Interesting, instructive 'how to survive' show, but not a fan of Oliver Johnson. It's just weird how he keeps saying, "Dude" and "Man" to his female partner Breanna. Also, he seems sort of demeaning and belittling towards her. She doesn't appear to be a wilting flower, but is more of an accomplished, capable woman and he seems to be 'mansplaining' too often. The rest of the cast are more enjoyable to watch. It obviously takes someone hardy to live there. Beautiful scenery, but even though summers were spent on Granny's Eastern Shore of Maryland farm fishing, crabbing & clamming, retrieving eggs from the hen house there's no way I could live with all the bugs and freezing temperatures.
28 Reviews
Love the show but......
kimberlycooper-3832723 March 2023
The quick changes from scene to scene is aggravating. You are watching them out fishing and all of a sudden you are in a field watching them hunt a bear. Your mind definitely doesn't have time to process that quickly. And it gets confusing. We've been watching from the beginning and absolutely love the show. Hope it gets better next season or we won't be watching. I would also love to see how they survive the winter not just preparing for the winter. Some additional background on the characters would be a good addition. I hope it continue for a long time...makes me want to move there...well kinda.
Hard, wonderful, beautiful
DLochner8 October 2021
A great reality series about a remote little settlement in Alaska. The series tells the harsh reality of the small community in honest stories. A little gem told with wonderful pictures. But also the dark sides of a life far away from civilization.
Great community interaction in Port Protection
nnlart7 July 2016
Love,love, love this show!!! This show is so relatable to those of us who dream of a quiet somewhat off the grid life! These people have a real community yet they are self sufficient in every way. While I love " Life Below Zero".. I really don't see myself ever living a total solitary life so seeing Port lets me fantasize that perhaps I could do it there! Love all the cast...please keep this going on forever‼️‼️ The board walk is so much like a child's dream of living in a forest! What could be more fun than walking on a boardwalk thru the forest to your friends cottage in the woods? Being alone in the woods may sound great but having neighbors when you need help sounds much better! I think all of these people are very aware of how lucky they are‼️
surprisingly good
danwaynealaska17 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I just watched episode 1 of this show on Amazon.com, after hearing from my brother that it was pretty good. We both grew up with one of the people in the show so we had to check it out. I was still expecting it to be pretty lame, like some of the other so-called reality shows about Alaska, where we live, but it was surprisingly good. I went to IMDb after, to find out more about the production, and decided to post this.
First, the quality of the video is outstanding. I had heard that, but it still blew me away. I have lived in Alaska most of my life and at one time even worked as a professional film and video producer. It's the best outdoor video of the state I've seen, and when people ask me what southeast Alaska looks like from now on i'll be able to just tell them to watch the show.
Second, so far, in episode one, the show does a wonderful job telling the stories of the locals selected for the show -- and they are definitely local, you will immediately be able to see that. The men and women and (spoiler alert) animals in the show can do amazing things. For example, if you have previously been unconvinced that mink oil produced to treat leather is actually from mink, then (spoiler alert) all doubt will be dispelled. The stories and action in the show move pretty fast. It's not like one of those shows with 2 guys gabbing in a boat, waiting for the fish to bite, providing a bunch of filler between beer commercials. This is a high quality production that grabs your attention and keeps it, and so far doesn't hasn't had to cook up any baloney to do that. I watched episode one out of curiosity, and I plan to keep watching as long as it stays this good.
First, the quality of the video is outstanding. I had heard that, but it still blew me away. I have lived in Alaska most of my life and at one time even worked as a professional film and video producer. It's the best outdoor video of the state I've seen, and when people ask me what southeast Alaska looks like from now on i'll be able to just tell them to watch the show.
Second, so far, in episode one, the show does a wonderful job telling the stories of the locals selected for the show -- and they are definitely local, you will immediately be able to see that. The men and women and (spoiler alert) animals in the show can do amazing things. For example, if you have previously been unconvinced that mink oil produced to treat leather is actually from mink, then (spoiler alert) all doubt will be dispelled. The stories and action in the show move pretty fast. It's not like one of those shows with 2 guys gabbing in a boat, waiting for the fish to bite, providing a bunch of filler between beer commercials. This is a high quality production that grabs your attention and keeps it, and so far doesn't hasn't had to cook up any baloney to do that. I watched episode one out of curiosity, and I plan to keep watching as long as it stays this good.
