Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Swamp People
View on Wikipedia
| Swamp People | |
|---|---|
Title card of the show (seasons 1–3). Also used as a commercial intro bumper for seasons 1–5. | |
| Genre | Reality television |
| Developed by | Dolores Gavin |
| Narrated by | Pat Duke |
| Composers | Don DiNicola Brian Deming Bruce Hanifan |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 17 |
| No. of episodes | 276 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Jay Peterson Thomas Peyton Brian Catalina |
| Production location | Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana |
| Cinematography | Alex Rappoport Walter Mather |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Production company | Original Media/Truly Original |
| Original release | |
| Network | History |
| Release | August 22, 2010 – present |
Swamp People is an American reality television series that was first broadcast on History on August 22, 2010. The show follows the day-to-day activities of alligator hunters living in the swamps of the Atchafalaya River Basin who hunt American alligators for a living.
Format
[edit]Alligator season in Louisiana begins on the first Wednesday in September and lasts for 30 days. In this time, many of the alligator hunters, following a tradition dating back about 300 years, earn most of their yearly income in a high risk vocation dependent on experience and the whims of weather within strict regulation by wildlife laws. Hunters are each issued a certain number of tags that must be attached to their kills; once they "tag out" (run out of tags), their season is over, and they may no longer kill any more alligators for the rest of the season. During this 30-day window, some of these hunters earn most of their annual income culling alligators; therefore, the ultimate goal for the alligator hunters is to tag out before the season ends. Most of the hunters spend the rest of the year harvesting other species (fish, crawfish, shrimp, crabs, raccoons, turtles, etc.) to augment their yearly incomes and/or holding down full-time jobs in other industries.
Each season, the series focuses on various teams of alligator hunters. Some episodes also feature other aspects of the social and sporting life of the swamp, including fishing and hunting for other animals.
Beginning with the fourth season, the program expanded to venues outside the Atchafalaya River Basin, featuring gator hunting crews in other parts of Louisiana, as well as the swamplands of Texas.
Cast members
[edit]Sources: [1]
Current
[edit]| Individual | Location(s) | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Mitchell | Hammond, Louisiana | 1–9 and 12–present |
| Jacob Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 1–present |
| Troy Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 1–present |
| Daniel Edgar | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 7–present |
| Joey Edgar | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 7–present |
| Ronnie Adams | Belle River, Louisiana | 10–present |
| Zak Bagby | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 10–present |
| Don Brewer | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 11–present |
| "Little" Willie Edwards | Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana | 11–present |
| Cheyenne "Pickle" Wheat | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 12–present |
| Anthony "Porkchop" Williams | Vacherie, Louisiana | 13–present |
| LeRon Jones | Vacherie, Louisiana | 13–present |
| Anna Ribbeck | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 14-present |
| Timmy Aucoin | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 14-present |
| Calum Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 16-present |
| Kallie Edgar | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 16–present |
Previous
[edit]| Individual | Location(s) | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Knight | Morgan City, Louisiana | 1 |
| Anthony Knight | Morgan City, Louisiana | 1 |
| Clint Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 1 and 3 |
| Joe LaFont | Port Sulphur, Louisiana | 1–3 and 6 |
| Junior Edwards (deceased) | Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana | 1–6 and 12 |
| Kenwood Knight | Morgan City, Louisiana | 1 |
| Malcom McQuiston | Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana | 1–3 |
| Mike Kliebert | Hammond, Louisiana | 1 |
| Randy Edwards (deceased) | Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana | 1 and 3–6 |
| T-Mike Kliebert | Hammond, Louisiana | 1 |
