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Swamp People
Title card of the show (seasons 1–3). Also used as a commercial intro bumper for seasons 1–5.
GenreReality television
Developed byDolores Gavin
Narrated byPat Duke
ComposersDon DiNicola
Brian Deming
Bruce Hanifan
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons17
No. of episodes276 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersJay Peterson
Thomas Peyton Brian Catalina
Production locationAtchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
CinematographyAlex Rappoport
Walter Mather
Camera setupMulti-camera
Production companyOriginal Media/Truly Original
Original release
NetworkHistory
ReleaseAugust 22, 2010 (2010-08-22) –
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]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
110August 22, 2010 (2010-08-22)October 31, 2010 (2010-10-31)
217March 31, 2011 (2011-03-31)November 17, 2011 (2011-11-17)
322February 9, 2012 (2012-02-09)July 12, 2012 (2012-07-12)
424February 14, 2013 (2013-02-14)January 27, 2014 (2014-01-27)
523February 3, 2014 (2014-02-03)December 8, 2014 (2014-12-08)
620February 2, 2015 (2015-02-02)July 13, 2015 (2015-07-13)
713February 8, 2016 (2016-02-08)May 2, 2016 (2016-05-02)
817February 16, 2017 (2017-02-16)May 18, 2017 (2017-05-18)
921February 1, 2018 (2018-02-01)June 7, 2018 (2018-06-07)
1016January 31, 2019 (2019-01-31)May 23, 2019 (2019-05-23)
1114January 23, 2020 (2020-01-23)April 16, 2020 (2020-04-16)
1216February 4, 2021 (2021-02-04)May 27, 2021 (2021-05-27)
1315January 27, 2022 (2022-01-27)May 19, 2022 (2022-05-19)
1416January 5, 2023 (2023-01-05)April 27, 2023 (2023-04-27)
1516January 4, 2024 (2024-01-04)April 25, 2024 (2024-04-25)

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
  • Bonus Features – Additional Footage
  • DISC 1: Big Head Bites It / Houdini's Last Escape / Troy's Gamble / Cannibal Gator
  • DISC 2: Forces of Nature / Family Feuds / Swamp Wars / Gator Voodoo
  • DISC 3: Final Countdown / The Last Battle / Bonus
DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
May 31, 2011 September 19, 2011 N/a

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Swamp People is an American reality television series that premiered on the on August 22, 2010. The program documents the lives and work of hunters, referred to as "swampers," living in the Atchafalaya River Basin of southern , who rely on the state's annual 30-day season—typically beginning the first Wednesday in September—for the majority of their annual income. Participants must harvest a quota of alligators using traditional methods such as trotlines, baited hooks, and airboats, navigating treacherous swamp terrain filled with hazards like dense vegetation, unpredictable weather, and the alligators themselves. The series highlights the generational traditions of these Cajun and Acadian families, who have in the swamps for centuries, passing down skills and knowledge to maintain their way of life amid environmental pressures and regulatory limits on tags. Each captures the high-stakes among hunters to fill their allotted tags before the brief ends, often featuring dramatic encounters with exceptionally large or elusive alligators. As of November 2025, Swamp People has aired 16 , with a 17th scheduled to premiere in 2026. Prominent figures include Troy Landry, a third-generation hunter from Pierre Part known as the "King of the Swamp" for his expertise and charismatic personality, alongside other families like the Edwards and Dupre clans who showcase the physical demands and camaraderie of swamp life. The show has spawned spin-offs, including Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, which shifts focus to python hunting in the Florida . Through its portrayal of authentic rural culture, Swamp People has drawn millions of viewers, emphasizing themes of resilience, family legacy, and human interaction with the wild.

Overview

Premise

Swamp People is an American reality television series that chronicles the lives and hunts of Cajun alligator hunters residing in the 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 supporting one of the densest populations of American in . The basin's dynamic , fed by the and influenced by seasonal flooding, fosters abundant alligator populations that play a key role in maintaining health through their activities like creating "gator holes" for water retention during dry periods. The show emphasizes the hunters' annual quest to harvest alligators during a regulated season, portraying their efforts as essential for and cultural preservation in this remote, semi-wilderness environment. The wild season in , overseen by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), typically opens on the last Wednesday of in the East Zone and the first Wednesday of in the West Zone (including the ), running through December 31, with the most intense activity concentrated in the initial 30 days when hunters aim to fulfill their quotas. Licensed hunters receive harvest tags—allocated based on applications for private lands or through lotteries and bids for public areas like areas—with the daily and seasonal quota matching the number of tags possessed, ensuring without minimum size restrictions on wild alligators. 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. At the heart of the series is the portrayal of as a traditional for multi-generational Cajun families in the , 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. These hunters depend economically on the , which generates significant through sales of , 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. 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. The program highlights the hunters' mastery of 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. These elements capture the raw intensity of life in the basin, where quick decision-making and intimate knowledge of the determine success and safety during hunts that blend tradition with the perpetual struggle against nature's perils.

