First Alaskans
Life in Alaska reality doc has hunting, rifles, and cursing.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
First Alaskans
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that First Alaskans, a spinoff of the series Life Below Zero, features indigenous Alaskans living off the grid and according to the ways of their ancestors. Hunting is visible, and both children and adults use rifles to hunt and to protect themselves from predators. Animals are shot, dismembered, skinned, and eaten on camera. There's some strong language, but cursing is bleeped. Pipe smoking is visible, and conversations are had about being in recovery from alcohol use dependency.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
FIRST ALASKANS, a spinoff of Life Below Zero, follows indigenous Alaskans living according to their ancient traditions and negotiating the challenges of the 21st century. Jody Potts-Joseph is a member of the Han Gwich'in tribe and lives off the land in the Central Yukon while the Apassingok family, members of the Yup'ik tribe, live off the Bering Sea in the remote fishing village of Gambell. Athabaskan tribe member Joel Jacko and his family live in the woods in Pedro Bay, and Marvin Agnot is an Alutiiq tribesman from Akhiok who fishes the local bays according to the tides. Meanwhile, Koyukon Athabaskan tribe member Steven "Tig" Stressbert lives with his wife and seven children in Allakaket along the Koyukuk River. As they cope with the harsh Alaskan winter while securing resources from the land and sea for their families and their villages, they pass down their people's traditions to younger generations. But climate change is posing a threat to their ways of life, and has the potential of wiping out the way Alaskan Native peoples have lived for thousands of years. So they must rely heavily on their ancestors' teachings to develop ways to survive, flourish, and ensure the survival of their tribes.
Is It Any Good?
The interesting but stilted docuseries follows the lives of a diverse cast comprised of indigenous Alaskans working hard to survive the beautiful but unforgiving lands of their ancestors. They showcase how they hunt, fish, and perform routine tasks like collecting water and cutting wood to survive the winter. Throughout it all the cast notes that they have an obligation to their ancestors and the future generations of their tribes to preserve their culture. Each cast member, in their own way, also notes how climate change is affecting their native lands, and how the solutions to rebalancing them can be found in the ancient traditions and strategies that have allowed their peoples to adapt and survive in the area for thousands of years. Granted, like its sister series Life Below Zero, a lot of what's shown seems preplanned for the cameras, and the visual and audio effects used to help tell their stories are overproduced to create drama. But First Alaskans succeeds at highlighting the diversity among Native Alaskans, and the ways each tribe draws from the teachings of their ancestors and their tribal lands to survive whatever natural or manmade challenges they are forced to deal with.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to live in Alaska during the winter. One cast member notes that outside of work, there's little to occupy people's time during Alaskan winters in remote areas. What are some of the consequences of this?
Did you know that Alaska Natives represent 11 different cultures? How does First Alaskans highlight the differences between some of them? Are there similarities between their cultural practices?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 22, 2023
- Cast: Jody Potts-Joseph, Daniel Apassingok, Marvin Agnot, Joel Jacko, Steven “Tig” Stressbert
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Humility, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 24, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Life Below Zero
Rugged Alaskan lifestyle reality with hunting and language.
-
Alaska Animal Rescue
Cinematic animal rescue show has some tough moments.
-
Wild Kratts: Alaska -- Hero's Journey
More wildly engaging adventures from the brothers Kratt.
-
Alaska Extreme
Solid docuseries explores wildlife, wonders of U.S. state.
For kids who love true stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate