In an era where city life and modern conveniences dominate, there’s a growing fascination with the simpler, more sustainable life showcased in homesteading TV shows. These programs offer a window into the lives of individuals and families who have chosen to live off the grid, grow their own food, and master the art of self-sufficiency.
These shows capture what homesteading is like in all kinds of environments. It was these types of shows that got me interested in homesteading in the first place. Some shows I’ve watched on TV, others are channels I’ve followed on Youtube.
If you want some inspiration, and to see that people from all walks of life are homesteaders, (which means that, yes, you can do it too), tune in to some of the below shows.
The Best Homesteading Shows
Homestead Rescue
One of the pioneering homesteading reality shows, “Homestead Rescue” follows the Raney family as they assist struggling homesteaders across the country.
Led by patriarch Marty Raney, this series documents the Raneys’ efforts to help families overcome obstacles in their journey towards self-sufficiency.
From weather conditions to animal husbandry, the Raneys provide practical advice and hands-on training to transform homesteads into thriving havens of sustainability.
Alaska: The Last Frontier
Alaska: The Last Frontier showcases the Kilcher family’s rugged lifestyle in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Through their daily struggles with the harsh environment, viewers witness their commitment to self-sufficiency and traditional living.
The show offers a captivating glimpse into their resilient spirit and the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska.
The Last Alaskans
This is a documentary series that offers a glimpse into the lives of a handful of families living in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Honestly, this is one of my favorite reality shows I’ve ever watched.
These families are among the last to be granted permits to live and hunt in this remote area. The Last Alaskans showcases the resilience and resourcefulness required to thrive in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.
Mountain Men
For those fascinated by wilderness survival, “Mountain Men” is a must-watch. This documentary series follows individuals living in different locations across the United States as they navigate the challenges of off-grid living.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rugged landscapes of Montana, “Mountain Men” highlights the resilience and resourcefulness required to thrive in remote areas.
Barnwood Builders
While not strictly a homesteading show, “Barnwood Builders” celebrates the craftsmanship and ingenuity of those who choose to live a simpler life.
This series follows a team of builders as they repurpose old barns and structures into stunning homes and cabins. Through their skillful work, the Barnwood Builders demonstrate how modern homesteading can blend old-school techniques with modern design.
The Biggest Little Farm
The Biggest Little Farm is not an ongoing show, but is a documentary movie about a couple, John and Molly Chester, who start a farm from nothing. Over eight years, they turn a tired piece of land into a beautiful farm with lots of plants and animals.
The movie shows how they deal with problems like bugs and not enough rain, and how they learn to work with nature to make their farm healthy and happy. It’s a really inspiring story about hard work, nature, and never giving up!
Homegrown
Homegrown is a show all about growing your own food and living in a more self-sufficient way. Each episode follows different families and individuals as they embark on the adventure of creating their own backyard gardens, raising animals, and embracing a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Building Off the Grid : Big Sky Ranch
Building off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch follows the adventure of setting up a self-sufficient home in Montana’s wilderness. Each episode shares the struggles and successes of finding materials, using off-grid tech, and building a community in a tough environment.
With beautiful scenery, the show inspires viewers to embrace sustainable living and learn from Big Sky Ranch’s experiences.
Little House on the Prairie: A classic in the genre of homesteading shows, “Little House on the Prairie” continues to captivate audiences with its portrayal of pioneer life in the late 19th century.
Based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this TV series chronicles the daily life of the Ingalls family as they carve out a new existence on the American frontier.
From farming and animal husbandry to facing the challenges of harsh weather conditions, the Ingalls embody the pioneering spirit of homesteading. I didn’t watch Little House on Prairie until I was an adult and I truly fell in love with the series.
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​Homesteading Youtube Channels
While I still stream shows on the TV, you are more likely to find me watching Youtube channels about homesteading. There’s so many I love out there but here are some of my favorites that I recommend.
Gridlessness
Definitely my favorite channel. A family raising 5 girls in a remote part of Northern British Columbia here in Canada, they built their 900 square foot house when their girls were very young and have turned their property into a land of self-sufficiency.
They are avid hunters and adventurers, and they teach their 5 homeschooled girls useful skills like building a tiny home, welding, hunting, and more.
The Elliott Homestead
Known for her Old World European style, Shaye Elliott’s cottage homestead is a place of beauty. Not only does she make Youtube videos but she also has a blog, a podcast, and has written a few books.
She’s a foodie at heart and has unique and delicious recipes both on her site and her channel. The Elliott Homestead is where you go when you want to see an aesthetically pleasing way to homestead.
Becky’s Homestead
Becky’s Homestead is a channel that makes you feel like a homestead is possible for anyone. She’s very down to earth and talks about how she built her own log home from a kit, doing a lot of the work herself.
She knew what she wanted and she went for it. Becky’s Homestead is in Florida.
The Prairie Homestead
The Prairie Homestead YouTube channel is a place where you can learn lots of helpful stuff about living on a farm. Run by Jill Winger, she share’s interesting videos that teach you how to grow your own food, take care of animals, and do fun projects.
If you’re interested in learning how to live a simpler life in the countryside, you should definitely check out their videos!
Homestead Blessings
Homestead Blessings is a YouTube channel that teaches old-fashioned skills for living off the land. Led by the West Ladies, the videos show easy ways to do things like grow food, cook, make herbal remedies, and craft.
It’s all about learning practical skills to live simply and enjoy nature’s blessings. This is another one of my favorite channels!
Watch Homesteading Shows for Inspiration for your own Journey
Whether you’re a city dweller yearning for a simpler life, raising a family in a small town, or a seasoned homesteader looking for inspiration, these TV shows and Youtube Channels offer a diverse range of perspectives on the homesteading lifestyle.
From reality shows to documentary series, each program provides valuable insights into the joys and challenges of living off the land.
What I love about Homestead shows is that I gain so much encouragement to be able to be more self-sufficient because these shows showcase like-minded folks from all different walks of life.
You don’t need to be descendants of homesteaders to embrace the lifestyle. You can be a first generation homesteader and learn quite a bit from these shows. Learn about the simple life, sustainable living, and how to enjoy the freedom of learning the necessary skills needed to homestead.
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of homesteading, there are plenty of additional resources available. Online classes, YouTube channels, and survival books offer practical advice and skill-building opportunities for aspiring homesteaders. Visit your local library to find some resources.
In recent years, the homesteading movement has seen a resurgence, with more people opting for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether it’s growing your own produce, raising animals, or building a tiny house, homesteading offers a path to a more sustainable life.
By learning from the experiences of others and actively participating in the homesteading community, individuals and families can embrace the best thing about homesteading: the opportunity to live closer to nature and create a more self-reliant future.
So, grab a cup of tea, settle in on a Saturday evening, and immerse yourself in the world of homesteading through these captivating TV series. Whether you’re dreaming of a life off the grid or simply seeking inspiration for a more sustainable lifestyle, these shows are sure to entertain and educate.