Awesome show
alaskan_reb4 September 2017
Exactly the dream of Peter Pan and the lost boys! It's a play land with deadly consequences but you have all the support from your friends and neighbors. Love this show. I wish I could live there! Keep this show going forever. The people are great and wonderful. I want to see them all develop more together in this harsh jungle.
Total enjoyment. so much entertainment.
nancylloyd-1638320 March 2017
Oh, my goodness I must have been born in a forest as I find this show so much fun to watch. I can't wait for the next show to be shown,These people are so real, so happy with this life they lead. I want it on every week to see how they handle all life has to throw at them. Please keep it going.
Love this Show
pr-516505 June 2017
I absolutely love this show. Please advertise better when the next season will be on. I was looking for the 2017 season & only got an opportunity to let you know on this 2015 page that more show are encouraged by wilderness lovers like myself that may not be able to experience such things but only through others. Awesome show. Please continue it.
Less Oliver please!!!
jeffter-131 January 2024
I have just discovered the show Lawless Island, about the lives of people living in Port Protection. I absolutely love it, and have been binge watching, and am now on season 5. I love all the older original folks, and listening to their stories and words of wisdom. It's nice to see the younger generation coming in, and learning to live that life, but sometimes they come across as a little cocky, and it's a bit annoying. But OMG, none are as annoying as Oliver Johnson!!! What a deuche bag. What makes it even worse, is the way he treats Breanna. What she's doing with that guy, or what she sees in him is beyond me. As somebody else mentioned, he is demeaning towards her, and disrespectful, and treats her like she's stupid. You can do better girl!!
Love the show, but hoping to see less of Oliver Johnson!!
Love the show, but hoping to see less of Oliver Johnson!!
Great show
firballblaze-6968926 February 2020
After watching every single episode, I am revising my review
markmalott7 September 2023
After watching every single episode of this show, I wanted to revise my review. Many other people have talked about the editing technique and switching from scene to scene. I agree on that one and wish they would edit it differently so that it was not so erratic.
The real reason I wanted to revise my review is that I absolutely fell in love with everything about Port protection. Starting with the people. I hope some of them see these reviews and if I knew they were reading this here is what I would say. Thank you so much for letting us have a little window into your wonderful life. It is a very different lifestyle than most of us live today. But I get the absolute draw and beauty of living there.
Also, the way that you all take care of each other is inspirational. Contributing where you can and helping each other out. If I was a young man, again, I very well may be looking for property in your direction!
It is ironic that a show could literally show someone doing some thing as mundane as chopping wood, and it would be interesting. There is something graceful and simplistic about every aspect of their lives. Being in touch, not only with nature, but your food sources and providing for yourself in a meaningful way is incredible. I hope the show comes back for more to inspire us all again.
The real reason I wanted to revise my review is that I absolutely fell in love with everything about Port protection. Starting with the people. I hope some of them see these reviews and if I knew they were reading this here is what I would say. Thank you so much for letting us have a little window into your wonderful life. It is a very different lifestyle than most of us live today. But I get the absolute draw and beauty of living there.
Also, the way that you all take care of each other is inspirational. Contributing where you can and helping each other out. If I was a young man, again, I very well may be looking for property in your direction!
It is ironic that a show could literally show someone doing some thing as mundane as chopping wood, and it would be interesting. There is something graceful and simplistic about every aspect of their lives. Being in touch, not only with nature, but your food sources and providing for yourself in a meaningful way is incredible. I hope the show comes back for more to inspire us all again.
a mixture of good and no-so-good casting decisions
happy_quadruped10 April 2022
This show is pretty well produced and has a few pretty interesting characters who seem to know what they're doing, how to fend for themselves, how to build interesting contraptions to help them do it, etc. These people are interesting to watch and listen to.
There are also a couple of characters who seem more like they just live in the town and aren't necessarily much more cut out for survival living than you or I are. They make the show more tedious and hard to watch.
If they got rid of the bad characters this could be a top show. As is, I quit watching after 3 episodes. The last straw for me was when a woman went fishing, just doing some basic fishing, catches a tiny fish and tosses it in her bucket, and they show a couple shots of her tossing the fish in the bucket in slow-mo as if it's some amazing thing.