| Tommy Chauvin | Port Sulphur, Louisiana Violet, Louisiana (Seasons 8–9) |
1–3, 6, and 8–9 |
| Tyler (dog) (deceased) | Hammond, Louisiana | 1–5 |
| William "Willie" Edwards | Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana | 1–16 |
| Glenn Guist | Gonzales, Louisiana Pecan Island, Louisiana (Seasons 4–6) |
2–9 |
| Jay Paul Molinere | Houma, Louisiana Violet, Louisiana (Seasons 8–9) |
2–10 |
| Liz Choate | Pierre Part, Louisiana (Season 2) Pecan Island, Louisiana (Seasons 3–6, 12) |
2–6 and 12 |
| Mitchell Guist (deceased) | Gonzales, Louisiana | 2–3 |
| Nick Payne | Hammond, Louisiana | 2 |
| RJ Molinere, Jr. | Houma, Louisiana Violet, Louisiana (Season 8) |
2–10 |
| Terral Evans | Slidell, Louisiana (Seasons 2, 5–6) Pierre Part, Louisiana (Seasons 10–11) |
2, 5–6, and 10–11 |
| Austyn Yoches | Bayou Pigeon, Louisiana | 3 |
| Blake MacDonald | Bayou Pigeon, Louisiana | 3 |
| Chase Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 3–16 |
| Kristi Broussard | Pecan Island, Louisiana | 3–4 and 8–9 |
| Manneaux (dog) | Bayou Pigeon, Louisiana | 3 |
| Ron Methvin | Hammond, Louisiana | 3–9 |
| Harlan "Bigfoot" Hatcher | Beaumont, Texas Pierre Part, Louisiana (Season 4) |
4–5 and 9 |
| Brandon Hotard | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 4–6 |
| David LaDart | Marion, Louisiana Raceland, Louisiana (Season 5) Violet, Louisiana (Season 5) |
4–6 |
| Jeromy Pruitt | Marion, Louisiana Raceland, Louisiana (Season 5) Violet, Louisiana (Season 5) |
4–6 |
| Jessica Choate | Pecan Island, Louisiana | 4–6 |
| Marie Lacoste | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 4–5 |
| T-Roy Broussard | Beaumont, Texas Pierre Part, Louisiana (Season 4) |
4–5 |
| Tom Candies | Thibodaux, Louisiana | 4 |
| ZZ Loupe | Thibodaux, Louisiana | 4 |
| Holden Landry | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 5–6 and 8–10 |
| Johnny Banks | Slidell, Louisiana | 5 |
| Johny Tenner | Zwolle, Louisiana | 5 |
| Roger Rivers | Zwolle, Louisiana | 5 |
| Dorien Edgar | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 7–9 and 12–15 |
| Robert "Frenchy" Crochet | Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana | 7–10 and 12 |
| Gerard "Gee" Singleton | Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana | 7–10 and 12 |
| Alvin Plaisance | Houma, Louisiana Violet, Louisiana |
8 |
| Dwaine Edgar | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 8–10 |
| Justin Roy | Pecan Island, Louisiana | 8–9 |
| Todd Alexander (deceased) | Gonzales, Louisiana | 8–9 |
| Joseph "Big T" Rogers Richard | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 9–11 |
| Coy Farmer | Beaumont, Texas | 9 |
| Jay Foster | Beaumont, Texas | 9 |
| Ashley Jones | Belle River, Louisiana | 10–15 |
| Dusty Crum | Pierre Part, Louisiana | 10 |
| Aaron Lee | Houma, Louisiana | 11 |
| Brock Theriot | Houma, Louisiana | 11 |
| Destin Choate | Pecan Island, Louisiana | 12 |
Mitchell Guist's death
[edit]On May 14, 2012, Mitchell Guist suffered an accident on the Belle River near Pierre Part. According to authorities he slipped and fell while loading items onto his boat. It was initially reported that he suffered a seizure, but it is unclear whether the seizure was a result of the fall or if it was caused by a medical condition. It was later revealed that Guist suffered a heart attack.[2] Guist was pronounced dead at a Morgan City hospital;[3][4] the coroner for Ascension Parish later determined that his death was due to natural causes.[5] Guist was 47 years old at the time of his death.[2] The Voodoo Bayou episode, originally aired on May 17, 2012, was dedicated in Guist's memory.
Broadcast history
[edit]The series premiered on August 22, 2010, and set a ratings record for History.[6] The show was initially broadcast on Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Season Two saw the show move from Sunday to Thursday, again at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The season was met with great success and record breaking viewers for the History channel.[7]
For Season Three, Swamp People moved one hour earlier to 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday nights. The show returned to that night and time for its fourth season, on February 14, 2013,[8] later moving an hour later to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on May 30, 2013[8] after Pawn Stars moved to Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET.[9]
For Season Five, Swamp People moved to Monday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET / PT and will continue in to do so for the beginning of Season Six.
