Do the Alaskan Bush People get paid? We asked! Read our interview with the Brown family.
In Episode 4 of Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People, “Fight or Flight,” premiering Tuesday, May 27, the Brown family is faced with another life-altering decision when gunshots are fired on their land. The Browns suffer yet another hardship and face an uncertain future.
RELATED: What happened to Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People?
Alaskan Bush People Season 1 Recaps: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | The Wild Life
Season 2 Recaps: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Wild Times | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | SHARK WEEK! | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Lost Footage | The Wild Year
So after last week’s episode in which the locals decided to come build the Browns’ cabin and sing “Kumbaya” and celebrate the spirit of Alaska, now we get people shooting guns at them and death threats aimed at the Browns and the show’s crew reported to us by ominous onscreen titles.
And then this show goes totally wheels-off.
We’re told that someone, angry about the Browns bringing TV cameras with them, opened fire on them. We’re given few details about what happened next. Did the authorities get involved? Was there an investigation? Look, I know law enforcement is probably pretty stretched in these parts, but I think death threats and someone shooting at you is probably enough to get a visit from Alaska State Troopers (a whole different show!) in the very least. And why did they stop production on the show just when the FIRST AND ONLY INTERESTING THING IN THIS ENTIRE SERIES just happened? It just doesn’t make any damn sense. [Update: Zaz Hollander of Alaska Dispatch has some excellent reporting on this incident and how the production impacted Copper River Valley residents.]
We’re told the Browns just decided to pack up, sell the land, sell the SUV and go back to Southeast Alaska by boat, thereby making everything you’ve watched so far utterly pointless. It’s like the producers said, “So, Billy, this cabin-building thing was great and all. But this stable home stuff, it’s just not good TV. And, you know, it’s a lot colder up here than we thought it was going to be. And the crew’s already sick of Grizzly Pizza. Here’s an idea: How about we pretend you get forced off the land in dramatic fashion and we go back to Ketchikan and show some whole new and exciting ways for you and your family to always be on the brink of death? We’ll get picked up for another season, and we can get someone blonder and perkier to play the part of Birdie. How’s about it?”
The Browns get a rickety old boat and live out of it for a few days while they travel back down the coast. Billy was a commercial fisherman for a long time, so he’s no stranger to the sea. The family sets anchor on an island in a national forest and establishes a temporary camp. The island is pretty. There’s lots of moss. I half expect them to discover the remnants of the Dharma Initiative.
“Meanwhile, a thousand miles away …” there’s this really jarring jump to an in-show commercial for Siberian Cut, the show that’s going to be in this time slot next week.
We’re given a little more backstory about Billy. He’s originally from Texas. His parents and his sister were killed in a plane crash, which must have been a horrible ordeal for him. How much that event influenced Billy’s decision to live in the Alaskan bush isn’t really clear.
Things on the island are kind of dull. “I’m bored. There’s nothing to shoot at. There’s nothing to do,” Bam says.
But wait! Rainy has a toothache. Normally, they’d just yank the tooth with pliers (or have Bam shoot it), but Rainy gets the privilege of actual medical treatment. Billy knows a dentist that will accept a barter, so they sail into town. The receptionist at the office is a little annoyed that they don’t have an appointment and that this child has a name like Merry Christmas Catherine Raindrop Brown. The dentist is accommodating, though, and accepts some fresh-caught salmon in trade.
Bear, Bam and Birdie go salmon fishing in a shallow river, using their “bear fishing” technique to grab the fish by hand and then have Bear punch them in the head. Bam is terrible at bear fishing. He should’ve brought his gun.
Billy catches a ride with a bush pilot to scout for a new place to live on Prince of Wales Island, where he knows this guy Animal Dave who lives on a floathouse. These things are actual homes floating offshore that are built from random parts of boats, trucks or whatever can be scrounged up. People live on them without dying, apparently. It is here that we take a solemn moment to memorialize “Insane” Duane. And then we meet Peckerhead, the seagull who is Animal Dave’s best friend. All of this appeals to Billy, and it sounds like the Browns’ next adventure will be building a floathouse. And then the Browns will be forced off of it by a jealous, vengeful Peckerhead.
So then things really go bad. The incident wasn’t caught on camera, but we’re told that Billy’s boat hit something, suffered hull damage and took on water. He was able to bring it to the dock and get the family to safety. We’re left with the image of the family standing on the dock with their boat and everything they own submerged at their feet. The family vows to press on.
How you feel about this depends on how you’ve bought into everything you’ve seen so far. You might be heartbroken for the Browns, a family who just lost everything and is at a crossroads. Or maybe you’ve just seen a harrowing cliffhanger written for the characters of the Alaskan Bush People docudrama. [UPDATE: FAKE FAKE FAKEY FAKE FAKE]
Obviously, a lot of the debate in the comments is about the show’s authenticity. Are the Browns for real? Are these situations real or are they contrived? Most of all, why does someone who truly desires to live off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness even want to be on a reality TV show in the first place?
