Alaskan Bush People is a reality TV show that first aired in 2014, showcasing the lives of the Brown family as they attempt to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. The show presents them as completely off-grid, hunting, fishing, and building their own shelter without modern conveniences. Over the years, the series has gained a dedicated fan base who admire the family’s resourcefulness and resilience. The Browns’ lifestyle, as portrayed on-screen, paints them as a close-knit group relying on each other to navigate harsh conditions far away from civilization.
However, despite its popularity, the show has been surrounded by controversies and allegations of being fake. Many reports suggest that the Brown family doesn’t actually live in the wild as they claim. Instead, they are said to have spent time in hotels and modern homes when cameras weren’t rolling. Additionally, various legal issues, family disputes, and staged scenes have raised doubts about how much of the show is truly real. In this article, we’ll dive into the biggest Alaskan Bush People scandals and why many viewers believe the show isn’t as authentic as it appears to be.
Is Alaskan Bush People Fake? The Truth Behind the Show
From the outset, Alaskan Bush People portrays the Browns as a family deeply embedded in the Alaskan wilderness, surviving without modern conveniences. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that their remote homestead, dubbed “Browntown,” was constructed primarily for filming purposes. Locals have noted that during production, the Browns often stayed at nearby accommodations, such as the Icy Strait Lodge in Hoonah, rather than residing full-time in the wilderness. This revelation has led many to question the authenticity of their off-grid lifestyle.
Further fueling skepticism, some former crew members and local residents have claimed that various scenes are staged to enhance drama. For instance, certain wildlife encounters and emergency situations appear orchestrated, casting doubt on the spontaneity of these events. Such allegations have prompted discussions about the extent to which reality TV blurs the line between genuine experiences and scripted entertainment.
Legal Troubles: The Brown Family’s Run-ins With The Law
The Brown family’s legal issues have significantly impacted the show’s credibility. In 2015, patriarch Billy Brown and his son Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown faced serious charges for falsifying residency information to obtain Alaska Permanent Fund dividends, which are reserved for full-time residents. They were accused of claiming to live in Alaska from 2011 to 2013 while actually residing elsewhere. Both pleaded guilty, resulting in jail time and fines, and casting a shadow over the family’s portrayal as long-term Alaskan inhabitants.
Additionally, other family members have encountered legal challenges. For example, Bear Brown was arrested in March 2022 on allegations of domestic violence. These incidents have not only affected the family’s public image but have also raised questions about the authenticity of their on-screen narrative. Fans searching for “Alaskan Bush People scandal where are they now” often find updates about their legal troubles rather than their survival skills.
Staged Scenes & Manufactured Drama
Critics have long suspected that Alaskan Bush People embellishes or outright fabricates certain scenarios to boost viewer engagement. A notable example is an episode from the first season where the family reportedly heard gunshots near their cabin, prompting them to flee. Investigations later suggested that this incident was likely staged, with no real threat present. Such manufactured drama has led audiences to question the show’s commitment to portraying genuine experiences.
Moreover, discussions among viewers have highlighted inconsistencies in the show’s depiction of the family’s daily life. Some fans have pointed out that the Browns’ supposed isolation doesn’t align with sightings of the family in nearby towns, utilizing modern amenities. These observations have fueled debates about the reality of the Browns’ off-grid existence and have led many to ask, “What was the scandal with Alaskan Bush People?”
Family Feuds & Public Disputes
Behind the scenes, the Brown family has experienced internal conflicts that have occasionally spilled into the public eye. In August 2024, Noah Brown and his wife, Rhain, sought a restraining order against his sister, Rain, alleging harassment and threats. They accused Rain of substance abuse and making violent threats, including an incident where she allegedly offered drugs to their mother, Ami. The court ultimately denied the restraining order due to insufficient evidence, but the situation highlighted significant familial discord.
These internal disputes contrast sharply with the united front the family often presents on-screen. The portrayal of a cohesive family unit working together to survive in the wilderness seems at odds with the legal battles and personal conflicts that have emerged off-camera. This disparity has led viewers to question the authenticity of the relationships depicted on the show.
Matt Brown’s Struggles With Addiction & Estrangement
Matt Brown, the eldest Brown sibling, has faced significant personal challenges that have played out both publicly and privately. In 2016, Matt left the show to address his struggles with substance abuse, entering rehab for alcohol addiction. Despite attempts to reintegrate into the family and the series, his relationship with his parents, particularly his father Billy, became strained. Reports suggest that disagreements over his recovery and lifestyle choices led to a prolonged estrangement.
In 2018, Matt faced serious allegations of sexual assault from two women, further complicating his relationship with his family and the show’s producers. These accusations, combined with his ongoing personal struggles, have kept him distanced from both his family and the series. As of 2025, Matt remains separated from the show, occasionally sharing personal updates on social media but largely maintaining a low profile.
Financial Discrepancies: Are They Really Living Off The Land?
One of the most glaring contradictions in Alaskan Bush People is the Brown family’s financial situation. While the show portrays them as self-sufficient survivalists living in the wild, reports suggest otherwise. The Browns are believed to have earned millions from their reality TV contracts, with Billy Brown alone estimated to have had a net worth of around $6 million before his passing in 2021. Additionally, family members have been spotted living in luxury homes and using modern conveniences, contradicting their “bush lifestyle.”
Further adding to the inconsistency, the family purchased a multi-million-dollar property in Washington state after moving from Alaska. Instead of the rugged, off-grid life the show promotes, they reportedly have electricity, running water, and full access to modern amenities. This stark contrast between their on-screen and off-screen lifestyles has led many to label the show deceptive, questioning whether the Brown family was ever truly dependent on hunting, fishing, and the wilderness for survival.
Why Viewers Still Watch Despite The Controversies?
Despite the scandals, Alaskan Bush People continues to attract viewers. Part of this is due to the entertainment value of reality TV, where audiences enjoy the drama regardless of authenticity. Even if many suspect the show is scripted or exaggerated, fans remain invested in the characters and their storylines. The mix of family drama, survival themes, and scenic landscapes keeps audiences coming back.
However, the show has also developed a love-hate relationship with its audience. Many long-time viewers watch simply to spot the inconsistencies and discuss them online. Social media and forums frequently light up with debates over what’s real and what’s fake. At the end of the day, Alaskan Bush People has become more than just a show about a family in the wilderness—it’s a controversial spectacle that keeps people talking.
The Reality Behind Alaskan Bush People
Over the years, the popular reality TV show has been exposed for fabricating scenes, facing legal troubles, and portraying a misleading lifestyle. From fake wilderness living to fraud charges, family feuds, and financial deception, the Brown family has been at the center of numerous scandals. Searches for “Alaskan Bush People scandal where are they now” often reveal that the family now enjoys a modern lifestyle, far removed from the survivalist image portrayed on the show.
While some still enjoy the show for its entertainment factor, others see it as one of reality TV’s biggest misrepresentations. Whether Alaskan Bush People will continue or fade into obscurity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—it’s not as real as it claims to be.