they’re going to get. The new show Siberian Cut takes over the Tuesday night time slot and no new episodes of Alaskan Bush People are currently scheduled.
[Update: A new episode of Alaskan Bush People, titled “The Wild Life,” premieres Sunday, June 15, at 10pm ET/PT on Discovery Channel. Based on the show’s description, it sounds like it might be a highlights/recap/additional unaired footage type of show: “After facing unparalleled obstacles, the Browns reflect on their past year of living in the Alaskan Bush while providing surprise revelations about the family’s lifestyle.”
Last seen, the Brown family suffered another setback as the boat they were using to scout a new home in southeast Alaska hit an object, took on water and sank at the dock. The family made it off the boat safely, but were left with an uncertain future.
They can’t possibly let the show end like that, can they?
Well, the news here is that there is no news. According to a Discovery Channel spokesman, the network has not announced whether or not Alaskan Bush People will be returning.
As for the Brown family, all nine of them were in Los Angeles in January for the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour and were on a panel to promote the show, which at the time was scheduled to air on Animal Planet. (So no, they didn’t starve or freeze or anything after their boat went down in Episode 4.) You can learn more about them and see some pretty interesting photos of the family at their official website. Also, do read this article by Zaz Hollander of Alaska Dispatch, who did some investigating into some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show that have been debated in these recaps.
At the panel, Billy Brown summed up the origin of his family’s Alaskan adventure as well as how the TV show came into existence:
“I was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and my family died when I was 16, and I kind of hit the road. When Ami and I got together, we traveled all over the place, and we found that as we were going places, we never were really content where we were. We kept getting we’d go to the country, and it wasn’t really enough country. We kept getting deeper and deeper in, and then, when Alaska opened up to us, it was like a it was like a ready made home to us. And when we got up I have written children’s books for my kids and stuff and a book about my life, One Wave at a Time, and our guys went in when you go to the harbor shacks and stuff, we get Internet every once in a while, and our guys went in, Bam especially, and he put a website for the kids’ books. And through that, a guy got in touch with us, and we ended up here. And I am the one that didn’t want to come. …
This is, you know, not what we had planned. We spent 30 years of our lives trying to stay as far away from this kind of stuff as we could, and people. And we discussed it a lot, and I guess … it was Ami that really talked me into it more that we thought it would be cool if people could really see how we live because I don’t think you guys know people who really still live that way, because it’s not a movie. It’s us.”
Photo: Credit: Discovery Channel
I love the show, I don’t analyze it, I watch it and enjoy their family values and love for each other. More families need to be like this. One of the best shows on TV right now. No one is doing drugs, hurting others, or creating drama for anyone else. If you don’t like it – the simple answer is don’t watch it!!! If you don’t like it, move on, and keep your negativity to yourself!!!!
Please bring back ,”The Alaskan Bush People”, I don’t get to travel, so seeing Alaska this way is very beautiful to me.I enjoy watching the Brown family. If some people don’t like what they see just simply change the chanel. I don’t like the reality shows on TV and all the bad language used .This is a refreshing and entertaining program.They are NOT afraid to speak of God and that’s refreshing too. Wish we had more programs like this to watch. Retired in Opelika,Alabama.
I love the show!!!!!! I came from a big family and really like the togetherness of family. My family had a lot of early deaths and I miss all of them so much. Both of my parents died in their forties, two brothers died early fifties and my son got ALL Leukemia at age 43 and died. So hard to loose so many of your loving family. That’s way I love the togetherness of a big family that I miss so much!!!! My brother I have left is not in good shape and my sister is even in worse shape,so you see I can relate to a big family and I miss mine terribly.
I think everyone can agree that something that is entertaining, does not have to be true.
One word…Disney.
Three words…Swiss Family Robinson
This is an entertaining show. I love the idea.
It is complete and utter bull.
If you have watched it for any length of time and need reasons as to why it is fake…you should consider strengthening your critical thinking skills.
Simply put…imagine yourself living off the land and then compare it to how this family appears to live off the land.
It is a fantasy and that is why we love it and that is why we find it so disgusting.
HOW DO YOU KNOW ALL THIS. dO YOU F0LLOW THEM AROUND?
LOL, Diane! I was wondering the same thing. There certainly seems to be a fixation on the Browns and a lot of time spent angry at something she has no control over. I love this show!
Just look out your back kitchen window some day when squatters are claiming your land, cutting down your trees, and trashing your land and confiscating your property. I wonder if you or members of your family would be “angry” then? Typical response from a person who does not know what they’re talking about until it personally happens to them.
