Let me break out my sled, hook up my dogs and mush the team out onto the snow covered tundra – like I know what I am talking about. But I do know how to do the following: Pop open an ice cold beer, gnaw on my favorite hunk of beef jerky and tune the TV to. 'Alaska: The Last Frontier.' Once the opening credits are done, the show transports the viewer right into the frigid Alaskan hinterlands. The direction and production are so skilled that I can almost see my own breath vaporize, watching people struggle with the Alaskan Frontier. It seems that planning for the long, cold and dark winter months is the main goal for everyone. As I said earlier
I do not have a leg to stand on as far as knowing what these people go through – but there are moments I want to shove my muck lucks where the sun don't shine, - and then I realize I am not going through all of this – they are. I have to say, very good job and interesting stories.
40 Reviews
good role models
grizzledgeezer30 September 2013
However cornball it might sound... I like programs like "Alaska -- the Last Frontier", with intelligent people behaving sensibly.
I should point out that these people /do not/ lead a "subsistence" lifestyle, which would require that they make everything they need. They have access to power tools (some of them Very Large) and store-bought supplies in an emergency. Still, it's sobering to see people who spend most of their time doing the work needed to support themselves, rather than in vain pursuits.
Otto is the unintentional star. He's extremely intelligent and has an ironic, self-deprecating sense of humor. (The sequence in which he blows up a stump and brags about it is classic.) The show would be merely "good" without him.
As for the "excessive" killing... If you're not a vegetarian, you have no right to complain. The domestic animals have led uncaged lives, and are killed humanely. (I loved it when Otto had his son kill a favorite cow that wouldn't have made it through the Winter. Instead of the animal dying on its side, it ends up on its back, with its legs angled in "dead cockroach" position.)
I'm 66 years old and have heard theme songs for scores of TV shows. "Alaska -- the Last Frontier" has absolutely the worst. The lyrics and melody are either consciously cornball C&W -- or the writers are idiots. They've got to be kidding... (It seems he song was written and sung by Atz Lee! My condemnation nevertheless stands.)
"Sometimes it's blood, sweat, and tears On Alaska, the last frontier. But life is simple, life is good, When you're livin' like you should. Hey! Hey! Sometimes it's struggle 'n strife Fathers, sons, brothers, wifes. But we're makin' our way, And yes, we'll stay Right here! On Alaska, the last frontier!"
How about "Life is simple, life is good, when you've got takeout Chinese food." Well, it is, isn't it?
I should point out that these people /do not/ lead a "subsistence" lifestyle, which would require that they make everything they need. They have access to power tools (some of them Very Large) and store-bought supplies in an emergency. Still, it's sobering to see people who spend most of their time doing the work needed to support themselves, rather than in vain pursuits.
Otto is the unintentional star. He's extremely intelligent and has an ironic, self-deprecating sense of humor. (The sequence in which he blows up a stump and brags about it is classic.) The show would be merely "good" without him.
As for the "excessive" killing... If you're not a vegetarian, you have no right to complain. The domestic animals have led uncaged lives, and are killed humanely. (I loved it when Otto had his son kill a favorite cow that wouldn't have made it through the Winter. Instead of the animal dying on its side, it ends up on its back, with its legs angled in "dead cockroach" position.)
I'm 66 years old and have heard theme songs for scores of TV shows. "Alaska -- the Last Frontier" has absolutely the worst. The lyrics and melody are either consciously cornball C&W -- or the writers are idiots. They've got to be kidding... (It seems he song was written and sung by Atz Lee! My condemnation nevertheless stands.)
"Sometimes it's blood, sweat, and tears On Alaska, the last frontier. But life is simple, life is good, When you're livin' like you should. Hey! Hey! Sometimes it's struggle 'n strife Fathers, sons, brothers, wifes. But we're makin' our way, And yes, we'll stay Right here! On Alaska, the last frontier!"
How about "Life is simple, life is good, when you've got takeout Chinese food." Well, it is, isn't it?
