Your Guide to Alaska Television Shows: From Reality to Fiction

Alaska, the Last Frontier, captivates audiences with its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and resilient inhabitants. This allure translates seamlessly onto the screen, making “Alaska Television Shows” a popular search term. From gripping documentaries showcasing survival in extreme conditions to reality series following the lives of Alaskans, there’s a show for everyone. This guide explores eleven captivating television series that offer a glimpse into the Alaskan experience, ranging from the fictional charm of Cicely to the harsh realities of crab fishing in the Bering Sea.

Diving into the Depths of Alaskan Reality TV

Reality shows dominate the Alaska television landscape, offering viewers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of life in the Last Frontier.

Braving the Bering Sea: Deadliest Catch

This iconic series follows crab fishing crews as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. “Deadliest Catch” showcases the dangers and rewards of this demanding profession, highlighting the camaraderie and resilience of the fishermen. Eighteen seasons in, the show continues to enthrall audiences with its high-stakes drama and authentic portrayal of life at sea.

Homesteading with the Kilchers: Alaska: The Last Frontier

Four generations of the Kilcher family live off the land outside Homer, Alaska. This reality series documents their self-sufficient lifestyle, showcasing their skills in hunting, fishing, and building. “Alaska: The Last Frontier” offers a heartwarming portrayal of family bonds and the enduring spirit of homesteading.

Surviving the Extreme: Life Below Zero

This documentary series profiles individuals living in remote areas of Alaska, showcasing their ingenuity and adaptability in extreme conditions. From building shelters to hunting for food, “Life Below Zero” provides a raw and compelling look at subsistence living. The spin-off, “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans,” focuses on indigenous Alaskans and their traditional survival techniques.

Gold Rush Fever: Bering Sea Gold

Nome, Alaska, becomes the backdrop for this reality series that follows gold miners as they dredge the Bering Sea for fortune. “Bering Sea Gold” offers a modern-day gold rush narrative, filled with competition, setbacks, and the thrill of discovery.

The Last Alaskans: Life in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

This critically acclaimed series documented the lives of the few remaining residents of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. “The Last Alaskans” offered a rare and authentic glimpse into a disappearing way of life, emphasizing the importance of preserving wilderness areas.

Beyond Reality: Exploring Scripted Alaska Television Shows

While reality TV reigns supreme, scripted shows also contribute to the depiction of Alaska on screen.

Northern Exposure: Quirky Small-Town Charm

This Emmy-award winning comedy-drama, set in the fictional town of Cicely, Alaska, captured the hearts of viewers with its eccentric characters and heartwarming storylines. Though filmed in Washington state, “Northern Exposure” remains a beloved portrayal of small-town Alaskan life.

Trucking and Troopers: Other Notable Alaska Shows

Several other series have explored different facets of Alaskan life, from the dangers of trucking to the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Ice Road Truckers: Navigating Perilous Highways

Seasons 3-6 of this reality series showcased the treacherous Dalton Highway in Alaska, highlighting the skills and courage of truck drivers navigating icy roads.

Alaska State Troopers: Upholding the Law in the Last Frontier

This reality series followed Alaska State Troopers as they responded to diverse situations across the vast state, from search and rescue missions to wildlife encounters.

Short-Lived but Memorable: Sarah Palin’s Alaska and Yukon Men

While canceled after a few seasons, these shows offered unique perspectives on Alaskan life. “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” provided a glimpse into the personal life of the former Vice Presidential candidate, while “Yukon Men” documented the lives of men in the small town of Tanana.

Experiencing the Real Alaska

These television shows offer a captivating window into the diverse landscapes and lifestyles of Alaska. However, to truly understand the Last Frontier, consider visiting or even moving to this extraordinary state.