This type of dismissive (and incorrect) comment deserves the same reply as Jen. Same thing!
I love this show. I only have one question? Why why do they move so much? They build and move they build and move? Why?
I would love to take the mom Nd girls for a mani pedi!
They keep moving so much because they are thieving squatters who get thrown off private and public lands by law enforcement officers. They erroneously claim land that’s not theirs. It’s no longer the wild west! Just because a state or region is remote doesn’t automatically mean there’s no law, no deeded property, and no taxes. Government is everywhere! Besides, how would you like if the Brown’s suddenly squatted on and claimed your deeded and paid for land? We need to stop glorifying these phonies and parasites! But the show is good because it shows them for what they are. Check out their criminal records and then tell me if you think they’re nice people. Check out what their victims say, especially the use of helicopters to harass the neighbors who object to them. People need to do research.
how do u know so much about them mary hope do u know them in real life
It’s called research and a good education teaches us how to research. By the way, your premise is faulty. You don’t necessarily need to know someone to know about them from historical facts, court records, documents, criminal records, lawsuits, deeds, complaints, etc. Check it out for yourself! Your teachers should have taught you that most records are public and easily attainable. Again, I’m not responsible for the poor education of others.
No but when you make slanderous statements without providing proof you are just as bad. So I ask you to post these links to where you obtained your information if you cant or wont I say your a damn liar.
Another example of a poorly educated person. (What’s happened to our public educational system? Unionism?) “Slander” is when it’s verbal. “Libel” is when it’s written. You can only sue someone for slander and/or libel if it’s NOT true, and even then, pursuant to the First Amendment, non-physical stuff is difficult. Also, again, on a psychological and fairness level, we have a right to post a reaction as much as anyone else. If we disagree then we disagree. The problem is that too many people simply don’t know how to properly argue and get too emotional. Too many people tell others to shut up if they don’t agree with them or are in denial about the truth.
I like the show and it is better than sitting and watching other shows with people disrespecting themselves by drinking, fighting and making foolish decisions that end up ruining their lives to keep the ratings up. This shows good family togetherness and values. If you don’t like the show don’t watch it.
Excellent example of a dismissive propaganda technique designed to silence. Instructive and useful information does not require either agreement nor affirmation. Shows like this remind us to be on our guard with such people and in this narrow sense of improving our perception are “good.” In other words, you don’t need to “like” or “support” something for it to be important future knowledge. All parasites use the same techniques and these shows are great for studying psychological manipulation. Furthermore, shows like this help us to further define ourselves in observing what not to emulate.
what a wonderful family you have i was so touched by your show tonight just remember you have a new family from all over the world. please believe that so many people love your whole family,iwould be happy to step in and be your adopted mother any time i lost my mother in jan. keep your spirits up you are one heck of a mom. lenora mattox midvale idaho, i dont know my email address. will write again when i found it thats just who i am
I love the Browns , none of us are dumb enough to not know they make money off these shows , there is always camera crews, etc. BUT, it is probably my favorite show to date. I was raised in the very most “red neck” part of my county. I think everyone should watch the show, now days kids aren’t raised to have respect or get out and work, I was, and my kids did. yes I have a nice home with A/C, etc. but growing up I worked in the fields from 3-4 years old. my boys are over 40 and they thank us constantly for teaching them to work, have manners and Trust and depend on God.
If you don’t like the show…………… CHANGE THE CHANNEL.
No way are they comparable to real self-sufficient, honest, self-reliant country people who don’t receive all kinds of the tax funded support like they do. Also, geographical isolation does not negate government or natural law. Let’s put it another way: What would you do if the deeded land you own, and pay taxes on, was suddenly occupied by the Brown’s who claim it’s now theirs simply because you don’t use it? Different story, now. I think the show is good in that it illustrates just how slick, manipulative, and parasitic some people can be. Schoolyard bullies always claim to be the victim, and try to portray the real victims as bullies in order to deflect attention away from themselves and escape responsibility. This show is good because it reminds us to be on our guard with people like the Brown’s. Oh, and one last point, I don’t think many parents would take private and PUBLIC money intended for the kids, including their education, and then spend it on beer, pizza, and movies. (Yes, Alaska has bars, pizza parlors, and movie theaters.) They still owe the construction company who built their most recent cabin for them. And just wait till the IRS catches up with them! (Yes, even in Alaska, you must pay your bills, pay property taxes, and pay income taxes.)