There are also a couple of characters who seem more like they just live in the town and aren't necessarily much more cut out for survival living than you or I are. They make the show more tedious and hard to watch.
If they got rid of the bad characters this could be a top show. As is, I quit watching after 3 episodes. The last straw for me was when a woman went fishing, just doing some basic fishing, catches a tiny fish and tosses it in her bucket, and they show a couple shots of her tossing the fish in the bucket in slow-mo as if it's some amazing thing.
I want to like these shows...
imdb-487-88156123 June 2016
I want to like the show so I give it a 3 star that it does not deserve.
Wilderness survival is a very interesting topic for me. The set of skills involved is so remote from the lives of most normal people, it might as well be science fiction. TV shows like this one have the potential to bring us closer to otherwise lost or unreachable information and experiences.
Yet, time and again, we get to see overweight folk mill around. It is not a fault of this one show, it is the same elsewhere. Dramas are manufactured. Say, a broken engine leaves a boat at the mercy of a forever incoming thunderstorm... yet the camera crew must be on another boat right there filming (unless they can walk on water or the boat itself is by the shore).
But it gets far worse, really. These shows are about first worlders playing at being pioneers (at best). They have all kinds of gear, from weapons to weatherproof clothing to machinery (chainsaws and what not) to, come on!, plenty of food to grow near obese on (even the dogs are fat). And, let's be honest, they never are far away from support in case of a real emergency.
The fact is that it would be better if these folks were shown for what they really are instead of for what they are not.
Another wasted opportunity... too bad!
Wilderness survival is a very interesting topic for me. The set of skills involved is so remote from the lives of most normal people, it might as well be science fiction. TV shows like this one have the potential to bring us closer to otherwise lost or unreachable information and experiences.
Yet, time and again, we get to see overweight folk mill around. It is not a fault of this one show, it is the same elsewhere. Dramas are manufactured. Say, a broken engine leaves a boat at the mercy of a forever incoming thunderstorm... yet the camera crew must be on another boat right there filming (unless they can walk on water or the boat itself is by the shore).
But it gets far worse, really. These shows are about first worlders playing at being pioneers (at best). They have all kinds of gear, from weapons to weatherproof clothing to machinery (chainsaws and what not) to, come on!, plenty of food to grow near obese on (even the dogs are fat). And, let's be honest, they never are far away from support in case of a real emergency.
The fact is that it would be better if these folks were shown for what they really are instead of for what they are not.
Another wasted opportunity... too bad!
Loved it - For someone who believe in independence and self love
daamusafir4 May 2021
This was an excellent series. I loved every bit of it.
The experience of the port protection people in the Alaska was shown in such a tremendous way, I too felt that every person should experience what a man is capablee of when there is now worldly law, and the only law they have to abide is the law of nature.
How the comfort and luxury has made us stubborn and we are just so more then what we think about ourself.
The experience of the port protection people in the Alaska was shown in such a tremendous way, I too felt that every person should experience what a man is capablee of when there is now worldly law, and the only law they have to abide is the law of nature.
How the comfort and luxury has made us stubborn and we are just so more then what we think about ourself.
Amazing Way of Life
ramonmatos-717954 August 2023
I absolutely love this show. I've never been big into reality shows but I discovered this show during the pandemic and became instantly hooked. I love the entire way of life, the family like community, and the incredible way they choose to live their life. I've laughed, cried, and even times just in awe with everyone from this community. Even has me thinking if I would want to take the leap and join them. I hope this show keeps getting renewed so we all can continue to enjoy the small glimpse of their amazing lives. I definitely will have a special place in my heart for their family members that were lost.
Great Series.
gcyzwq21 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great series. It has had some bumps along the way.
It was really sad when Gary died in a house fire. He was an integral member of Port Protection. His dry humor was refreshing.
Now there's the new comers; a younger generation. Most of the younger people are very serious about making it in Port Protection. They're very willing to learn from the old timers.
Most all the young people are very patient and get in there and listen and learn. There is one new comer that is really irritating.
Oliver Johnson grates on the nerves. He pushes his partner Breanna to distraction. Breanna can shoot. However Oliver rushed her into shooting to soon. To me, he is just irritating.
