While many people enjoy unwinding with their favorite TV shows, I must admit that finding something that genuinely captures my attention can be a challenge. That was until I stumbled upon the captivating world of survivor television shows. There’s something about witnessing individuals in dire circumstances, relying on ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive against all odds, that truly resonates with me. It’s a testament to the human spirit, and one that leaves me feeling inspired.
As someone who’s not alone in their appreciation for these types of shows, I decided to compile a list of some of the most popular survival TV shows out there. While not all of them may be currently airing on traditional television, they can easily be accessed through various streaming platforms like Netflix, Android boxes, or the internet at large.
Fascinating Survival TV shows:
Dual Survival
I recall being thoroughly captivated by a television series that revolved around two vastly contrasting individuals who found themselves in extraordinary predicaments, compelled to collaborate for survival’s sake. My husband was initially watching it, and I was drawn in by the compelling narrative of these polar opposites working together to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
As they navigated their way through treacherous situations, they consistently managed to find a way out, often offering valuable tips and insights along the way. Their remarkable resilience and ability to adapt has left a lasting impression on me.
Survivor Man
The series that always left me in awe is the one featuring a solo adventurer, completely disconnected from the outside world. Without any film crew assistance, he had to meticulously set up his camera equipment and reenact each scene, a laborious process that tested his patience. Yet, he persisted in conveying the harsh realities of surviving on your own. The show’s raw authenticity was what made it so captivating.
Man vs. Wild
Bear Grylls’ survival expertise takes center stage multiple times in our list’s pages. As a renowned adventurer, he frequently films himself navigating treacherous terrain where others might find themselves stranded due to accidents or unforeseen circumstances. With his wealth of experience, he demonstrates how to tackle these scenarios, offering valuable insights and practical tips for viewers. His impressive survival skills make him an excellent addition to our list.
Naked and Afraid
In the realm of reality TV, few shows can match the sheer brutality and primal intensity of [TV series name]. The premise is straightforward yet unforgiving: a group of contestants is dropped off in the midst of nowhere with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As if that weren’t enough, they’re forced to pair up with someone of the opposite sex, a stranger who holds no prior connection to them. The twist? Each person can bring only one item with them into this unforgiving environment.
Weeks turn into months as contestants struggle to survive, relying solely on their wits and resourcefulness to eke out an existence in the wilderness. Experience the thrill of [TV series name] for yourself.
Man Woman Wild
The concept of surviving extreme circumstances alongside a loved one is a daunting prospect. The documentary series highlights the resilience of a couple as they tackle challenging survival scenarios across the globe. It’s a scenario that sparks both admiration and concern – who wouldn’t want to face adversity with their partner by their side, but also acknowledges the potential for frustration and irritability in such high-pressure situations?
Thankfully, this show offers valuable insights on how to navigate these types of survival challenges with your significant other.
Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment
One of the most captivating television shows set against the backdrop of Alaska, this series offers a glimpse into a world where the last true frontiers of America still exist. The harsh conditions and unforgiving environment only add to the allure of watching people not only survive, but thrive in this stunning yet rugged landscape. Explore the series that has captured audiences’ imagination with its unique blend of beauty and resilience.
The Island
In the thrilling TV series ‘Man vs. Wild,’ host Bear Grylls puts a group of modern-day men to the ultimate test by dropping them off on a deserted island with nothing but their clothes and a few basic survival tools. Without any assistance or prior experience, these participants must rely on their primal instincts to hunt, gather, and build shelter, all while documenting their journey through video footage.
As they face the harsh realities of wilderness survival, they’re forced to confront their own limitations and push themselves to the brink of exhaustion. This visually stunning and thought-provoking series offers a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to truly thrive in the great outdoors.
Alone
This intriguing narrative unfolds as seven pairs of loved ones are dispersed across a remote wilderness setting, with each group tasked with navigating their surroundings to find one another. Once reunited, they must rely on the tools in their backpacks to survive together, capturing every moment themselves without the aid of a camera crew. As the stakes are raised, the last pair standing at the end of the season takes home a $500,000 prize.
Dude, You’re Screwed
I’m a huge fan of Survival Wisdom, and for good reason – it’s a masterclass in outdoor expertise and human resilience. The show brings together some of the most skilled survivalists on the planet and puts them through a series of challenges that will leave you on the edge of your seat. At its core, the show is about one thing: taking an average guy and dropping him into a hostile environment with nothing but his wits to rely on.
