The Pioneers
Four families from South Dakota, each with strong ancestral ties to the pioneer past, meet for the first time as they trade in their modern clothes and conveniences for those of the late 1800s. Packing supplies and provisions in covered wagons, the pioneers set out together on the journey of a lifetime.
- 2014-2015
- 1 season
- National Geographic
- Reality
Four families from South Dakota, each with strong ancestral ties to the pioneer past, meet for the first time as they trade in their modern clothes and conveniences for those of the late 1800s. Packing supplies and provisions in covered wagons, the pioneers set out together on the journey of a lifetime.
Season 1 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2014 - 2015
Episode 1
Hitting the Trail
Tue, Dec 9, 2014 42 mins
Four families from South Dakota, each with strong ancestral ties to the pioneer past, meet for the first time as they trade in their modern clothes and conveniences for those of the late 1800s. Packing supplies and provisions in covered wagons, the pioneers set out together on the journey of a lifetime.
Episode 2
Westward Ho!
Tue, Dec 16, 2014 43 mins
The pioneers recover from a broken wagon and continue their journey with their guide Chase Iron Eyes leading the way. Chase warns them of possible tensions arising as they cross Native American territory, and leaves them to complete the journey on their own. Spirits are lifted when they arrive at their new settlement. But the celebration ends when an encounter with neighboring tribes gives Diane such a scare that she and Mike decide to go home.
Episode 3
Full Settle Jacket
Tue, Dec 23, 2014 41 mins
Still reeling from one couple's departure, the pioneers put all hands on deck to start construction on their homestead. Their first order of business is digging the foundation for the first sod homes.
Episode 4
The Storm
Tue, Dec 30, 2014 42 mins
The remaining pioneer couples are busy constructing their first sod home on the prairie. Getting used to their new surroundings and trying to source food and water is proving difficult, but it's nothing compared with the giant storm rolling in over the prairie.
Episode 5
Down But Not Out
Tue, Jan 6, 2015 42 mins
After a devastating flood, the pioneers decide to rebuild their settlement, this time on higher ground. They are reunited with Mike and Diane, who return to the homestead and bring along their son Kyle.
Episode 6
The Last Stand
Tue, Jan 13, 2015 42 mins
Still struggling from the storm that took almost everything, the pioneers are desperately trying to make use of the supplies they acquired by trading their weapons with the locals.