Season Six premiered on February 2, 2015, and ended on July 13, 2015. After the end of Season Six, a majority of the cast members were let go after a new producer was bought in, and only a few of the original cast members remained. It was also announced that Season Seven would be the final season, which was met with much pushback from the fanbase.
Season Seven premiered on February 8, 2016, with the newest episode set to air on May 2, 2016. It was announced on April 28, 2016, via Jacob Landry's Facebook page that History had ordered an eighth season of the series. This season premiered on February 16, 2017.
Later seasons of Swamp People went back to airing on Thursday nights, usually at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT or 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Episodes
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 10 | August 22, 2010 | October 31, 2010 | |
| 2 | 17 | March 31, 2011 | November 17, 2011 | |
| 3 | 22 | February 9, 2012 | July 12, 2012 | |
| 4 | 24 | February 14, 2013 | January 27, 2014 | |
| 5 | 23 | February 3, 2014 | December 8, 2014 | |
| 6 | 20 | February 2, 2015 | July 13, 2015 | |
| 7 | 13 | February 8, 2016 | May 2, 2016 | |
| 8 | 17 | February 16, 2017 | May 18, 2017 | |
| 9 | 21 | February 1, 2018 | June 7, 2018 | |
| 10 | 16 | January 31, 2019 | May 23, 2019 | |
| 11 | 14 | January 23, 2020 | April 16, 2020 | |
| 12 | 16 | February 4, 2021 | May 27, 2021 | |
| 13 | 15 | January 27, 2022 | May 19, 2022 | |
| 14 | 16 | January 5, 2023 | April 27, 2023 | |
| 15 | 16 | January 4, 2024 | April 25, 2024 | |
As of April 24, 2025, 276 episodes of Swamp People have aired, concluding the 16th season.
Reception
[edit]The series opener of Swamp People premiered on August 22, 2010. The series premiere garnered 3.1 million total viewers, 2.5 million adults 25–54 and 2.3 million adults 18–49 – driving The History Channel to #1 in cable within the 10-11 p.m. time period in total viewers and Adults 25–54.[10]
Episode 1 of season 2 premiered on March 31, 2011. The second-season premiere drew 3.9 million total viewers, and increased 26% versus the season 1 average (3.1 million). It was the series' most-watched episode ever. Swamp People captured 2.0 million adults age 18–49 and age 25–50 impressions up +25% and +18% from the season 1 average respectively (1.6 million A18-49 and 1.7 million A25-54).[11]
The final episode of season 2 was met with record breaking viewers and ratings. The final episode drew 5.5 million viewers. It drew 2.8 million adults 25-54 and adults 18-49 – scoring the #1 show on cable for the night and the #2 spot in all of television. The season overall averaged 4.1 million viewers for the season, which was up 32% versus season 1.[7]
Spinoff shows
[edit]On October 21, 2012, a spinoff of Swamp People, Outback Hunters, debuted on the History Channel. Following the same format as Swamp People, the series focuses on crocodile hunters in the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. Its first season, consisting of 11 episodes, ended on December 30, 2012.
A second spinoff, Swamp Mysteries With Troy Landry, started airing on the History Channel on June 7, 2018. The spinoff follows Troy Landry collaborating with local experts to capture local problem creatures across the Southern United States. The show consisted of one season with six episodes, the last of which aired on July 12, 2018.[12][13]
A third spinoff, Swamp People Serpent Invasion started airing on the History Channel on March 9, 2020. It features Troy and Chase Landry and Bruce Mitchell teaming with Florida natives Zak Catchem and Bill Booth to eradicate Burmese pythons from the Everglades, where they are an invasive species.[14]
Mobile app games
[edit]Two mobile app games were produced as a tie-in to the show:
- Choot'Em Angry Swamp (also known merely as Angry Swamp), is an arcade-style game featuring Troy Landry, and is available for Apple,[15] Android Google Play[16] and Kindle Amazon.[17]
- The self-titled Swamp People (also known as The Swamp People Game), is a hunting simulation game, and is available for Apple[18] and Android-supported devices.[19]
Home releases
[edit]| Swamp People Season 1 | ||||
| Set details[20] | DVD Layout | |||
|
| |||
| DVD release dates | ||||
| Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 4 | ||
| May 31, 2011 | September 19, 2011 | N/a | ||
References
[edit]- ^ Swamp People Bios, History Channel
- ^ a b "Texas Hold 'Em". Swamp People. February 21, 2013. History.