The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as our unsuspecting hero fights for survival against all odds.
Survival
This documentary series, filmed over several years, offers a unique glimpse into how people thrive in diverse environments. With individual episodes showcasing life in various locations, viewers can easily flip through and discover the settings that pique their interest. Alternatively, they can immerse themselves in the entire series. Notably, there’s no requirement to watch it consecutively to grasp its essence.
For those interested, Amazon is the platform where this captivating documentary series awaits.
Alone in the Wild
Experience the thrill of adventure with Ed Wardle, a filmmaker who has faced some of the toughest challenges on camera. In one particularly grueling episode, he takes on his most daunting journey yet – surviving for three months in the unforgiving Yukon wilderness. This show is a must-watch for anyone who loves pushing limits and testing human endurance.
The Colony
In the not-too-distant future, a group of rebels sets its sights on Los Angeles in an attempt to overthrow the existing power structure. The city is torn apart as some individuals choose to join forces with the invaders, while others resist and face the consequences.
Amidst this chaos, a couple finds themselves at a crossroads, forced to decide which side to support when their very existence – including that of their young son they were separated from during the invasion – hangs precariously in the balance.
Doomsday Preppers
In a series of intriguing profiles, The Preppers Journal delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who lead seemingly normal existences. However, beneath the surface lies a secret – they’re quietly preparing for potential catastrophes. Whether it’s a financial collapse, natural disaster, or nuclear fallout, these individuals are stockpiling resources and making contingency plans to ensure their survival in the face of uncertainty.
It’s fascinating to observe how they navigate dual lives, balancing daily routines with covert preparations for the unexpected.
Ultimate Survival Alaska
If you’re looking for a thrilling survival series, look no further than a show that pits top experts against the unforgiving wilderness. In this adrenaline-fueled program, world-class survivalists are dropped into the Alaskan terrain with minimal supplies and given just 60 hours to complete each challenging leg of their journey. With breathtaking scenery and heart-pumping action, this series is not to be missed.
Extreme Survival
Joining Ray Mears on his global survival adventures is a thrilling experience. As he traverses diverse landscapes, from scorching deserts to lush jungles and untamed Alaskan wilderness, viewers get an inside look at his techniques for staying alive in the most challenging environments.
Running Wild with Bear Grylls
In recent years, the wilderness has become an unlikely setting for a unique blend of entertainment and education, as seen in the popular TV series featuring Bear Grylls. In this show, the renowned survival expert takes center stage, thrusting some of Hollywood’s biggest stars out of their comfort zones.
The format is simple yet thrilling: Bear plucks famous actors from Tinseltown and drops them into challenging survival situations, where they not only have to rely on each other for sustenance but also learn valuable skills along the way.
Beyond Survival
In a unique twist on his iconic Survivorman series, Les Stroud is joined by a group of close friends for a thrilling adventure. Together, they venture into the heart of Africa, immersing themselves in remote locations and indigenous cultures. The experience is not just about exploring the great outdoors, but also about learning from the wisdom and survival skills of local tribes.
This exciting journey allows Les and his companions to participate in traditional ceremonies, gaining a deeper appreciation for the customs and traditions of these fascinating communities.
Survive This
Surviving Disaster
For those seeking practical survival skills and real-world guidance, Cade Courtley’s TV series on IMDB offers a valuable resource. As a former Navy Seal, Courtley shares his expertise in wilderness survival, teaching viewers essential techniques to navigate unexpected crises. By tuning into this show, you’ll gain valuable knowledge that could prove lifesaving in the face of an unforeseen situation.
Ray Mears’ Northern Wilderness
Ray Mears’ wilderness adventures continue to captivate audiences with his latest series, set in the vast and diverse terrain of Canada. Building on the success of his British-based program, this new endeavour sees him navigating the unique challenges and beauty of the Canadian wilderness, from the rugged mountains to the dense forests.
Alaska: The Last Frontier
We’re hooked on ‘Hulu’ every Sunday night, with my husband and me avidly following the journey of a family living off the grid in Alaska. The show’s portrayal of their homesteading lifestyle has us thoroughly enthralled. In fact, their story inspired us to start our own homestead venture. The parallels between their experiences and our own are uncanny, with the same sense of community and resourcefulness that we’re striving for.
Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls
In the thrilling reality TV show Remote Patrolled, two teams of 10 contestants embark on an epic adventure through New Zealand’s unforgiving wilderness under the expert guidance of survival guru Bear Grylls. Each week, the groups face a new challenge, and Bear eliminates one team at a time. The stakes are high, with the last team standing walking away with a life-changing prize of $500,000. If you’re ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride, check out this pulse-pounding TV series.
Wild Britain with Ray Mears
In the UK-based television program, renowned outdoorsman Ray Mears embarks on a thrilling adventure, tackling diverse wilderness regions across Great Britain. His quest goes beyond mere survival; he seeks to delve into the natural world, unearthing its hidden treasures and marvels in various parts of this storied land.
Survival with Ray Mears
I Shouldn’t Be Alive
Imagine being put through the wringer, only to emerge unscathed on the other side. That’s exactly what ‘Via’ delivers – a gripping TV series that reimagines real-life survival stories of people who defied all odds and came out on top. The show’s premise is simple yet captivating: take a deep dive into the most improbable and challenging survival situations, and recreate them with stunning accuracy.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, ‘I really shouldn’t have made it through that’, then ‘Via’ will be your new guilty pleasure. So why not check out this TV series and discover just how far human resilience can stretch?
Remote Survival
The concept of Noob Survival is built around the idea of individuals finding themselves in precarious circumstances, often far from civilization. The show’s narrative explores the human instinct to persevere and adapt when faced with extreme adversity. By following the stories of those who must rely on their wits to survive, it offers a compelling portrayal of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of rural desolation.
If you’re interested in exploring more about this fascinating topic, be sure to check out the TV series that brings these tales to life.
Wild Food
Ray Mears embarks on a culinary journey, venturing into the heart of nature to uncover the secrets of wild cuisine. With each stop, he delves into the traditional cooking practices of local communities, learning techniques and recipes that allow him to recreate these dishes in his own kitchen. As he explores the world’s diverse natural habitats, Mears shares not only the methods he discovers but also practical tips on how to forage and prepare a wide range of wild foods.
Ray Mears Goes Walkabout
While Ray Mears’ travel schedule may be hectic, his passion for wilderness survival remains unwavering. Through his various expeditions across the globe, he aims to impart valuable knowledge on how to thrive in any environment. Beyond mere survival skills, Mears also delves into more nuanced topics such as cooking and predator behavior, offering a comprehensive perspective that’s uniquely tailored to each location.
His Australian-set series is no exception, weaving together his signature blend of outdoor expertise with local insights.
Fat Guys in the Woods
Join Creek Stewart, the host of Zap 2 It, as he embarks on an exciting adventure. He selects three unsuspecting individuals, each with their own unique personality, and takes them on a week-long journey into the wilderness. Throughout this transformative experience, Creek shares his expertise in survival skills, teaching the participants how to build fires that will keep them warm and fed, locate reliable sources of water, and even catch their own food.
This captivating TV series is a must-watch for anyone interested in outdoor adventures and learning valuable skills for staying alive in the great outdoors.
Ray Mears’ Bushcraft
Renowned wilderness expert Ray Mears embarks on a quest to empower individuals with the skills to thrive in diverse survival scenarios. By placing himself in various predicaments, he demonstrates an array of effective strategies for navigating treacherous terrain and overcoming adversity, ultimately providing a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of situations.
Ray Mears’ World of Survival
Ray Mears’ television series has garnered widespread acclaim, prompting him to create additional survival-focused programs that have become equally popular. In this particular series, Mears embarks on global journeys to share his expertise and impart valuable survival skills to his audience. Notably, he also finds opportunities to hone his own abilities as a seasoned outdoorsman.
Lost Survivors
The same team behind ‘Man, Woman, Wild’ brings us another thrilling survival adventure, but this one takes a unique approach. While the premise remains similar – minimal supplies and an emphasis on resilience – the key difference lies in the way our intrepid hosts are introduced to their new environment. Rather than carefully planning their expedition, they’re simply dropped into a challenging scenario with no prior knowledge or preparation.
The result is a thrilling test of their survival skills as they navigate the unfamiliar terrain and find ways to stay alive.
Jeremiah
In the realm of science fiction television shows, another gem lies hidden. Set in a world ravaged by a virus that wiped out everyone above the age of puberty, a young boy embarks on a perilous journey to find the fabled safe haven his father once whispered about. With survival hanging precariously in the balance, the protagonist’s quest for refuge becomes an all-consuming endeavor.