It was really sad when Gary died in a house fire. He was an integral member of Port Protection. His dry humor was refreshing.
Now there's the new comers; a younger generation. Most of the younger people are very serious about making it in Port Protection. They're very willing to learn from the old timers.
Most all the young people are very patient and get in there and listen and learn. There is one new comer that is really irritating.
Oliver Johnson grates on the nerves. He pushes his partner Breanna to distraction. Breanna can shoot. However Oliver rushed her into shooting to soon. To me, he is just irritating.
Got better with season 7
madmaywebdesign7 March 2024
I loved the first couple seasons but then it got pretty boring and monotonous. I wasn't really interested in the characters and a few of the men bugged me. The guy who kept calling his GF "dude" and would act like the expert even though she grew up in the life style. Totally annoyed me. I almost stopped watching, larger because of the new "bros" are just dumb, but then the series started to focus more on the women. Sure, I am bias because I am a women, but it was about time! I was getting really bored watching the men do the same thing over and over and over again. Sure Mary was front and center but the other ladies were not and it got boring watching the same people do the same things. Season 7, the ladies started to ban together and talk about things from their perspective. Smart move since not ALL viewers are men and not all of us can relate to these dudes.
Some homes resemble those in slum areas
Queenbee609 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In Canada where I live, this show is known as Lawless Island.
I like the scenes where citizens manufacturer makeshift tools, etc., to build things or complete projects; and I like to see the fishing scenes.
Some of the characters seem incapable of hunting or fishing successfully which makes me wonder how they survive.
When we do see them eat, their diet is very limited. Quite often you'll just see them eat the venison or fish they caught/smoked with very little to no vegetables; and as for canned food, I've never seen any.
Rarely are we shown the inside of their homes. But what we do see, are small, cluttered dirty rooms, with rotting floors and walls everywhere. Yet they seem proud of their accomplishments and surroundings, but it's obvious it takes a special type of person to live there.
I like the scenes where citizens manufacturer makeshift tools, etc., to build things or complete projects; and I like to see the fishing scenes.
Some of the characters seem incapable of hunting or fishing successfully which makes me wonder how they survive.
When we do see them eat, their diet is very limited. Quite often you'll just see them eat the venison or fish they caught/smoked with very little to no vegetables; and as for canned food, I've never seen any.
Rarely are we shown the inside of their homes. But what we do see, are small, cluttered dirty rooms, with rotting floors and walls everywhere. Yet they seem proud of their accomplishments and surroundings, but it's obvious it takes a special type of person to live there.
Alaskan officials make Oliver Johnson clean up the cove
chadklapper25 March 2021
I love this show for the simple fact is that I've always wanted to move back to Alaska and retire in a community like this. The community is so nice and almost pristine, until you see Oliver Johnson's cove. Reminds me of some of the hillbillies round here that trash their whole property with rusted out trucks and beer cans. Looks like a run down trailer in the middle of a beautiful cove. Broke down buildings along the shore line and no respect for nature or their surroundings. Its these kinds of kids that only care what they can take from nature and have no respect for it or themselves. Alaskan officials should see that and order them to clean that s#!? Hole up.
I kinda-wanna move there now!?!
attyhicks18 October 2023
I'm fascinated by the "characters" (the citizens of the town) and following them closely as they struggle to survive. They have to hunt, fish and grow their own food. They must constantly cut wood for heat. Their town always needs "MacGyvered" repairs. If I were 30 years younger I'd probably run off to go there myself. If you watch the first episode you will become involved with these people and want to know what they are doing, and how they are getting along. Do yourself a favor and watch the first couple seasons on a rainy day and before you know it you will get sucked in.
I hope and pray that the "powers-that-be" at the network will see this review (and the reviews of many others,) saying we need to get our fix of these people's lives!!! Please bring this show back for S7!
I hope and pray that the "powers-that-be" at the network will see this review (and the reviews of many others,) saying we need to get our fix of these people's lives!!! Please bring this show back for S7!
So silly.
vchrgsft17 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm giving this show a five due to it is actually better than many other reality shows on living in the wild or mining/ fishing etc.
The scenery is great and you do actually learn some things about living of the grid.
Having said that even though the premise is a good idea the result is still still unrealistic and manufactured situations.
