Life Below Zero
Ever wonder what it is like to live in the remotest parts of Alaska? Thanks to National Geographic's documentary television series, Life Below Zero, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of subsistence hunters in the freezing temperatures of the Last Frontier.
The groundbreaking series has won a couple of awards, including a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program. But it has also had its share of controversy. In 2017, star Susan Aikens filed a lawsuit against the show after she was allegedly forced to perform dangerous stunts for narratives made up by a producer.
More recently, Chip Hailstone was arrested and sentenced to 15 months in prison for perjury and making false statements to police. However, that has not stopped fans from tuning in week after week since the show premiered in 2013.
Cast of Life Below Zero:
- Sue Aikens — the sole resident of the Kavik river camp in Northern Alaska.
- Glenn Villeneuve — Glenn and his family live between Fairbanks and Chandalar, 65 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
- Chip and Agnes Hailstone — Chip and Agnes, who is a native Alaskan, live with their seven children on the Kobuk River in Noorvik.
- Jesse Holmes — lives in Nenana, Alaska with his sled dogs, who helped Jesse place seventh at the 2018 Iditarod Race.
- Andy Bassich — He lives on the Yukon River near Eagle, Alaska with his new girlfriend, Denise Becker.
Cast of 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation':
- Johnny Rolfe — An “ethical hunter/gatherer, forager, and nomad” who lives with his dog, Java.
- Michael Manzo — A member of the Mi’kmaw Nation who went to school for “sustainable studies.” Michael travels around via freighter canoe and dog sled.
- Alex Javor — A former paratrooper who is now living in the wilderness with his dog, Sipsey.
- Kaleb and Brittany Rowland — Kaleb is a former commercial fisherman. He and Brittany decided to uproot their family (including their two children) to move to the old mining town of McCarthy, Alaska.
- Chris and Jessi Morse — The youngest couple on the show, Chris and Jessi are hoping to gain access to fresh water on their land located near the Cosna River.
Cast of 'Life Below Zero: Northern Territories':
- Becky Broderick — Becky and her husband left their home in Sudbury, Ontario to move near the Mendenhall River, in Yukon. They have a daughter together, whom Becky wants to raise to be a “self-sufficient badass.”
- Kim Pasche and Pierre-Yves Duc — Best friends who have lived in the Yukon for more than 10 years. Live near Silent Lake in Yukon.
- Mike 'Pike' Harrison — Has lived alone in the woods for more than 20 years. He’s an incredible handyman and is constantly upgrading his cabin located 670 km west of Yellowknife.
- Bentley Kakekayash — Lives in a remote North Caribou Lake First Nations community called Weagamow Lake. He’s young, but has been living in the bush all his life.
How many seasons of Life Below Zero are there?
So far, there have been 17 seasons of the National Geographic reality show. The show reached its 100th episode in January 2019 — an impressive feat considering the conditions camera crews are forced to film under.
"It's a little bit scary right now because lights dropping and we've seen a predator, like a wolf or a bear or a wolverine, so it kind of freaks me out a lot to be here right now," a producer told The Wrap of filming. "I'm fairly certain that those LA producers did not mention this in my clause... so it's like I never want to go to the bathroom while I'm here for the next fourteen days."
Is Life Below Zero real?
Current cast member Sue Aikens accused the series of being scripted in her 2017 lawsuit. There she claimed that she was forced to camp at a spot that she was unfamiliar with, and was told she would have to travel there by snow machine, instead of using an Argo ATV. She also alleged that she was not able to take her pet dog with her, which she was upset about because the "series is not supposed to be scripted."
Sue was eventually thrown from the snow machine, and she went on to reveal that producers did not call for a medic right away in order "to film how much pain plaintiff was suffering, and to film plaintiff walking injured."
Glenn Villeneuve has also had problems with cameramen and sent them packing. "I'm a big believer in arranging things so that I don't have to work or spend time with people I don't like," he explained. "That is a priority for me."
Who narrates Life Below Zero?
James Franzo is the iconic voice behind Life Below Zero. James has been the narrator on the show since its premiere and has lent his voice to all 124 episodes that have aired on National Geographic. You can see him at work here.