And it is, after all, a TV show. The very fact that there’s a camera crew present alters the “reality” of the Browns’ every situation. It’s further manipulated by someone who has to edit this reality and create some kind of cohesive story for our entertainment. This and every “unscripted” TV show warrants some degree of skepticism, and I’ve had plenty throughout these recaps. Some of you have been able to simply enjoy the Browns as a family as they’re portrayed, invest in them emotionally, and admire if not embrace what they stand for. That’s fine. Again, it’s a TV show. Others doubt everything about the Browns, their lifestyle, their motives, their history, and the very idea that they’re even a family and not actors. That’s fine. Again, it’s a TV show. It’s that polarization of opinion about this show that has made it more fun to discuss than it is to actually watch. Either way, you’re watching it and you’re interested enough in it to come to here, so the Browns must be doing something right.
Photo: Credit: Discovery Channel
I’m ashamed to know most of you are part of the human race. Everything to you is all fake and facade. You insult this family, ridicule them and are seriously completely hateful. Certainly TV does their magic, however the attitude and vibe of this family unit to me is courageous. I think they have a great sense of value and great core family unity.
As for the shootings and them fleeing… What part of, there were a couple folks that didnt feel too happy about this family and the cameras being there didnt you understand! This isn’t Itaq, they aren’t an army. The family was threatened in a most disturbing way. They aren’t the type of people to be where they aren’t welcome. Obviously there was some undesirables, perhaps of the fleeing from the law types that didnt want this type of publicity. Those folks in that area are not your next door neighbor types. They live secluded. They have a diffenent mindset and their way of dealing with unwelcome intruders was shown. Not everyone was a crazy freak as there was a group that pitched in to help build their home.
As for the boat situation, they aren’t there to interfer whether they knew it was sinking or not… They could have easily been on site with the family as they were out and around taking care od business. Sh’t happens and it does make for a more interesting show.
In closing, I feel this is a genuine family unit. I sure hope they did make money from this show… Likely didnt get it till after…and then again, they may never have gotten paid as they didnt finish the agreed upon season so they likely were in breech. We can only speculate. I just know that if they are in need of help… They’d be welcome to hit me up for donations. No publicity, no pitching needed in return. I have faith that this family is purely on the level and admire their chosen lifestyle and their dynamic of how they stick together. Not to many families around these days that have that type or driven united unit. So more power to the Browns! -Mandi
PS.. My offer is real. XO
Sorry for typos on last paragraph. I was making an offer if they needed help, no publicity on my end, low profile, just a caring care package type thing, nothing in return. The other typo… Not TOO many families around these days….. Etc.
Check out the Facebook page for the TV Show, Alaskan Bush People. I’ve been told this FB page is controlled by at least one member of the Brown family. I submitted several posts to that page which were initially accepted. Now, all my posts have been removed & I’ve been banned from submitting others. The majority of my posts included links to Discovery and to the Brown family’s contact info on their website.
show is fake. the show claims they were out hunting in-26 below zero F with their faces exposed? leather biker jacket?
frostbite would only take 20 minutes?? where’s the steam from their mouths
I like this show. It’s like watching the Beverly Hillbillies all over again… and just as real! Bring back the Clampetts for another season!
I guess some people would rather watch honey bobo, that’s a class A act!!!! is it so hard to believe there are good people who like living in the wild.
I have such a crush on Gabe. I have no idea if he’s for real, or if some actor is playing this fictional character. Either way, I’m crushin’ on him. I hope to see more of him, no matter what ridiculous scenario he’s in.
I feel the same way about Matt. And of course I’m reading all about how the shows so fake and most of the Browns have committed fraud (except Matt and Rainy), etc. But I’m just watching it because I really like Matt 😉
This family gets kicked off government land, the government burns down their cabin, uh yeah, you can’t squat on public lands, we the taxpayers fund them to enjoy, they’re not for someone to take up permanent residence on them, now they supposedly “buy some land” and build a cabin and now there’s another conflict and they end up getting tossed off some land again, probably took up residence on land that wasn’t theirs, I can’t figure out if this family just decides to live on any property they want without paying for it and eventually get caught (freeloaders) or if it’s just another reality tv hoax, truly annoying, I’m done watching these morons, it’s just too unbelievable
I love to watch Alaskan Bush People plz bring back the show hurry!!!!
Your an Idiot.
Who r u people to say how the Busch people live wen shtf u know who will survive its gonna b the people who have been living all along that’s real life not your panny @$$ bull $h!t
Good post. Good example…of what has happened to the education of America. Thanks government! “No Child Left Behind” really works!! Or should that be “worx.” That said, people need to wake up and realize that ALL of these “reality shows” are scripted and just plain television fast food. Will people ever buy boxed CD season sets of these shows? No. They are disposable just like America, and the “Millennials” enjoy America and their lives today. Pretty sad, I hate to say.
