Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rugged Alaskan lifestyle reality with hunting and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Life Below Zero
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
What's the Story?
LIFE BELOW ZERO is a reality series that features six people who have chosen to live their lives in the remotest areas around the Arctic Circle region of Alaska. It stars Chip Hailstone, who lives with his wife Agnes, an Inupiat Eskimo and their children in Noovik; Erik Salitan, a registered wilderness guide from Wiseman; and Sue Aikens, the sole resident of the Kavik River Camp. It also features Andy and Kate Bassich, who live in the Yukon territory. In a region where death is a big part of life, and where residents must constantly be looking for food, fending off predatory animals, and enduring hostile elements, these folks work hard to build a self-sufficient lifestyle that they want to enjoy living.
Is It Any Good?
Life below Zero offers an interesting look at the lives of people who have chosen to live away from the modern world in order to build a life in and around the Alaskan wilderness. It shows how things like money, electricity, and neighbors are commodities that some folks willingly do without in order live in this rugged habitat. For some, this life is also a way to return to indigenous traditions.
Interviews with these Alaskans underscore how potentially dangerous this life can be, especially when confronted with food shortages, wild animals, and unexpected mishaps while working on day-to-day tasks. They also note how resilient they have to be in order to live -- and thrive -- in this kind of environment. Their lives will certainly seem to unique to many, but they show viewers how some are willing to risk the dangers of the Alaskan back country in exchange for a life full of peace and natural wonder.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people make the decision to live away from modern society. What are some of the media stereotypes about people who choose to live this way? Does this reality show challenge these generalizations?
Why do you think these folks agreed to be featured in this series? Is it to call attention to their way of life? Or is it for other reasons?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 14, 2013
- Cast: Chip Hailstone , Erik Salitan , Sue Aikens
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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
What to Watch Next
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