Why did Kate leave Life Below Zero?
Andy Bassich's ex-wife, Kate Rorke, left the series in 2015, after the couple split. She eventually opened up about the divorce, and accused Andy of physical and mental abuse. She is currently living back home in Canada, where she gave her fans an update.
"It's good to be home," Kate said in a video post. "The memories are good, the friends are good, and it's nice to be around people who have known me since the beginning of time it seems as we get older... You guys, you all got me here and you saved my life in a way, so love to you. Over and out."
How much does Life Below Zero pay?
Each member of the Life Below Zero cast has a very different net worth. At the top are Sue Aiken and Jesse Holmes, who are worth an estimated $500,000. Next up is Andy Bassich, who has a net worth of $250,000. Glenn Villeneuve's salary is reportedly $200,000 per year while Chip and Agnes Hailstone have an estimated $200,000 in the bank.
Latest Life Below Zero News and Updates
Reality TV The Hailstone Family on 'Life Below Zero' Consists of Chip, Agnes, and Their Seven Kids
"Here in the Arctic, when life gives us lemons, we usually let them freeze and throw them at people we don't like."Reality TV 'Life Below Zero's Chip Hailstone Says the Show Has "Run Its Course" After 23 Seasons
"Well folks, it's official."Reality TV Sue of 'Life Below Zero' Waited 10 Days for Help After Being Attacked by a Bear
"The bear was hiding in a riverbank that I couldn’t see and he snatched me up, dragged me into the tundra between the dining hall and the river."Reality TV Joel Jacko From 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' Prefers Life in Rural Alaska
Joel Jacko from 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' has lived in Alaska his entire life and he's eager to teach his daughter what he knows.Reality TV Sue Aikens Paid Tribute to Her Granddaughter on 'Life Below Zero'
During a recent episode of 'Life Below Zero,' Sue Aikens paid tribute to her deceased granddaughter, leading many to wonder what happened.Reality TV The Dark Winter in Alaska Makes Things Difficult for Sue Aikens on 'Life Below Zero' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
The dark winter is described in an exclusive 'Life Below Zero' clip as Sue treks out in the snow and struggles to find her way on a road made of ice.Reality TV What Kind of Vehicle Is Big Red on 'Life Below Zero'? Fans Will Never Guess
'Life Below Zero' fans want to know what kind of vehicle Big Red is. Here's everything about Sue Aikens' unique vehicle from the NatGeo reality show.Reality TV Jessie Holmes from 'Life Below Zero' Injured After a Recent Storm
Jessie Holmes from 'Life Below Zero' was injured again recently. How did he get injured?Reality TV Glenn Villeneuve Is Still Living the Alaskan Dream Years After Departing From 'Life Below Zero'
What happened to Glenn Villeneuve on 'Life Below Zero'? Details on the former reality star's life and what he has been up to since leaving the show.Reality TV The Cast of 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' Are More Ready Than Anyone to Handle the Alaskan Wilderness
The cast of 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' prove that indigenous training, knowledge, and spirit trump money and privilege every time.Reality TV 'Life Before Zero: Northern Territories": It's Time to Get Acquainted With the Cast
"Life Below Zero: Northern Territories' is in the middle of its second season and fans are ready to get acquainted with the cast.Reality TV 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' Is a Fast Hit for Viewers
Fans want a 'Life Below Zero: First Alaskans' Season 2 already and the series only just premiered, so will they get their wish or not?Reality TV Fans Are Dying to Know Whether Jessie Holmes of 'Life Below Zero' Has a Wife
Who is Jessie Holmes' wife on 'Life Below Zero'? Fans are rooting for him to have someone special, but he's very private with his personal life.Reality TV You Can Visit Kavik River Camp From 'Life Below Zero' in Real Life
Kavik River Camp from 'Life Below Zero' is real and you can visit it and stay there yourself. Where is it located? Details inside.Reality TV Take a Look at Jessie Holmes' Life Outside of 'Life Below Zero: Alaska'
