Edge of Alaska
Hidden deep in the wilderness of eastern Alaska is the toughest town in America: McCarthy. Once considered to be the state's very own "Sin City," McCarthy is now an isolated town - a refuge for people who don't want to be found that's surrounded by extreme wilderness. While some believe in continuing the town's frontier way of life, others feel the future of McCarthy depends on dragging itself into the modern age. Which way of life will reign supreme? It's tradition versus transformation. Built during the Gold Rush in 1900, McCarthy was once a vibrant and flourishing city. Today, with over 100 miles between the residents and the nearest law enforcement, only 42 people still brave the extreme conditions to live in this secluded, 'Old West' town. A place where young men go to prove themselves, and old outlaws go to die; home to bear hunters, gold miners, gun smiths, backwoods survivalists - those who choose to reside in this little known town are willing to risk their lives to live truly free. Each of the roughly four dozen residents of McCarthy is living this dangerous wilderness life for their own, very different, reasons. Neil Darish moved to McCarthy with dreams of restoring the small town to its former glory. After spending years buying property after property in downtown McCarthy, he plans to bring this frontier town into the 21st Century. On the opposite end of the spectrum are long-standing residents like Jeremy Keller who came to McCarthy hoping to escape the evils of modern day society, and will fight to protect 'the old way' at any cost. As diverse as the citizens of McCarthy are, they have one thing in common: everyone who ventures to this town is trying to run away from something. They are mavericks and trailblazers, risk takers and rabble rousers, all attempting to escape their past by surviving at the end of America. This is the story of our country's last true frontier town - on the Edge of Alaska.
- 2014-2017
- 4 seasons
- Discovery Channel
- Action & Adventure
Hidden deep in the wilderness of eastern Alaska is the toughest town in America: McCarthy. Once considered to be the state's very own "Sin City," McCarthy is now an isolated town - a refuge for people who don't want to be found that's surrounded by extreme wilderness. While some believe in continuing the town's frontier way of life, others feel the future of McCarthy depends on dragging itself into the modern age. Which way of life will reign supreme? It's tradition versus transformation. Built during the Gold Rush in 1900, McCarthy was once a vibrant and flourishing city. Today, with over 100 miles between the residents and the nearest law enforcement, only 42 people still brave the extreme conditions to live in this secluded, 'Old West' town. A place where young men go to prove themselves, and old outlaws go to die; home to bear hunters, gold miners, gun smiths, backwoods survivalists - those who choose to reside in this little known town are willing to risk their lives to live truly free. Each of the roughly four dozen residents of McCarthy is living this dangerous wilderness life for their own, very different, reasons. Neil Darish moved to McCarthy with dreams of restoring the small town to its former glory. After spending years buying property after property in downtown McCarthy, he plans to bring this frontier town into the 21st Century. On the opposite end of the spectrum are long-standing residents like Jeremy Keller who came to McCarthy hoping to escape the evils of modern day society, and will fight to protect 'the old way' at any cost. As diverse as the citizens of McCarthy are, they have one thing in common: everyone who ventures to this town is trying to run away from something. They are mavericks and trailblazers, risk takers and rabble rousers, all attempting to escape their past by surviving at the end of America. This is the story of our country's last true frontier town - on the Edge of Alaska.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2014
Episode 1
Winters Grip
Wed, Jul 9, 2014 43 mins
Hidden deep in the wilderness of Alaska is the toughest town in America: McCarthy. Locked in winter's grip, the 42 souls who are brave enough to live here must battle the elements, and each other, to maintain their pioneer way of life.
Episode 2
Last Days of Winter
Sat, Jun 14, 2014 43 mins
The last days of winter bring change. The future of town lies in the balance. Jason races the melting river crossings to reach his crashed airplane. Jeremy tests his nine-year-old son with a risky solo dog sled run through the woods.
Episode 3
The Thaw
Sat, Jul 19, 2014 42 mins
As seasons change in McCarthy, the town is haunted by its darkest day. The icy ground thaws into a quagmire, and old-timer Tim Mischel is marooned at his remote cabin. Neil and Jeremy's frozen truce is set on fire.
Episode 4
The Road
Fri, Jul 25, 2014 42 mins
Spring means locals can finally reach the outside world to resupply. Jeremy walks a bull calf home through bear country and faces off with a hungry black bear. Jason's brother Eric departs town for a new job, leaving Jason to face the wild alone.
Episode 5
Bear Attack
Thu, Aug 7, 2014 42 mins
McCarthy is under attack from awakening bears. Jeremy's livestock is attacked and he goes on the hunt. While Gary searches for horses spooked by a grizzly.
Episode 6
The Motherlode
Thu, Aug 14, 2014 42 mins
Hidden in McCarthy is the largest man-made ruin in the world - and Neil wants to open it up to tourists. Jenny finds a secret creek that holds gold and must pack a raft to inspect the claim.
Episode 7
McCarthy Rising
Tue, Aug 19, 2014 42 mins
McCarthy's future lies in the balance as Neil takes the last steps toward making a town-wide electrical grid. Locals are pushed to their limit, so Jeremy calls an emergency meeting to stop Neil's plans and bring stability back to McCarthy.
Episode 8
The Last Stand
Tue, Aug 26, 2014 43 mins
The town meeting erupts over Neil's power grid, and Jeremy must decide if McCarthy is worth fighting for. This battle has been brewing for years. A showdown is coming.