- ^ Stegall, Amber (May 14, 2012). "Swamp People cast member dies". WLBT-TV via website. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
- ^ Mitchell Guist, "Swamp People" star, dies at 48
- ^ Associated Press, via nola.com: "'Swamp People' star Mitchell Guist died of natural causes, coroner says", May 17, 2012.
- ^ 'Swamp People' Sets Ratings Record for History: Premiere of Louisiana Bayou series gives net best original debut in key demos, Marisa Guthrie, Broadcasting & Cable, 24 August 2010 (retrieved 28 August 2010)
- ^ a b History's 'Swamp People' Finishes Second Season with Record Breaking Ratings
- ^ a b Per Swamp People's official Facebook page
- ^ Entertainment Weekly: "'Pawn Stars' gets new theme song from Lynyrd Skynyrd -- EXCLUSIVE", April 22, 2013.
- ^ Swamp People season one premiere by the numbers
- ^ Swamp People season two premiere by the numbers
- ^ BWW News Desk. "History Premieres New Nonfiction Series SWAMP MYSTERIES WITH TROY LANDRY Following SWAMP PEOPLE Season Finale". Retrieved October 9, 2018.
- ^ "'Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry' Debuting in June on History Channel". 97.3 The Dawg. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
- ^ "Swamp People: Serpent Invasion Full Episodes, Video & More | HISTORY Channel".
- ^ iTunes: "Choot'Em Angry Swamp"[dead link]
- ^ Google Play: "Choot'Em Angry Swamp"
- ^ Amazon: "Choot'Em Angry Swamp"
- ^ iTunes: "Swamp People"
- ^ Google Play: "Swamp People"
- ^ Trapper Joe. "Swamp People: Season 1 DVD SET | Shows Swamp People | History". Shop.history.com. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
External links
[edit]Swamp People
View on GrokipediaOverview
Premise
Swamp People is an American reality television series that chronicles the lives and hunts of Cajun alligator hunters residing in the Atchafalaya River Basin, the nation's largest river swamp encompassing nearly 1 million acres of bottomland hardwoods, cypress swamps, bayous, and marshes, which serve as a critical ecological habitat supporting one of the densest populations of American alligators in Louisiana.[12][13] The basin's dynamic ecosystem, fed by the Atchafalaya River and influenced by seasonal flooding, fosters abundant alligator populations that play a key role in maintaining wetland health through their activities like creating "gator holes" for water retention during dry periods.[14] The show emphasizes the hunters' annual quest to harvest alligators during a regulated season, portraying their efforts as essential for population control and cultural preservation in this remote, semi-wilderness environment.[15] The wild alligator hunting season in Louisiana, overseen by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), typically opens on the last Wednesday of August in the East Zone and the first Wednesday of September in the West Zone (including the Atchafalaya Basin), running through December 31, with the most intense activity concentrated in the initial 30 days when hunters aim to fulfill their quotas.[16][17][18] Licensed hunters receive harvest tags—allocated based on applications for private lands or through lotteries and bids for public areas like wildlife management areas—with the daily and seasonal quota matching the number of tags possessed, ensuring sustainable management without minimum size restrictions on wild alligators.[17][18] This regulatory framework supports the show's depiction of high-stakes hunts, where families compete to "tag out" before the prime period ends, balancing ecological oversight with the hunters' need to secure their annual yield.[6] At the heart of the series is the portrayal of alligator hunting as a traditional livelihood for multi-generational Cajun families in the Atchafalaya Basin, where daily routines revolve around pre-dawn preparations, navigating flooded waterways by boat to set hook lines and trotlines, and processing catches amid challenging weather and terrain.[9] These hunters depend economically on the harvest, which generates significant revenue through sales of alligator meat, hides, and byproducts, contributing approximately $3.5 million from wild hunting as of 2019 and underscoring the industry's role in sustaining rural swamp communities.[19] Family dynamics are central, with spouses, children, and relatives forming tight-knit teams that share the physical demands and risks, preserving a way of life tied to the land and waters their ancestors settled centuries ago.[15] The program highlights the hunters' mastery of survival skills essential to the swamp's unforgiving environment, including expert boat navigation through dense vegetation and murky channels, tracking elusive alligators by subtle signs like slides and nests, and safely managing close encounters with hazardous wildlife such as cottonmouth snakes, black bears, and aggressive feral hogs.[1] These elements capture the raw intensity of life in the basin, where quick decision-making and intimate knowledge of the ecosystem determine success and safety during hunts that blend tradition with the perpetual struggle against nature's perils.[12]Format