Too many to list but hunting while smoking or ocean fishing in a boat that is clearly not maintained properly to be ocean worthy. It's down right dangerous some of the things they show. Anyone watching could be falsely led into thinking that it's acceptable to be as unprepared or lacking in skill to be ok only to discover if they actually tried living like this it could result in a very negative outcome.
While not as bad as shows like gold rush in the personal drama and confrontation it should be only watched with a grain of salt.
The scenery is great and you do actually learn some things about living of the grid.
Having said that even though the premise is a good idea the result is still still unrealistic and manufactured situations.
Too many to list but hunting while smoking or ocean fishing in a boat that is clearly not maintained properly to be ocean worthy. It's down right dangerous some of the things they show. Anyone watching could be falsely led into thinking that it's acceptable to be as unprepared or lacking in skill to be ok only to discover if they actually tried living like this it could result in a very negative outcome.
While not as bad as shows like gold rush in the personal drama and confrontation it should be only watched with a grain of salt.
chainsaw use by the women
zubbie-2125424 March 2023
I don't know how long ago that the segment was taped of the women showing each other, or the newcomer, how to cut down trees but I had to turn my head away and close my eyes. I agree they all are "tough women" but they're giving each other congratulations on VERY dangerous practices. I've run chainsaw for over 50 years, cut down (and cut up) hundreds of trees (and have made many mistakes doing so...) and I would strongly suggest they PLEASE take someone like Curly out there with them to get them proficient with chainsaw use before they kill themselves. I'm sure one of the guys who are well-versed chainsaw operators would be more than happy to go with them to keep them from hurting themselves or one of the others.
Hunting
rrbailie-9458114 June 2022
Went from a 10/10 to a 5/10, but still good...
rhollanbell22 October 2023
I would usually give this a 10/10, but since they got rid of the narrator, and switch between storylines every 7 seconds, the show has gone downhill. The new cast members leave more to be desired as well. I get it, some have moved, passed away, decided not to continue the show, whatever, but the new choices are bunk. Anyway...
A) Bring back the narrator.
B) Spend more time with a particular issue/storyline before switching to another.
C) Don't pick the new guy/girl who has decided to go out and "see if they have what it takes." All they've done is watched the show and hoped they could end up on TV. They'll do it for their 15 minutes of fame, and then move back to Cincinnati or wherever they're from once it's over.
I'm sure no one from the show will see this, but stranger things have happened. I loved the show before and wish it would go back to how it was.
A) Bring back the narrator.
B) Spend more time with a particular issue/storyline before switching to another.
C) Don't pick the new guy/girl who has decided to go out and "see if they have what it takes." All they've done is watched the show and hoped they could end up on TV. They'll do it for their 15 minutes of fame, and then move back to Cincinnati or wherever they're from once it's over.
I'm sure no one from the show will see this, but stranger things have happened. I loved the show before and wish it would go back to how it was.
Lawless and Butchering showoff
xytraz17 July 2022
I Love movies, series and so forth. For the Survival part.
What do one do, what can I do for survive?!
The first part in the series, like 1 - 2 is Good. It contains parts where its just not, All about killing all those Animals.
Its more about getting that home shelter, and manage over the winter. But something happened after these seasons.
You follow new and old ppl in port protection for Killing off those Animals over there. You rarely get in the houses any longer.
The project with Duck farm is lost. Or nothing you get to see.
Was looking forward to what had become there.
This is now only a show how you hunt down all those Animals in its safe enviroment. And a dude that make him self think hes so smart. Really bad and boring to see.
So this is a show for hunters, And they might get good inspiration and tips on how.
Thats It!
What do one do, what can I do for survive?!
The first part in the series, like 1 - 2 is Good. It contains parts where its just not, All about killing all those Animals.
Its more about getting that home shelter, and manage over the winter. But something happened after these seasons.
You follow new and old ppl in port protection for Killing off those Animals over there. You rarely get in the houses any longer.
The project with Duck farm is lost. Or nothing you get to see.
Was looking forward to what had become there.
This is now only a show how you hunt down all those Animals in its safe enviroment. And a dude that make him self think hes so smart. Really bad and boring to see.
So this is a show for hunters, And they might get good inspiration and tips on how.
Thats It!
See also
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