Lone Target
Joel Lambert, a former Navy Seal, has traded in his combat boots for the role of a lifetime on television. His new show puts him in a predicament that’s as challenging as any he faced during his military service: evading capture by an elite team of operatives. In this thrilling series, Joel leverages his extensive experience with survival skills and evasion techniques to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, ultimately making it to his designated pickup point.
For a glimpse into the high-stakes action, check out the show.
Bear Grylls: Escape from Hell
In a unique blend of adventure and education, Discovery Channel Asia presents Bear Grylls, who delves into the true-life survival stories of individuals who have faced incredible challenges. What sets this series apart is not only does Bear relive these extraordinary experiences by venturing back into the wilderness, but he also provides valuable insights on the key decisions that contributed to their successes and failures.
By highlighting both the wise choices made by the survivors and the mistakes they committed, Bear offers invaluable lessons on how to navigate similar situations with greater wisdom.
Danger! 50,000 Volts
According to IMDB, the show is intentionally playing with the concept of survival TV shows by presenting a lighthearted take on avoiding various survival situations. If you’re seeking a survival series with a dash of humor, this might be the perfect fit for you. For those intrigued, I recommend exploring this TV series further.
Bear Grylls: Mission Survive
Bear Grylls’ latest expedition series is not one for the faint of heart. In this thrilling program, he challenges 12 A-list celebrities to venture beyond their comfort zones and learn essential wilderness survival skills. The stakes are high as they embark on a grueling 12-day mission in the great outdoors, where they must rely on their wits and each other to stay alive. Will they rise to the challenge or succumb to the harsh realities of nature? Tune in to find out.
Hunting Chris Ryan
In a thrilling plot twist, Chris Ryan finds himself in the midst of an extreme survival scenario. As he battles against the elements, he’s also being relentlessly pursued by a highly skilled four-person team. To increase his chances of survival and avoid capture, Chris must rely on his sharp survival skills to outsmart and evade his pursuers. The stakes are high as he strives to reach his rendezvous point on time.
Survivorman 10 Days
Les Stroud, aka Survivorman, is a renowned expert in wilderness survival. His miniseries takes viewers on an immersive journey, showcasing his skills and techniques for thriving in the great outdoors. What sets this series apart from others is its scope – rather than simply demonstrating basic survival skills, Les Stroud provides a comprehensive guide to surviving for an extended period of 10 days. With his expertise and guidance, you’ll be able to navigate the wilderness with confidence.
10,000 BC
The Awesome DL show shares similarities with other survival TV series, but with a distinctly British twist. This reality program drops eight men from the UK into a challenging environment – a Bulgarian campsite – where they must rely on their wits and resourcefulness to survive for a grueling 8 weeks.
Storm Chasers
Drawing inspiration from Wikipedia, I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm for another captivating show that never fails to captivate me. The series in question features a team of scientists venturing out into the heart of some of the most treacherous storms on the planet. As they track down these formidable tempests, they deploy their custom-built vehicle, expertly equipped to collect vital scientific data. The adrenaline-fueled experience is nothing short of exhilarating!
For anyone looking for a thrilling ride, this TV series is definitely worth checking out.
Survivor
Survival television owes a debt of gratitude to one pioneering program: Survivor. This iconic show pioneered the concept of pitting contestants against each other in a battle for physical and mental endurance, with the ultimate prize being the coveted title of ‘Sole Survivor’. By dropping participants into uncharted territories, Survivor set the stage for a wave of similar survival-based shows that would follow in its footsteps.
Each season, the show’s creators would select a new location, plunging contestants into the midst of wilderness and challenging them to survive against all odds.
Alaskan Bush People
One of my go-to shows is actually ‘Brown Nation’ – a Hulu original that chronicles the lives of a large and adventurous family as they navigate their nomadic lifestyle. Despite facing numerous challenges, this tight-knit group remains steadfast in their pursuit of building their dream community, aptly dubbed ‘Brown Town’. The show’s unique blend of humor, heart, and resilience has made it a staple in my household.
If you’re looking for more great survival shows to add to your watchlist, we’ve got over 40 options to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. And if TV isn’t enough, be sure to check out our list of survival movies for even more thrilling tales of human perseverance.