Swamp People episodes typically run for 42 to 60 minutes, encompassing commercial breaks in broadcast format, and are divided into segments that depict hunt preparations, active pursuits of alligators using trotlines, and the tallying of harvested tags to meet seasonal quotas.[20][21] The structure follows a reality television model with three to five acts, adapting raw footage from the field into a cohesive narrative that highlights the daily rhythm of swamp hunting.[21] The visual style employs handheld cameras and on-location audio capture to foster an immersive, documentary-like atmosphere, allowing viewers to experience the raw challenges of navigating dense bayous and handling heavy equipment in real time.[21] This vérité approach, often described as "fly-on-the-wall," prioritizes unscripted action and natural soundscapes over polished staging, with producers ensuring comprehensive coverage of events through multiple camera angles and microphones embedded in the environment.[21] Overlays of dramatic narration further enhance the sensory immersion by voicing key tensions during hunts. Each episode builds a narrative arc centered on escalating pressure from the 30-day alligator hunting season, where teams must fill a limited number of tags before deadlines expire, compounded by environmental obstacles like adverse weather and mechanical failures on boats.[6] Interpersonal dynamics within hunting teams add layers of conflict, such as disputes over strategy or resource allocation, driving the story toward climactic resolutions in tag fulfillment or season setbacks.[21] This format subtly underscores cast members' distinct personalities through their reactions to these high-stakes scenarios. Recurring motifs include the meticulous management of "lines"—trotlines strung across waterways with baited hooks to lure alligators overnight—followed by retrieval and dispatch sequences that emphasize precision and danger.[16] Post-hunt processing segments detail the skinning of hides, which must be tagged immediately and preserved for sale, alongside the butchering of meat for personal or commercial use, illustrating the economic imperatives of swamp life.[16] These elements reinforce the show's focus on the cyclical, labor-intensive nature of the trade.[6]Production
Development
In 2009, the History Channel commissioned Original Media to develop programming showcasing authentic American subcultures, prompting exploration of the Louisiana bayous and leading to the creation of Swamp People.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">Filming
Filming for Swamp People primarily takes place in the expansive swamps of southern Louisiana, with key locations including the Atchafalaya River Basin, Bayou Pierre Part near the town of Pierre Part, and Lake Palourde. These remote environments pose significant logistical challenges for the production team, including navigating unpredictable flooding that can alter water levels and access routes, swarms of insects that complicate outdoor shoots, and limited infrastructure for transportation and equipment setup in isolated areas. The presence of the camera crew adds to these difficulties, requiring heightened caution during hunts to mitigate risks like boat capsizing or encounters with wildlife, as the crew is integrated closely with the hunters for authentic footage. To traverse the dense marshlands and shallow bayous, the cast and crew rely on specialized vessels such as airboats for high-speed travel over open water and vegetation, and traditional pirogues—narrow wooden canoes—for maneuvering through tight, overgrown channels during targeted hunts. Safety protocols are strictly enforced, particularly in wildlife management areas where special access permits are required for both hunting and filming activities; these include life jackets, communication devices, and coordinated movements to protect the team from environmental hazards and aggressive alligators. The production emphasizes treating the crew as extensions of the hunting families to maintain trust and safety amid the high-stakes conditions. Filming occurs annually during Louisiana's regulated alligator hunting season, typically spanning late August to early October, allowing the show to capture the intense, time-limited pursuits in real time. Post-season, raw footage is compiled and edited to shape episodes that highlight the hunters' lifestyles while adhering to network guidelines on content sensitivity. Over the years, the production has adapted to evolving needs, such as enhanced equipment for low-light conditions in later seasons to depict extended hunts, and implemented health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic for Seasons 12 and 13 to ensure continuity amid restrictions.Cast