These 2 people got away from society and turned out the most polite 7 people I have seen on TV. Shows what being socialized does. This family loves each other, is fair to one another and works together. They work hard together. They are not perfect…..but then, is anyone? I enjoy this show much more than any of the other “reality” shows on tv where contestants lie, cheat and manipulate to win a half million dollars. I would watch reruns of this show quicker than I would watch a NEW filming of a reality show where sex is the main topic. I would love to share my Alaskan land with these people! And they are welcome to it! I own land in Alaska and would be pleased to be their neighbor! Of course they have film crews. How could we see them if they didn’t. They don’t pretend not to even using the crews cell phone to get help when two of the sons went missing on their boat. This shows family values rare these days. I will continue to watch and love this family.
Once again, you’re missing important points. (1) They’re NOT self-reliant. They’re dependent welfare, etc., recipients. (2) Would you “share” or “surrender” land you own to them without your permission? Because that’s what they do! They move in and take or claim what is not theirs! (3) Furthermore, just because you’re willing to “share” or “surrender” does not automatically give you the right to insist that others must do the same, especially with parasitic squatters. (4) Are they going to pay back (“give back”) what they owe to us from their corporate checks? IRS? Typical socialism, in that it only works until you run out of the money (or property) of others (those who produce).
Mary…you seem like you are a pathetic, unhappy person. The first place they were building on was property they owned…did you not hear/see that they sold it to someone else because people were shooting at them. Everyone runs into problems once in awhile and while AK is civilized, there is still some wild west attitude out there. Maybe they are doing this to better themselves. Whatever the case may be, it’s none of my business as I am not JUDGING like you are….wow…
1. You got personal first thing with name-calling and that was unnecessary. 2. No one was really shooting at them. 3. They sold their fourth cabin because they did not own the land under it. If it’s on public land and squatters illegally build on it, then it’s automatically burned. If it’s on private land and squatters illegally build on it, then it may be agreed upon to be purchased from the builders (Brown’s) by those who legally own the land under it, and not automatically burned. 4. “Everyone” does run into a few little problems once in a while. But not “everyone” claims land that’s owned by others, not “everyone” is on massive welfare support misused for other things, and not “everyone” is guilty of firearms violations, fish and game violations, and decades of tax fraud. 5. Parasitic squatters claiming property that’s not theirs and breaking all kinds of laws is “bettering” yourself? 5. Your not judging? Your response is FILLED with judgments! You made it “your business” by writing a response! Don’t think that you can fire insults and then walk away from it! That’s what schoolyard bullies do.
great show glad to keep it on love the brown family, i leaved a lot like this as a boy back in mo.love to see a family doing things together as thy do,that’s the way a family should be .today’s family go there separate ways this is my favorite show.great job on the new house!!!!!!!!
I enjoy the show who cares how the family wants to live seeing how they come together and help each other that’s what’s important we could all learn how to be better family’s from the browns I whish them all the luck they deserve it.
They deserve it? NOT counting what they get from the show (corporate paychecks, clothes, equipment, gas, firearms, ammunition, wood, windows, roofing, tools, lanterns, coolers, food, transportation, medicals, etc., etc., which is not posted, but can be obtained through The Freedom of Information Act), JUST LAST YEAR, they made $ 99,326.17 from various government SSI, Welfare, Food Stamps, and Alaskan State “Underserved Support” benefits checks, and they’ve been doing this for OVER THIRTY YEARS in TWO DIFFERENT STATES! That hardly constitutes a self-sufficient lifestyle of intrepid pioneers insofar as the Brown’s are concerned! I wonder if this family of bad actors will be required to pay any part of our money back with their fat corporate checks? And, if anyone thinks they actually traded fish for dental work, then you need to talk to the dentist. His business was nearly destroyed with others wanting to trade as well, and he had to admit it was faked. The parasitic and phony Brown’s are not something to be emulated, but to be rejected in favor of the real Alaskans on some of the other shows. The Last Alaskans, Life Below Zero, Otto and his family, and the gold and fishing shows are real. The Brown’s of the so-called Alaskan Bush People are not! Sure, watch it for entertainment and fun, but just know that it’s not real. When compared to the other shows, you will see the truth.
Mary,
You are incorrect in stating that the other shows you indicated are real. Some of them are, some are not. By the way, there are a large number of people who barter vs. spending cash. I have bartered many times to acquire items and services. Based on the number of comments written by you, it would appear that you have a fascination with this family that goes beyond the normal actions of an educated person, as you have claimed that you are. How much of the show is factual or not, I don’t know. Take it for what it is, merely a form of entertainment, regardless of whether or not it is your type of entertainment. I would be willing to bet that if people were to follow you around for a period of time, you would divulge behaviors/actions/beliefs that some would find disgraceful as you have documented about this show. If you have completed your research with due diligence, as an educated person, you would have discovered news articles and police reports that do not support your claims of home owners being subjected to helicopter actions. There is only one documented case about a claim like this. If you have completed your research, you too would have learned that the type of helicopter involved does not have the ability to shake a house or even the widows within a house. My suggestion to you is “get a life”.
