Risking It All is a reality show that aired on TLC in 2014, following the stories of families who have left their comfortable lives and taken the plunge to live off the grid. The show explored the challenges they faced as they attempted to build self-sufficient homes in wilderness environments across the United States. The families were all driven by a desire to escape the rat race and embrace a simpler life, but they quickly discovered that it was far from easy.
The show featured a range of characters, from fresh-faced couples with no previous experience in off-grid living to seasoned homesteaders who had been living the dream for years. The families were spread across the country, with some living off the land in remote Alaskan wilderness, while others were trying to make a go of it in the sweltering Arizona desert.
Throughout the series, viewers were able to get an in-depth look at the challenges these families faced, from building homes using only natural materials and growing their own food to navigating the harsh realities of living without modern amenities like electricity and running water. The show didn't shy away from the difficulties of off-grid living, with each episode showing the families struggling to overcome a new obstacle.
Despite the challenges, the families on Risking It All remained committed to their dream of living off the grid. They were all united by a desire to live a more sustainable life, and this was reflected in the techniques they used to build their homes, grow their own food, and live in harmony with nature. The families were passionate about their lifestyle choices, and this was evident in the way they spoke about their experiences on the show.
One of the most interesting aspects of Risking It All was the way it explored the families' relationships with each other. Living off the grid requires a level of self-sufficiency that many people are not used to, and the show highlighted some of the tensions that can arise as a result. For example, one couple struggled to adjust to the isolation of living in the Alaskan wilderness, while another grappled with the challenges of homeschooling their children while also keeping up with their homesteading responsibilities.
Overall, Risking It All was a fascinating look at the challenges and rewards of living off the grid. It offered a glimpse into the lives of real people who had chosen to take a radically different path than most of us are used to. While the show did not shy away from the difficulties of off-grid living - both physical and emotional - it also highlighted the sense of fulfillment that comes from living a self-sufficient, sustainable life. For those interested in the off-grid lifestyle or sustainable living more broadly, Risking It All is definitely worth a watch.
Risking It All is a series that ran for 6 seasons (18 episodes) between November 18, 2014 and on TLC