Current Cast
The current cast of Swamp People features a core group of veteran alligator hunters who continue to showcase the demanding realities of Louisiana's bayou life in Season 16, which premiered on January 2, 2025, on the History Channel. These individuals, primarily operating in family or partnered teams, employ traditional methods like troline setting and airboat navigation to meet strict tagging quotas amid environmental challenges such as rising water levels and elusive game. Their ongoing contributions highlight generational expertise, with many hailing from multi-generational hunting lineages in regions like Pierre Part and Vacherie.[22] Troy Landry, widely known as the "King of the Swamp," remains a central figure from Pierre Part, Louisiana, where he leads the Choot 'Em team alongside his sons Jacob and Chase. A fifth-generation hunter, Landry earned his nickname from his rapid-fire command to "choot 'em" during hunts, reflecting his aggressive, no-nonsense style that prioritizes high-volume tagging in the Atchafalaya Basin. In Season 16 episodes aired in early 2025, he partnered with newcomer Pickle Wheat for intense races to secret hotspots, securing large bulls under time pressure while mentoring on bait placement and quick retrievals. Landry's team consistently ranks among the top performers, emphasizing family coordination and instinctive navigation of dense marshlands.[23][22] Jacob Landry, Troy's eldest son and a captain since the show's inception, has evolved into a steady leader of the Choot 'Em crew, often handling airboat operations and strategic line checks in Pierre Part's waterways. His growth from deckhand to primary tagger underscores a hands-on apprenticeship in gator wrestling and quota management, with a focus on precision shots to avoid damaging hides. Featured prominently in 2025 Season 16 tag challenges, Jacob navigated family rivalries and weather setbacks to exceed quotas, demonstrating resilience honed from years of assisting his father in crawfish harvesting off-season. He continues to embody the next generation of bayou hunters, balancing high-stakes hunts with family dynamics.[24][25] Bruce Mitchell, based in Hammond, Louisiana, returned to the series in Season 12 after a brief hiatus and remains active with his son Chase as deckhand, now often joined by Anna Ribbeck for added support in troline hunts. Known for his methodical approach—prioritizing safety gear and deliberate baiting in Hammond's shallower sloughs—Mitchell's style contrasts the Landrys' intensity, focusing on sustainable yields and educating crew on gator behavior. In Season 16's 2025 episodes, his team tackled overgrown territories, pulling in consistent hauls while adapting to post-hurricane marsh changes, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable veteran.[22] Cheyenne "Pickle" Wheat, from Pierre Part, Louisiana, joined as a prominent hunter partnering with Troy Landry in recent seasons, including Season 16. A skilled deckhand with a family history in swamp life, Pickle brings energy and expertise to high-stakes hunts, often handling line checks and gator wrestles in challenging conditions. Her collaboration with the Landrys highlights mentorship and teamwork, as seen in 2025 episodes where she helped secure record hauls amid competitive pressures.[26] The Edwards family, including Willie Edwards and his son Little Willie Edwards from Bayou Sorrel, operates as a tight-knit unit specializing in innovative baits like homemade hooks to lure bulls in remote cypress stands. Willie's veteran experience guides their patient, exploratory hunts, while Little Willie brings youthful energy, experimenting with special lures to net oversized gators during final-week pushes. Their collaborative style, seen in 2025 airings where they struck "gator gold mines" despite differing tactics with Junior Edwards, highlights adaptability and family teaching moments in scorching conditions. Both remain active, contributing to the show's portrayal of intergenerational bayou survival.[22] Anthony "Porkchop" Williams and his cousin Leron Jones, the Vacherie Swamp Boys from Vacherie, Louisiana, form a dynamic duo representing sixth- and longstanding generations of hunters, using fast airboats and synchronized tagging in dense Pointe aux Chenes marshes. Porkchop's masterful precision in close-quarters wrestling pairs with Leron's "hard-headed" persistence in scouting hidden lines, often yielding high tags through relentless teamwork. In Season 16's 2025 episodes, their partnership shone in competitive hauls against rivals, with anecdotes of childhood hunts underscoring their unbreakable bond. As of November 2025, both are confirmed active per History Channel listings, continuing to deliver high-impact bayou narratives.[27]Former Cast