Or better yet get honest. There has to be some reason she is obsessed with the Brown family. I have asked her to provide the links to where she got her information, I cant see her doing that so I am calling her a damn liar.
Did you read the complaint of the homeowner and the judgment of the court?
Once again, people can’t read. 1. The shows I specifically listed are real. 2. I have bartered or traded as well, and I never said anything about that. But if you wish to place this into the discussion, we can. Barter or trade only works if both parties agree. You know how difficult it is to barter or trade, even when people are not hungry. Can you imagine how it would be when they are? Historically, barter or trade only works marginally when civilization is at its best. 3. I never claimed to be educated. I only claimed that bloggers who get extremely personal, nasty, and name-call with other bloggers are uneducated. 4. Your implication about unhealthy fascinations says much more about your recognition of such that it does about me. 5. You admitted you don’t know what’s real and what isn’t. If this is so, then why speak or respond at all? 6. Don’t we have the right to determine how we “take something for what it is” for ourselves? Or, do you claim that we must only view things as you do? 7. No, not everyone are parasitic squatters, illegally use firearms, etc., etc. It’s not a matter of course. I wouldn’t bet if I were you. Again, getting unnecessarily personal as a smokescreen for a lack of substance or perspective, and to deflect, reduces your argument to nothing more than subjective opinion. 8. Did you even read the helicopter complaint and the court case? 9. Then to need to say “get a life,” again, getting personal, makes one wonder if you have one yourself. Actually, it’s kind of amusing, and hypocritical, that bloggers who claim that other bloggers don’t have a life because they’re blogging are blogging themselves! 10. Merely more contradictions! So, what? Let everyone have a say if they wish! Just don’t make it extremely personal!
Hurray for the Browns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There certainly seems to be a lot of effort you put into checking out these people. I wonder what your anger is really about? HURRAY FOR THE BROWNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just wait until some one or family steals your money and/or property! Let’s see what your “anger” will be about? You’re all missing the point: theft is unjustifiable!
WOW…SUPERMAN.. BATMAN.. THE HULK.. DOES NOT EXIST BUT THERE IS AN AUDIANCE THAT WAIT IN LINE TO VIEW THE NEW RELEASES..IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A REALITE SHOW WHO PROMOTES FAMILY VALUES. STOP FINDING BUGS IN THE SHOW AND ENJOY THE MAGNIFICENT SCENERY OF ALASKA..
Bs
Clearly they have no previous experience handling firearms out in the bush. They have poor muzzle control, shoot at targets before identification, and make too much noise. Their firearms and wildlife violations are numerous. If they don’t have any money, then how do they have at least 30,000 dollars of new firearms? To date, since I started counting, I’ve counted 5 different new pistols, 6 different new shotguns, and 9 different new high caliber rifles with expensive scopes, and expensive name brand commercial ammunition, and that’s just from ten shows! In EVERY state it’s illegal for minors (and MOST states for adults) to use firearms without eye and ear protection during target practice and eye protection during hunting. The only worse example of firearms handling was when Jane (Alaska: The Last Frontier) nearly took out her eyeball with a scope recoil for the want of two dollar vision enhancing shooting glasses which you can buy in almost any store in Alaska! If you can go to town, you can take the minimal precautions required by law. Any Boy Scout can tell you they’re dangerous and behave more like a bunch of partying teenagers than real bush people. At least they’ve provided us with plenty of footage on how NOT handle firearms!
Maybe they should ask a Bear to “wait”, while they put on their protective eye wear and ear protection! My family uses such protection at firing ranges and such. There is one thing this country was founded on, more important than any others, “FREEDOM”. It’s about time people got off their backsides, provided for their families and practiced that FREEDOM! If I worked for a year trying to replace items lost in the Boating mishap, the first thing I would replace would be firearms needed to live in Alaska. Wow, Mary hope, is there anything you don’t know? Funny most women would have sighted the “Girl Scouts”. You seem to be a bit touchy when it comes to Women. Wonder why that is?