'Life Below Zero' gives fans a candid look at life off the grid, and star Jessie Holmes is making his way through the thick of it. Who is he? Details.Reality TV The Stars of 'Life Below Zero' Make More Money Than You Might Think
How much do the people on 'Life Below Zero' make? The National Geographic show follows people who live in temperatures regularly minus 60 degrees F.Reality TV 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation' Cast Members Test Themselves in the Alaskan Wilderness
'Life Below Zero: Next Generation' surely has an eclectic cast, but who exactly is on the show? Here's what we know about those who took part.Human Interest Chris and Jessi Morse From 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation' Don't Consider Money a Priority
Chris and Jessi Morse are known for their roles on 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation,' but do we know their net worths? Details on their finances.Human Interest The Truth About The Death of 'Life Below Zero' Cameraman Oliver Lynch
Oliver Lynch was a cameraman for the first three seasons of 'Life Before Zero.' He died in 2015 — details.Entertainment Former 'Life Below Zero' Star Kate Rorke's Life Has Changed a Lot Since Leaving the Show
What happened to Kate on 'Life Below Zero'? There have been some major shifts since her departure. Here's where Andy Bassich's ex-wife is today.Entertainment Michael Manzo Had a Completely Different Life Before 'Life Below Zero'
How did canoe-maker Michael Manzo end up on 'Life Before Zero'? The fan favorite was a U.S. soldier for years before his time on the series.Entertainment Here's Why 'Life Below Zero' Star Andy Bassich Was Using Crutches
What happened to Andy Bassich on 'Life Below Zero'? Here's why he had to use crutches, and how his girlfriend is helping post-surgery.Reality TV Johnny Rolfe and His Dog, Java, Have Captured Fans' Hearts on 'Life Below Zero'
Johnny Rolfe is a cast member on 'Life Below Zero,' and he has taken his role on the show rather seriously since joining. But who exactly is he?Entertainment Kaleb Rowland and His Wife Are Committed to Teaching Their Kids How to Become Self-Sustaining
Kaleb Rowland has been living out in the Alaskan wilderness with his wife and two children. Learn more about this 'Life Below Zero: New Generation' cast member.Reality TV Chip Hailstone's Brother Suffered a Gnarly Injury on 'Life Before Zero'
What happened to Chip Hailstone's brother Willie on 'Life Below Zero?' Here is everything you need to know about his injury.Reality TV The Dewilde Family From 'Life Below Zero' Has Undergone a Scary Family Tragedy
Victor, the brother of Ricko DeWilde from 'Life Below Zero' spoke to the death of their sister Riba, from her son Eli Simpson.Entertainment 'Life Below Zero' Star Sue Aikens Explains How She Lost 75 Pounds in One Year
Sue Aikens' weight loss transformation took place between seasons of 'Life Below Zero' — here's how she did it.Entertainment 'Life Below Zero' Star Ricko DeWilde Is a Father of Five!
Is Ricko DeWilde from 'Life Below Zero' married? The expert hunter and Native Alaskan rarely posts photos with the mother of his five children.Entertainment Jessi and Chris Don't Need Money on 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation' (EXCLUSIVE)
Meet Jessi and Chris from 'Life Below Zero: Next Generation,' who made a conscious choice to turn their backs on modern life by going off the grid in Alaska.Entertainment Glenn Villeneuve's Blended Family Steals the Spotlight on 'Life Below Zero'
Everything you need to know about Glenn Villeneuve's family — from his kids to his wife — on 'Life Below Zero.'Entertainment Freeze! ‘Life Below Zero’ May Not be as Real As You Think
Find out just how real 'Life Below Zero' really is — you might be surprised by the answer.Entertainment In Case You Forgot, Here Is Why Chip Hailstone Was Missing From 'Life Below Zero'
Here is everything you need to know about Life Below Zero star Chip Hailstone, from prison time to his family.Entertainment Here's Why Sue Aikens Is Moving to a New Cabin on 'Life Below Zero'
Here is why Sue Aikens decided to move from Kavik on 'Life Below Zero,' and take a look at her new house.Entertainment Has 'Life Below Zero' Star Jessie Holmes Ever Won the Iditarod Race?
'Life Below Zero' star Jesse Holmes is known for competing in the famed Iditarod race in Alaska — but has he ever won?