Several cast members have departed Swamp People over the years, often due to production decisions, personal choices, or unforeseen circumstances, leading to shifts in team dynamics as new hunters filled roles to maintain the focus on Louisiana's alligator hunting traditions.[28] Mitchell Guist, who appeared alongside his brother Glenn in seasons 2 and 3, left the show following his death on May 14, 2012, from natural causes while boating in Louisiana's Belle River.[29] His exit prompted the Guist team to continue hunting without him, highlighting the dangers inherent in swamp life and influencing subsequent storylines on resilience.[30] Randy Edwards, the younger brother of Willie and son of Junior Edwards, featured in seasons 1 and 3 through 6 before departing after season 6 to prioritize his personal life away from the spotlight.[31] Tragically, Randy passed away on September 15, 2018, at age 35 in a car crash in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, cutting short any potential return and leaving a void in the Edwards family narrative.[32] Junior Edwards, an original cast member known for his expertise in seasons 1 through 6, was among several hunters let go after season 6 amid production changes under new leadership.[28] He made a guest return in season 12 (2021) and appeared intermittently thereafter, including brief roles in season 14 (2023), but did not commit to full-season participation due to health concerns and family priorities.[33] By 2025, Junior had shifted to occasional advisory roles within the community before his passing on July 26, 2025, at age 61 after battling colon cancer, prompting tributes from castmates and further team adjustments.[34][35] Holden Landry, nephew of Troy Landry, joined as a deckhand and hunter in seasons 5–6 and 8–10 before retiring from alligator hunting around 2017 to pursue safer outdoor pursuits like fishing and duck hunting.[36] His departure allowed other family members to take on more prominent roles in the Landry armada, reshaping group hunting strategies without his youthful energy. As of 2025, Holden remains connected to the Swamp People crew through social interactions but has not returned to gator tagging.[37] Kristi Broussard, a Navy veteran and partner to hunters like Liz Cavalier, appeared in seasons 3–4 and 8–9 before exiting as part of the broader cast reductions following season 6.[38] Her voluntary step back emphasized work-life balance amid the show's demanding schedule, leading to new female hunters stepping into similar positions. By 2025, Broussard continued independent alligator guiding in Louisiana's bayous, maintaining her Cajun hunting heritage outside the series.[39] These departures, particularly the wave after season 6, necessitated frequent team reshuffles, with producers introducing fresh faces to sustain the competitive hunting format while preserving the core depiction of bayou livelihoods.[28]Notable Events
One of the most significant tragedies in the show's history occurred on May 14, 2012, when cast member Mitchell Guist suffered a fatal seizure and fell from his boat while working on a houseboat during a break from filming near Pierre Part, Louisiana; he was 47 years old and was pronounced dead at Teche Regional Medical Center.[30][29] An autopsy confirmed natural causes, with no foul play involved.[40] Guist's death profoundly impacted production, as his brother Glenn, his frequent hunting partner, continued appearing solo in subsequent episodes, altering the Guist brothers' collaborative narrative arc that had been a staple since Season 2.[41] Legal troubles have periodically disrupted cast members' involvement and drawn public scrutiny to the show's portrayal of swamp life. In September 2013, siblings R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere were arrested in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, for second-degree battery after allegedly assaulting a man with a beer bottle during an off-camera altercation the previous month; they pleaded not guilty and the charges were later resolved without further show-related repercussions.