BUILD A BARN!!!
pbmalcolmmalcolm10 October 2022
I enjoy watching this show sometimes. At other times it drives me crazy. Year after year after year they have problems with their new calves getting mauled or frozen to death. They are penned up in a tiny pen with three feet of mud and cow poop in the spring and 4-5 feet of snow in the winter. These people have A LOT of money. Why in heaven't name don't they BUILD A BARN to put
the cows and calves in and keep them safe until spring. It's NOT good for cows to stomp around in a mud pit. Those poor cows! Charlotte goes on and on about how much she loves animals. WHY DON'T YOU BUILD A BARN??? The men spend their time building cabins they aren't going to live in, so they have the time. Geez, if you can't bring yourself to do it for the animals, HIRE SOMEONE!
Circle of Life
yoshibuddha23 April 2014
Really phenomenal show that documents the life of families surviving in the wilds of Alaska. This is not Sarah Palin's Alaska; this is the real deal and the people involved are intelligent and responsible custodians of the land they inhabit; unlike most of us.
It's great to see people who hunt and gather and display 100% respect for the seriousness of their responsibility. The animal slaughter scenes are rough for some people but they do it without any "sport" whatsoever and with full disclosure of the significance of the killing and the importance of the circle of life. Otto's wife is a long-time vegetarian and she discusses her views on the killings including her understanding of it's necessity. The folks who rated this 1 star because of "the killing" are probably just extremists so please disregard them. I'm no hunter myself, but I am a omnivore and I know where my meat comes from as I do my best to buy only local, non-mass produced meats.
I find it highly hypocritical for anyone to criticize the slaughter portions of this show and then turn around and eat meat from a restaurant or buy some from a grocery store with no connection to the animal's welfare or the process involved to feed them. This show will help you understand what consuming meat really means and the real cost.
It's great to see people who hunt and gather and display 100% respect for the seriousness of their responsibility. The animal slaughter scenes are rough for some people but they do it without any "sport" whatsoever and with full disclosure of the significance of the killing and the importance of the circle of life. Otto's wife is a long-time vegetarian and she discusses her views on the killings including her understanding of it's necessity. The folks who rated this 1 star because of "the killing" are probably just extremists so please disregard them. I'm no hunter myself, but I am a omnivore and I know where my meat comes from as I do my best to buy only local, non-mass produced meats.
I find it highly hypocritical for anyone to criticize the slaughter portions of this show and then turn around and eat meat from a restaurant or buy some from a grocery store with no connection to the animal's welfare or the process involved to feed them. This show will help you understand what consuming meat really means and the real cost.
Alaskans laugh at what schmucks lower 48ers are
metamorphosein7 December 2015
Go to google earth and look up Kilcher road, Homer. Ak. You can then spot their houses. There is even a Kilcher tour on trip adviser They are less than an hour away from a safeway and Homer, Ak. a popular tourist town. They are rural, yes, but not at all cut off from the outside world. Maybe the grandfather was a pioneer but these people are not Their neighbors post this about them all the time if you bother to go look. I think that Life below Zero shows people who are really out on the edge. I first saw Sue Akins on Sarah Palins Alaska. Sha was introduced there as having The farthest out hunting camp of all and upper class alaskans knew about the place It was actually Sarah Palin who started the whole Alaske reality show craze. She was out to publicize Alaska and she did it. The Tanina river and the Brooks range are also pretty far out places so that show is more interesting. it all comes down to asking if you can put yourself it their place. Do you see yourself surviving independently out in the Alaskan wilderness? Good. Then you are hooked. I think i will limit it to taking a cruise to Alaska.
Best reality show I've seen in a while . . . "Killer" . . .
jansen-r-lee12 December 2013
I read the other reviews for this show and almost laugh. I love this show. Its a way of life that has been lost.
We get everything we want from Walmart or some other big box store. The truth is, if the lights went out tomorrow, 95% of Americans wouldn't make it a few months much less survive. I'm speaking for myself also. Its almost comical that people think its a "killing" show. Where do they think Walmart and Kroger get meat? The Kilcher's are incredibly humane and do NONE of the inhumane things that are done on Beef and Chicken farms. Oh yeah, I've never killed an animal before much less gone hunting, so I'm no redneck justifying their killing. People lose touch with the reality of provision in today's first world society.
