Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
3 generations of homesteaders work together off the grid.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
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Alaska: The Last Frontier
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Parents say the show has faced criticism for lacking authenticity in its portrayal of homesteading life, with reviewers arguing that it focuses too much on dramatized stories and modern conveniences rather than true survival themes. Additionally, some parents express concern about the show's content, including profanity and scenes that appear to mistreat animals, leading them to question its suitability for family viewing.
- lack of authenticity
- dramatized stories
- modern conveniences
- profanity concerns
- animal mistreatment
- unsuitable for families
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 1 kid review
What's the Story?
ALASKA: THE LAST FRONTIER is a reality series about the Kilcher family and how they live "off the grid" on the Alaskan frontier. It features Atz Kilcher, who, along with his wife Bonnie, live on the family homestead in South Central Alaska. Also living on the land is Atz's brother, Otto; his wife, Charlotte; and Atz's son, Atz Lee, who returned after years of earning his living as a musician to live in a log cabin with his wife, Jane. Otto's son, Eivin; his wife, Eve; and their infant son, Findley, also have built a life there. From protecting Ottos' cattle and hunting for fresh bear meat to coping with extreme weather conditions, the family works hard to live off the land while enjoying the beauty of the land they call home.
Is It Any Good?
Like most Alaskan-themed reality series, The Last Frontier shows the rugged lifestyle that this three-generation family has chosen to live and reveals many of the daily challenges it faces while living it. What sets this show apart, however, is the fact that Atz's eldest daughter just happens to be Jewel, the international pop star.
If you watch in hopes of spotting the singer on the show, you'll be disappointed. But folks who like this sort of reality experience will enjoy watching how the extended family carries out their day-to-day activities without a lot of modern conveniences. Its focus on family also makes it a decent option for whole-family viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of reality shows that feature people living in remote places. Are these shows meant to be educational? Or are they just providing some voyeuristic entertainment? Why would people who live "off the grid" agree to have their lives filmed?
Families can talk about Alaska. Is it different from other U.S. states? Why do people find it interesting?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 29, 2011
- Cast : Atz Kilcher , Otto Kilcher , Atz Lee Kilcher
- Network : Discovery Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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