[42][43] More recently, in September 2024, veteran hunter Troy Landry was cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for failing to properly tag an alligator during an undercover sting operation, facing potential fines up to $950 per count and up to 120 days in jail per offense.[44] Health challenges and accidents have also influenced casting and storylines. Randy Edwards, son of cast member Junior Edwards and a recurring hunter in early seasons, died on September 15, 2018, at age 35 in a single-vehicle crash in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, when his car struck a utility pole; impairment was suspected as a factor.[32][45] The incident led to a temporary focus on the Edwards family's resilience in later episodes. In July 2025, original cast member Junior Edwards passed away at age 61 after battling colon cancer, as announced by his family; his death prompted tributes from fellow hunters and shifted ongoing family dynamics in the show's narrative.[34][35] Earlier, in 2011, Bruce Mitchell faced a life-threatening heart condition that nearly sidelined him from Season 3 filming, requiring medical intervention and highlighting the physical toll of gator hunting.[46] These incidents, particularly the fatalities, underscored the hazardous nature of the hunters' lifestyle and prompted informal adjustments in production, such as increased emphasis on experienced crew oversight during water-based shoots to mitigate risks like those in Guist's boating mishap.Broadcast
Airing History
Swamp People premiered on the History Channel on August 22, 2010, initially airing on Sundays at 10:00 PM ET.[1] The series quickly established itself as a key program for the network, aligning its broadcast schedule with Louisiana's annual alligator hunting season, which typically runs from late August to early October, leading to regular hiatuses during winter months when hunting is not permitted.[6] Over the years, the show's scheduling underwent several shifts to optimize viewership. For its third season in 2012, it moved to Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET, a slot that contributed to its growing popularity. By 2014, episodes began airing on Mondays, before transitioning to Thursdays in later seasons, such as season 15 in 2024 at 8:00 PM ET. Season 17 is scheduled to air Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET starting January 7, 2026.[47][6] Internationally, the program has been distributed on various networks, including 7Mate in Australia and UKTV in the United Kingdom, allowing global audiences to follow the swampers' hunts.[48] Viewership milestones highlight the show's impact on cable television. The season 3 premiere on February 9, 2012, attracted 4.7 million total viewers, marking a record for the series and the network at the time. Subsequent seasons saw sustained but more modest audiences, with season 16 episodes in 2025 averaging around 600,000 to 800,000 viewers per episode.[49] As of November 2025, season 16 concluded its run on April 24, 2025, with the finale episode "End of the Line." Season 17 was confirmed by cast member Ronnie Adams in June 2025 and officially scheduled to premiere on January 7, 2026, airing episodes based on the 2025 alligator hunting season.[50][6]Seasons and Episodes
Swamp People has aired 16 seasons since its premiere in 2010, comprising a total of 269 episodes as of August 2025.[51] Each season typically follows the 30-day alligator hunting period in Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin, with hunters competing to fill quotas of tags allocated for the next year's season based on their performance. The series structure emphasizes the high-stakes nature of the hunt, where success determines future livelihoods. The following table summarizes the seasons, including episode counts and premiere/finale air dates:| Season | Episodes | Premiere Date | Finale Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | August 22, 2010 | October 31, 2010 |
| 2 | 16 | March 31, 2011 | July 21, 2011 |
| 3 | 22 | February 9, 2012 | July 12, 2012 |
| 4 | 22 | February 14, 2013 | July 18, 2013 |
| 5 | 21 | February 3, 2014 | July 7, 2014 |
| 6 | 20 | February 2, 2015 | July 13, 2015 |
| 7 | 13 | February 8, 2016 | May 2, 2016 |
| 8 | 16 | February 16, 2017 | May 18, 2017 |
| 9 | 20 | February 1, 2018 | June 7, 2018 |
| 10 | 16 | January 31, 2019 | May 23, 2019 |
| 11 | 14 | January 23, 2020 | April 16, 2020 |
| 12 | 16 | February 4, 2021 | May 27, 2021 |
| 13 | 15 | January 27, 2022 | May 19, 2022 |
| 14 | 16 | January 5, 2023 | April 27, 2023 |
| 15 | 16 | January 4, 2024 | April 25, 2024 |
| 16 | 16 | January 2, 2025 | April 24, 2025 |
