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Season 1 – Back to the Frontier

Play trailer 1:40 Poster for Season 1 – Back to the Frontier Jul 2025 Game Show Reality Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Families leave the 21st century behind to live as 1800s pioneers in a social experiment that tests their strength, stamina and sense of humor.
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Back to the Frontier — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Judy Berman TIME Magazine Jul 14
Most of the parents have trouble getting their kids to work hard on the farm, but beyond that, the only real friction that emerges early in the season is between stubbornly independent Jereme and the more community-minded Lopers. Go to Full Review
John Anderson Wall Street Journal Jul 10
There are gaps in the logic big enough to accommodate a Conestoga wagon and stakes that are very, very low. No one has a compelling reason to be involved except being involved. Go to Full Review
Xamara Carrillo Common Sense Media Aug 8
This heartwarming, comedic, and relatable TV show offers good laughs and focuses on adapting to change. Go to Full Review
Bruce R. Miller Sioux City Journal Jul 24
3/4
“Back to the Frontier” may not be as titillating as “Naked and Afraid,” but it’s one reality show that certainly shows what happens when the shine is off the rose. It’s a keeper. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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J M Oct 4 If only all TV shows were this good. So many heartfelt moments, so many lessons learned, so much happiness. Living like this is the dream. See more m d Sep 3 Wholesome show about family, being a neighbor, and learning about history. Such a fun show! loved how each family learned about what their life would have been like in the 1800s - as a human, a family, and whatever demographic they were. Very much hope there's a second season! See more Kate S Sep 2 No creepy competition - really nice story lones - ans learned a lot ! Loved it See more Karrey H Sep 1 Thought it was interesting, good history lesson. Would love to do this myself, interesting to see how these technology driven families would do without the tablets and phones and social media. Want to see more of this series, hurry up with season 2. Would also like a follow up with each family how the experience has changed them. See more Timo E. @TimoEx Aug 29 I loved every minute of this show. Some mentioned they wanted more drama. I just wanted to see families grow closer together apart from the crush of modern life. See more Brenden L Aug 28 This is a summer camp understanding of survival without modern technology. See more Read all reviews
Back to the Frontier — Season 1

My Rating

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jul 10, 2025 Back to the 1880s As they settle into their homesteads, the Hanna-Riggs, the Lopers and the Halls face the harsh realities of life without modern conveniences. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 17, 2025 There's No Place Like Homestead After the families attempt to cook their first hot meal, the Lopers bring the community together to help with needed repairs on their home. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 24, 2025 A Whole Lot of Trouble As tensions rise between the Lopers and Halls after an auction, the Hall sisters decide to host an ice cream social for the frontier families. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 31, 2025 A Harrowing Tale As the families struggle with the frontier's gender roles, the Lopers and Hanna-Riggs learn what 1880s life would have been like for their families. Details Episode 5 Aired Aug 7, 2025 New Arrivals on the Homestead As fresh faces arrive at the Hanna-Riggs homestead, the Halls attempt to make up for their huge overspend at the auction. Details Episode 6 Aired Aug 14, 2025 Little Schoolhouse, Big Lessons After weeks of tension, the Halls and Lopers attempt to clear the air; Mia has a rough first day as the homestead community's new teacher. Details Episode 7 Aired Aug 21, 2025 Bringing Home the Bacon With temperatures dropping, the families must focus on fully stocking their winter pantries and harvesting an entire acre of wheat by hand. Details Episode 8 Aired Aug 28, 2025 Prove It or Lose It Time is running out as the families rush to complete all their homestead goals -- but will they vouch for their neighbors to secure their land? Details
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Season Info

Director
Christian Aldridge
Executive Producer
Chip Gaines, Joanna Gaines, Michael Fraser, Allison Page
Network
Magnolia Network
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Game Show, Reality
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jul 10, 2025