This is a fantastic show, it is clean, and there are always people helping and giving to others whether friends or neighbors. No one's ever battling it out or gossiping about their closest loved ones. There is some language, but its always bleeped and mostly in tense situations. I was even more excited since I watched the first season on Netflix and come to find out there are more!
And about the theme song. Don't know who wrote it, and the words may be dumb, but I like Jewel, and I think it is cool that Atz Lee is singing in it.
We get everything we want from Walmart or some other big box store. The truth is, if the lights went out tomorrow, 95% of Americans wouldn't make it a few months much less survive. I'm speaking for myself also. Its almost comical that people think its a "killing" show. Where do they think Walmart and Kroger get meat? The Kilcher's are incredibly humane and do NONE of the inhumane things that are done on Beef and Chicken farms. Oh yeah, I've never killed an animal before much less gone hunting, so I'm no redneck justifying their killing. People lose touch with the reality of provision in today's first world society.
This is a fantastic show, it is clean, and there are always people helping and giving to others whether friends or neighbors. No one's ever battling it out or gossiping about their closest loved ones. There is some language, but its always bleeped and mostly in tense situations. I was even more excited since I watched the first season on Netflix and come to find out there are more!
And about the theme song. Don't know who wrote it, and the words may be dumb, but I like Jewel, and I think it is cool that Atz Lee is singing in it.
Family who does things the old way
lelaine-0285624 October 2017
I grew up watching my grandparents farm in much the same ways the Kilcher's farm. My aunts and uncles would all come home to help my grandparents make hay. Eve talks of all of the things they do on the homestead and I would love to see how they make cheese. I remember that our family all came together on Thanksgiving to do the butchering for our winter meats. Our celebration dinner often consisted of fresh pork and chickens which were butchered earlier in the day. I often watched as my grandmother milked her cows, separated the milk and made butter, smearcase( cottage cheese) and buttermilk. This show takes me back to my childhood where my parents and grandparents could do "everything". I eagerly await each new episode. Please keep those episodes coming.
Entertaining in a 'pro-wrestling' sort of way
michael-e-wasson9 April 2015
I actually watch this show because I am entertained by it and the family characters are amusing.
But, let's face it, the show is contrived and staged.
Every week, we are treated to the next "Gotta get this done before winter" emergency fulfilled with an old "insert recycled item here" Example: Using an old semi flatbed to make a cow feeding station. After using a 100K bulldozer to move the bed, we will use commercial lumber that mysteriously appears to make the paddocks. Along with acetylene torches and various other power tools. Where do they get the tanks of acetylene? I guess they take the family barge to town?! But wait, why didn't they just BUY a feeding station? After all, they are multi-millionaires?
But, let's face it, the show is contrived and staged.
Every week, we are treated to the next "Gotta get this done before winter" emergency fulfilled with an old "insert recycled item here" Example: Using an old semi flatbed to make a cow feeding station. After using a 100K bulldozer to move the bed, we will use commercial lumber that mysteriously appears to make the paddocks. Along with acetylene torches and various other power tools. Where do they get the tanks of acetylene? I guess they take the family barge to town?! But wait, why didn't they just BUY a feeding station? After all, they are multi-millionaires?
Great viewing
warmheart-834795 April 2015
Since I started watching the show I have watched it every week and really enjoy seeing how they all use the skills they have been taught and learnt throughout their life. It just shows how different life is with families like them and us city slickers. I know the Kilchers have the power tools and farm machinery but using what they can from the land is one thing they are known for. Growing and catching their food and making other things is something that is knowing you have achieved something worthwhile. These sort of programmes are interesting to watch and you can also learn a few things. Another thing about this show is how family help each other and are willing to get in and do whatever needs doing no matter what the weather is.