Frank
I don’t understand why they ran from the gun fire and didn’t defend themselves and the land they “own.” Makes no sense AT ALL! Of course they got run off, they weren’t willing to man up and stand their ground. I’m not saying to kill anyone, but I am saying let them know you aren’t going anywhere. I’m also confused by Billy sending his boys into harms way and not leading the pack. He doesn’t trust them to use a chainsaw but he trusts them to go out with guns to supposedly defend the family…If they have lived “in the bush” their whole lives then mom and Birdie can use a gun and defend themselves in the cabin just fine!
Enjoyed the show initially, but as days, dilemmas, situations, and the need for common sense, just got more ridiculous and unbelievable. I really hope that some group of ‘mullet’ heads’ don’t try to emulate these imposters and attempt to try and live this. Loved the show where they were trying to ‘barter’ for this ‘POS’ generator, and when they finally complete the ridiculous ‘domino block’ list of conditions needed to get it, they walk away with, what looked like, a little 1,500 watt honda unit, that looked in ‘near new’ condition? Between the 15 minutes of commercials that run after every 5 minutes of actual show, I’ve had enough. I feel so stupid that I got sucked into, yet another, Discovery ‘Pulp Fiction’ farce, that I grounded myself for a week, and took away my own phone. ‘IF’ the show continues, it should be re-named “Alaskan Bull Sxxt Family”…
Has anyone every noticed that when it comes to paying people back it is always the boys that has to work and pay the bill ? This kids should be taken away from this whole situation .
He is the example of a cult leader this is just his family. And the wife is a dope smoking hippie from the 60,s. God bless those kids.
Exactly
They obviously have cameras inside the bar prior to them walking in,and if the boat took on water they must have had cameras on a second boat filming. I never got how its reality yet they go see girls but the girls know they are on TV since they are being followed by a camera crew whereever they go. Im assuming the suburban truck,firearms,ammo, and expensive $500 STIHL CHAINSAWs they have were bought with his commercial fishing money. They have to have two-stroke oil to make premix with gasoline,so where are they buying two-stroke oil and storing fuel for the chainsaws? Thats alot of chainsaw work cutting lumber for a large cabin and how do they have the files to sharpen the chainsaw blades and replacement bars,etc,etc. everything needs to be maintained,even the firearms need to be cleaned. The biggest confusion is the community brings them a pot of food and helps them build the cabin,yet the same smalll community doesnt know who shot at them? The crazy drunk at the bar who said “you can get shot stealing firewood” seemed like he could be one to shoot at the family. The girls having their menstrual cycle, and even just growing up with mostly young men isnt healthy..living off the grid and land,im all for it,especially in this economy,however forcing your kids to work as slaves for the father is disturbing to watch BILLY tell them to go to town to see females they have to finish their work. How can the young men ever have “SEX”?? Nobody addresses how the raging testosterone of young men in the bush isnt a factor in these kids being depraved socially and sexually. They all will be virgins until they meet a female who is willing to live like pilgrim/vagabond/gypsys. They cant stay in one spot and dont seem to be stable financially. If they need a serious operation or medical treatment that bartering fish wont help,what then? Also the BROWNS shoot shotguns in what looks like a gravel pit. Where did they get money to waste on ammo? You would think they would conserve ammo. In the bush the rifle is the go to hunting firearm not a shotgun for (turkeys/ducks etc), so all those shotguns are for personal defense? You dont hunt dear,elk,or moose with a shotgun. I wish they gave a background of how the BROWNS got their money and were able to sell that cabin so fast to buy that boat and moved to S.E. ALASKA and paid for ferry ride to JUNEAU,what did they eat for the whole trip? Then still had money for a pretty decent “bush boat”,albeit an old boat but i would like to know what they got for the land and how did they pay land taxes,boat registration taxes if they have no address for the paperwork to be sent to,TITLE,REGISTRATION,etc…also again FUEL FOR THE BOAT isnt cheap. So even at $4.00gallon how are they getting hundreds of dollars in fuel,tools to repair it,binoculars (BILLY USES) All these items add up and they said they sold everything,yet they had the same SHOTGUN when they make it to the island..42′ fishing boat and fuel,yet they are broke?
Im not buying the story….
Wow… U put waaaay too much thought into that….U must have wasted a good couple hours contemplating that.
Yea, put the show back on. I want to see the look on Poppa’s face when two or three of the son’s ( two in particular – I’m sure ) decide to come out of the closet, and I don’t mean the closet they just built for the cabin.
