Watch Port Protection Alaska

Port Protection Alaska is a reality television series that follows the daily lives of residents living in the isolated fishing community of Port Protection, located on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. Debuting on National Geographic in 2014, the show documents the rugged Alaskan wilderness lifestyle of this remote village’s eclectic villagers as they subsist off the land and sea.

With a population of less than 50 full-time residents, Port Protection is described as a “tight-knit community that watches each other’s backs.” The show highlights the importance of self-sufficiency, survival skills, and community in this isolated outpost. Residents must brave the cold winters, storms, and wild animals to make ends meet through fishing, hunting, foraging, and odd jobs. Living off the grid with limited medical care and law enforcement, they rely on one another for support and survival.

Port Protection Alaska focuses on several main families and individuals. This includes father-son duo Pat and Mike, who make their living commercial fishing, hunting, and running a bear viewing business. Gary and Mary Miller, former California hippies, live in a cabin they built themselves. The Tosh family, including parents Tim and Lisa along with their young son Samuel, arrived from Texas in search of a new life in the wilderness. Other characters include Sueann, a retired teacher, and swamp brother duo Tim and Chris, who catch fish and game to sell and trade in town.

While isolated, Port Protection still attracts a cast of eccentric, diverse characters from the lower 48 states who came searching for adventure, freedom, and a new start off the grid. Despite their differences and the harsh conditions, the community comes together to help and look out for one another. They share skills and resources, barter and trade goods and services, lend a hand to neighbors in need, and even take in orphaned animals.

At the heart of Port Protection Alaska is the theme of resilience. Viewers witness the grit, perseverance, and ingenuity required to survive in this unforgiving yet beautiful landscape. Daily tasks like chopping firewood, hauling water, gathering food, and repairing damaged structures characterize the reality of subsistence living. Danger also lurks in the surrounding wilderness, from aggressive brown bears to volatile weather. Yet the show focuses on the bonds and spirit of community that carry the residents through all challenges.

While providing an intimate glimpse into an isolated world, Port Protection Alaska also touches on the encroaching effects of modernization and climate change even on this remote homestead. Life may look different now than decades past, but the people of Port Protection draw from generations of Alaska Native ancestry and local knowledge to maintain their cherished way of life. Their story continues to unfold as the community braces for change while still holding onto their off-the-grid independence and identity.

Port Protection Alaska is a series that ran for 8 seasons (86 episodes) between July 19, 2015 and on National Geographic