Not enough material (milking it)
xchromosomosapian22 December 2016
How many "cattle drives" and "hunting and fishing for survival" can Discovery milk from this show? I used to love this show due to the family dynamic. I loved the way the relationships between the Kilchers were not always flowery but that human emotions would erupt and then the family would work it out. But now it is just hard to watch the same themes play out every season. I think the biggest put-off for me is the narrating. I dislike the way that moments are made up to be more dramatic than they actually are (e.g., hunting for survival, the flare and how much "danger" the girls were in, the fake predator threats, etc). I do like Eivan's projects. I do like the Christmas gift making and giving. I like the idea of the homesteading lifestyle but don't act like these people don't have cell phones, a grocery store isn't nearby, other people don't live nearby, and please don't think your audience is a bunch of idiots (if you are filming someone, they are not in real danger because there is a cameraman right there with a communication device and don't forget about the rules and regulations about filming safety). Don't Bear Grylls me again Discovery.
Aluminium boat
rikuhopeakoski26 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
At first for couple of seasons, it seemed like pretty real and I enjoyed. But when I started to see all the excavators and dozers and fuel they consume, I was like whoa - yeah, living off the grid. But the most confusing thing was, when one of them made an aluminium boat "by their bare hands". Do you actually know, how much it costs and difficult welding aluminium is?
Why I like Alaska's Last Frontier
jbmax9 November 2017
I love this program about Alaska. It is wholesome family entertainment with a real human side to it. I know Homer is close by and there is a Safeway there. However I feel that the ethos of the show is to convey how Yule Kilcher carved a livelihood as a pioneer over 50 years ago. His children and grandchildren continue that tradition.
It is my belief that we need that in this world, old family values and traditions. Our children sit glued to mobile/cell phones and tablets. I would love to take them and my grand kids to see the Kilchers in Alaska's Last Frontier.
It is my belief that we need that in this world, old family values and traditions. Our children sit glued to mobile/cell phones and tablets. I would love to take them and my grand kids to see the Kilchers in Alaska's Last Frontier.
Great show, but horrible editing
Poster1773111 September 2022
This seems to fairly common with reality shows, but not sure why. Why editors would want to annoy their viewers is beyond me. You watch the best parts of the show twice, every time, every show. Shooting a deer? Boom, cut, commercial, come back, watch it again. I mean, are these folks so unsure of their content that the need to have cliffhangers for commercials? There really is no need for this sort of editing... cliffhangers in general are bad for the viewers in every way, and every circumstance. Other than this, the show is entertaining, even if some parts of clearly scripted. Show canceled, nice half of a long movie you just watched, cable out during commercial... you get the point.
Staged BS.
tibbetsphil24 October 2015
This show is a load of staged nonsense, it shows nothing about real Alaska. The reality of Alaska is that nobody lives like this, much less these people. Source: I live five miles from these people, in Homer. Otto owns a machine shop, Atz is a wealthy musician, the show is just designed to make it look like they fight for survival when there's a paved road and a grocery store just a few miles away. These people are a laughing stock in my town, and nobody likes the way they misrepresent Alaska. Stop buying this garbage and don't think we're all like this, nobody is. It seriously bothers me to see how many people totally buy this. We hunt, we fish, we do rough it, but it's not a survival situation 24/7 like the kilchers would have you believe.
GreatFolk and Stupid Ones Through Nepotism
draofohio1 October 2017
Love parts of the show but the alpha-male driven Atz (who drives the show's direction) is an egomaniac. His insistence on promoting his self-centered son, Atz Lee - who spent half his life away but came back to be on the show (and is a moron) weakens the production. Add his wife Jane and I sometimes change the channel. Read their history and watch the first few years when Atz Lee arrived and see the 'transformation' folks. Many of the rest of the family are wonderful. Otto and his clan are great, unpretentious, and intelligent. Eiven and Eve are salt of the earth and just a joy to watch and listen to... solid people. Charlotte is a sweetie. Bonnie (Atz's wife) is a sweetie and it is obvious she just watches the two alpha's and keeps quiet. Ironically Atz Lee's brother (Nikos and Shane) appear well rounded, intelligent and down to earth... suggest they feature them and cut the stupid son...