And that “ther” poor ten year old girl was about two episodes away from either being snatched by some Alaska state agency or worse, abused by one of her kid brothers…….. I’d say she made it out of those- “ther”woods in just the nick of time !
Your sick!
If you don’t like the show why not watch honey bobo thats a class A act that you might realy like. Please bring the Brown family back
Love the program! BUT…..what in hell happened with the ‘gun shots’ issue? Did they find out ‘who’ it was? And ‘why’, specifically? Were they a ‘large’ group of people? Couldn’t the ‘law’ do something about it? Are they THAT a dangerous bunch? Are they THAT tough? I’d sure like to know more detail on that!!
I keep saying that I have seen Billy Brown in cameo bits on biker type shows. I have serious misgivings about this being a true reality show. I agree that the only work I see Billy do is order the boys around and if the have always lived in the bush, where do they get their money to buy water keys and so on? Where did they all get there glasses from and why does Rainy get such special treatment? It is not logical that all these boys would have stayed with mom and dad and not one of them decide to live a different lifestyle.
Yea, I’m with you, [the handle bar mustache} he does look familiar. Maybe on Full Throttle saloon. That biker show.
My guess is that the family is paid at least $20k per episode, depending on ratings and advertising revenue, it could be a lot more. Reality TV personalities can generate more income through merchandising, personal appearances and that sort of thing.
Rainy gets special treatment primarily for two reasons. First of all, no audience would tolerate seeing a child suffer, as was the case with her recent toothache. Nor would they be tolerant of seeing a child living in a deprived situation.
Secondly, Child Protective Services would not stand by and allow a child to suffer from a lack of medical treatment or live under conditions that could be considered to be dangerous to her health and well-being. Rainy’s family has to show that the child is being educated, as per state and federal law, that she is safe, well cared for, well-fed and reasonably well adjusted psychologically.
That said, this is a sort-of creepy TV show. A lot of things simply don’t seem to fit well. The wilderness skills of the entire family appear to be less than convincing. None of them know how to build a foundation for a cabin and they certainly don’t know how to square it up. They look like fish out of water in the wilderness.
Their choice of clothing – their leather motorcycle jackets – stand out like a sore thumb. I spend a lot of time in the mountains, very close to Eustace from another reality show, Mountain Men, and I can tell you that no one wears leather jackets in winter conditions.
Then there are the boy’s accents. That is just plain creepy. There is no way that these young men should have developed these weird accents. They have either faked the accents or suffered some sort of brain trauma and the odds of the latter affecting more than one person in such a small group is very low.
If I had to guess who these people are, I’d speculate that the the father and the mother worked on fishing vessels in the warmer, southern coastal areas of Alaska. They probably picked up stores of ‘bush people’ from the locals in the bars while never experiencing the bush first hand. They lived a relatively sheltered existence in Alaska compared to people who settled far from civilization. I am guess that the father was in more danger from falling off of a bar stool than being attacked by a brown bear for his entire tenure in Alaska.
Yes, the show is contrived – most of the reality shows are. They are produced by city dwellers who are even more out-of-place in the wilderness than is the cast of the show. These shows all seek to create drama where none exists and to place imaginary bears, wolves and other threats behind every rock and tree. That is the nature of reality television.
I don’t believe that anyone was shooting at them. They and the production crew had managed to piss-off the their neighbors, one of which aimed a fireworks-type mortar round at the production companies helicopter and was subsequently fined by the FAA. They left because the producer decided that they need a new venue with fewer neighbors around to upset.
It is a silly show with a cast of strange people who live in less than believable circumstance. Not unlike Japanese horror movies, the show is so bad that it is fun to watch it to see how much they will screw up the next episode.
I want you to bring back the Browns. I like seeing them on Tuesday. Please bring them back. Thank you.
I liked some of the show but a lot didn’t make sense & I got the feeling they were hiding something, but it was strange Billy said he & the family had lived in the bush all there lives but yet he has “his” boys drop trees then says” we can’t use these, we need to buy lumber” I was like huh, you dropped the trees & now w/all your big talk you can’t build a cabin. Made me think they were all a little dumb & maybe lying about “living off the land” And Bear he mad me so mad, saying I kill the fish humanly “I kill them fast- no pain! But I watched him pound the fish w/his fist & they kept moving & at 1 point he was slamming the fish into a rock! The fish they took to the DR. the kid was holding it & you could tell it was alive! I thought he was cruel & there are more human ways to kill fish! You notice too that all the boys were well into there 20’s & Billy was always yelling at them to get stuff done while he stood around barking orders! I think that’s why he “cons” his kids into staying cause if they left he couldn’t do anything. I kinda felt bad for the boys, not having a chance to meet girls & settle down, they clearly are missing that, by the way they talk about woman.
Discovery should be ashamed of themselves. They did not vet this group of clowns. They said they never heard of the Kardashian’s ha!