Dear K:
Are you serious? Your reaction is proof I’m right. I’m not talking about history or philosophy. I’m talking about the law and practicality, and the unnecessary deception of some producers and/or some so-called “reality” actors and shows. First, as you know, whether we like it or not, laws exist everywhere, even in the bush. So your premise that no law other than the law of the bush exists only in the bush is mistaken. Whether we like it or not, it’s no longer the eighteenth century. (But that does not mean that we can’t pass on timeless freedoms to our children and grandchildren.) Second, pursuant to film crew postings, a great amount of effort goes into attempting to “drive” bears within the range of the cameras. So your premise that they’re natural or spontaneous encounters is also mistaken. Third, freedom, protection, and food have nothing to do with bad firearms handling– and everything to do with good firearms handling. It’s quite obvious that if the Brown family had to rely on their skills with firearms to eat they would starve to death. Fourth, maybe if you put some of your energy into patriotic endeavors we would have less restrictive gun laws threatening our traditional freedoms. Fifth, it’s really unnecessary to get personal with cheap sexist shots. The Boy Scouts were chosen as an example simply because they have the ranges and the shooting merit badges. The Girl Scouts do not. (But we allow them to use the Boy Scout ranges and even create special awards for them so as to reinforce safe firearms handling and pass on our national heritage and birthright to both boys and girls.) You must not have much experience in servicing youth, or pursuing gun rights issues, because you did not know that! So, it’s clearly an example of available facilities, and has nothing to do with the sex of the shooter. I hope you will consider using some of your energy with getting involved with local youth shooting sports because they will be the future– not phony, orchestrated, or contrived television. I bet, with the proper attitude, you’ll make a great instructor! Just go to the next meeting of your local gun club and/or Boy Scout troop to volunteer. You’ll be so glad you did! And, you’ll be doing something worthwhile and extremely important for the future of the USA.
Sincerely,
Mary Hope
mary hope GET OVER YOURSELF!!! In the grand scheme of things, it !not that important!! enjoy it or don’t watch but don’t try to spoil it for everyone else…….JUST DON’T WATCH IT!
Let’s stop the sophistry! For people to “get over” something you must first “get over” their “not getting over it” yourself! People like you are continuing this by finding it necessary to repeat silly and adolescent responses to serious social and cultural concerns. They’re not to be admired, nor emulated, nor worshipped. Unfortunately, they’re “real” in the sense they’re parasites and totally representative of the entitlement culture. We need to get our hard-earned money back from this bunch of parasites who are play-acting at being pioneers. Don’t get me wrong and let’s make it perfectly clear: It’s a LUXURY to be able to play act and ANYONE can play act all they want– BUT NOT WITH MY MONEY! THAT’S THE POINT!
wow, there teeth are not white. Have you seen the show?
I turned of the show when they “bought” a boat (and they were broke) that took them to an island. Trading fish caught of a private dock? How dumb. How can TV producers keep such a dumb show going when it is so darn stupid? Bartering to get a generator, yet having money to buy lumber or gas for the car is another dumb thing. No comment on feeding them or where to sleep at night. Just a show for dumb Americans I guess.
I’ll look for better stuff elsewhere on TV. Maybe have to go to Public TV.
I love this show. To me this is the only sensible ‘reality’ show that is on.
Blessed be.
Namaste,
Christine Rapoza
bring the Bushmen back and bring the bush’s back get it all bush all the time well…. Not all bushes but you get it. We want bush…..no we want brown……lol. NOW!
I can’t wait for the new shows! The moments of this show keep coming back to me in my life. I no longer keep the water running when I wash dishes because I think of Ami washing the dishes with just a few dribbles of water, all of which someone had to carry in cans to the camp. Or I look at meat on the dinner plate and am happy I didn’t have to trek for hours to hunt it and carry it back to camp. Their lifestyle really makes me appreciate how easy mine is.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHOW & I WATCH IT EVERY CHANCE I GET…. DOESN’T MATTER IF I’VE SEEN THAT EPISODE OR NOT. TWO OF THE SHOWS I’VE SEEN 3 TIMES EACH SO FAR!!
HOPING LIKE CRAZY THEY COME BACK WITH A NEW SEASON SOON BEFORE I GO NUTS!!!!
LOVE ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BROWN FAMILY. THEY’RE AMAZING & FUN!! MORE!!!!!!!!
I am with you Lynn! My cable was out and I went to a friends to watch The Browns. I missed them!
The Alaskan Bush people is a great show,every week I couldn’t wait for the next episodes.I really hope they bring back this show,the family is so genuine,there were plenty of times there was a good laugh.I’ve watched the reruns everytime they come on. This show is far better,than the shows that have people getting drunk and acting like idiots.