Fun and Wholesome despite exaggerations and scripts...
caminofeld17 December 2018
I completely understand that the Kilchers have money, aren't as isolated as they appear to be, and often either exaggerate or have scripted stories...however homesteading is a mindset and lifestyle not defined by isolation or acreage. I have an 8 acre hobby farm a minute from the local gas and grocery and still use similar techniques with similar equipment. My Wife and I have careers in Emergency Nursing, but we have chosen a lifestyle of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and family values much like that portrayed by the Kilchers. Our young children are independent, proud, and have common sense far beyond their years, and I can't help but believe much of that comes from the way they are being raised. Fun show to watch with quirky and flawed characters where I'm not only entertained, but find myself mesmerized by the Alaskan scenery and can almost smell the fresh air.
About a family who lives it basic in Alaska
laf-05248622 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It starts out pretty slow. Mostly about caring for a heard of cows. As it goes on you get to met ever member of the Kilcher family. Including Jewel the actor/ singer/ songwriter/ and the Masked singer. By the 5-6 series you get to see some blood and gore with Atz Lee. They are very, either careless or not up to doing the task any there are several injuries that happen. If you don't like hunting for your food and field dressing the animals, this show is not for you. If you want to learn about where your food comes from and what it takes for them to get it to make it through Alaskan seasons, then it's fun and interesting to watch. They are a funny family. Otto has a temper, but as he gets older, especially after he gets hurt, he mellows out. Hearing the back stories of how they came to be is very interesting. I love the show and watch it over and over.
The show Could be better if ...
doreijewl-117 July 2023
The first 2-3 seasons were pretty good when they were airing original footage . The producers spend MUCH too much time showing and reshowing and reshowing footage that aired on previous episodes . I'm now on season 4 episode 6 and there has barely been any original footage in all these 6 episodes. I keep fast forwarding hoping for something new .
The cast is great ! It's educational and interesting . The only problem is the producer airing the same footage over and over , ESPECIALLY in this season . I'd like to know if this is how it's going to be in all future seasons . I guess I'll just keep watching and fast forwarding .
The cast is great ! It's educational and interesting . The only problem is the producer airing the same footage over and over , ESPECIALLY in this season . I'd like to know if this is how it's going to be in all future seasons . I guess I'll just keep watching and fast forwarding .
Home steading
hysellzzz1 March 2018
Disappointed
sully-3267720 February 2022
It's a shame they have paid to much , ie the media , in fairness I can't blame you , what was lovely viewing has become farcical !!! It's a shame !!! 😊 I'm an avid viewer having worked overseas all my life and have associated myself with people who live off the grid , you guys have made a fortune , not sounding like a parrot but it's not normal , it's became commercial !!! Enjoy X.
2020 season is just painful
burny-865274 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Its endless corona talk, gotta get food so we can be safe during corona, gotta get supplies so we can be safe during corona, we built a hunting cabin, which will be a good place to isolate during corona... we get it, theres coronavirus now go away
you know you like this show
Cinema2kMendoza8 October 2021
The Epitome of "Reality TV"
juanruiz-656795 August 2018
In order to find any merit in this series, one has to buy into the premise of a multi-millionaire clan living off the grid in a survival existence. Never mind that they are only a few miles from Homer, Alaska and all its modern conveniences. This comes in handy when major injuries due to being drunk and falling off a cliff, need hospitalization, a baby has to be delivered or a hernia has to be repaired.
As with all "reality tv," every episode is the creation of the production team...written in Hollywood before they leave for Alaska. Script titles should read "Otto Goes to the Outhouse," "Atz Lee Has Another PTSD Attack," "Jane Pouts Again."
Central to this and other such shows, is the producers' belief that viewers are stupid. That they will buy into all the nonsense. I guess given the popularity, they are right.
As with all "reality tv," every episode is the creation of the production team...written in Hollywood before they leave for Alaska. Script titles should read "Otto Goes to the Outhouse," "Atz Lee Has Another PTSD Attack," "Jane Pouts Again."
Central to this and other such shows, is the producers' belief that viewers are stupid. That they will buy into all the nonsense. I guess given the popularity, they are right.
To Eve
pelicaniowa1 February 2021
I am very disappointed that you resorted to the bad language you used. I understand we mothers have a lot going at times. I had so much respect for you and Eiven. PLEASE don't lower your standards.
I'm pleased that Otto is cleaning up his language and has calmed down, not getting so upset.
I look forward to watching this program. And also seeing how the whole family helps out each other.
See also
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