Format

Swamp People episodes typically run for 42 to , 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. The structure follows a model with three to five acts, adapting raw footage from the field into a cohesive narrative that highlights the daily rhythm of swamp hunting. 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. This approach, often described as "fly-on-the-wall," prioritizes action and natural soundscapes over polished staging, with producers ensuring comprehensive coverage of events through multiple camera angles and microphones embedded in the environment. Overlays of dramatic further enhance the sensory immersion by voicing key tensions during hunts. Each builds a narrative arc centered on escalating pressure from the 30-day season, where teams must fill a limited number of tags before deadlines expire, compounded by environmental obstacles like adverse and mechanical failures on boats. Interpersonal dynamics within hunting teams add layers of conflict, such as disputes over strategy or , driving the story toward climactic resolutions in tag fulfillment or season setbacks. 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. 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. These elements reinforce the show's focus on the cyclical, labor-intensive nature of the trade.

Production

Development

In 2009, the commissioned Original Media to develop programming showcasing authentic American subcultures, prompting exploration of the bayous and leading to the creation of Swamp People.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 0 </grok:render> In 2017, Original Media merged with True Entertainment to form Truly Original, the current production company.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 53 </grok:render> Matthew Ostrom, then vice president at Original Media, spearheaded the project alongside producer Stacey Angeles, resulting in pilot filming in the where they identified as the central theme after encountering local hunter Junior Edwards.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 0 </grok:render> Initial casting drew from established reputations among Pierre Part and surrounding area hunters, starting with Junior Edwards and his son before incorporating Troy Landry for his charismatic presence and expertise, emphasizing real-life characters over scripted elements.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 0 </grok:render> The series debuted as an eight-episode documentary-style portrayal of the perilous 30-day season, quotas, and competition in the swamps.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 0 </grok:render> Over time, the concept evolved from a one-season focus on raw survival and hunts into a multi-year saga, with increased emphasis on legacies and intergenerational traditions following early seasons.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 0 </grok:render> This shift broadened the to include personal dynamics and among the Cajun communities. Production has occasionally paused due to cast-related events, such as fatalities. The series has seen consistent renewals, reaching 16 seasons by November 2025, with Season 17 confirmed in June 2025 and slated to premiere in early 2026; filming for Season 17 took place during the late summer 2025 season.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 20 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 16 </grok:render>

Filming

Filming for Swamp People primarily takes place in the expansive swamps of southern , 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 that complicate outdoor shoots, and limited 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 and 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 areas where special access permits are required for both 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 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, 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 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. Troy Landry, widely known as the "King of the Swamp," remains a central figure from , where he leads the Choot 'Em team alongside his sons 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 . 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. Jacob Landry, Troy's eldest son and a since the show's inception, has evolved into a steady leader of the Choot 'Em crew, often handling operations and strategic line checks in Pierre Part's waterways. His growth from deckhand to primary tagger underscores a hands-on 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 hunters, balancing high-stakes hunts with family dynamics. Bruce Mitchell, based in , 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 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. Cheyenne "Pickle" Wheat, from , 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 highlights mentorship and teamwork, as seen in 2025 episodes where she helped secure record hauls amid competitive pressures. 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 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 survival. Anthony "Porkchop" Williams and his cousin Leron Jones, the Vacherie Swamp Boys from , 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 listings, continuing to deliver high-impact narratives.

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 traditions. , who appeared alongside his brother Glenn in seasons 2 and 3, left the show following his on May 14, 2012, from natural causes while in Louisiana's Belle . His exit prompted the Guist team to continue hunting without him, highlighting the dangers inherent in swamp life and influencing subsequent storylines on resilience. 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. Tragically, passed away on September 15, 2018, at age 35 in a car crash in , cutting short any potential return and leaving a void in the Edwards family narrative. 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. 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. 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. Holden Landry, nephew of Troy Landry, joined as a deckhand and hunter in seasons 5–6 and 8–10 before retiring from around 2017 to pursue safer outdoor pursuits like and duck . His departure allowed other family members to take on more prominent roles in the Landry armada, reshaping group 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. Kristi Broussard, a 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. Her voluntary step back emphasized work-life balance amid the show's demanding schedule, leading to new female hunters stepping into similar positions. By , Broussard continued independent guiding in Louisiana's bayous, maintaining her Cajun hunting heritage outside the series. These departures, particularly the wave after season 6, necessitated frequent team reshuffles, with producers introducing fresh faces to sustain the competitive format while preserving the core depiction of bayou livelihoods.

Notable Events

One of the most significant tragedies in the show's occurred on May 14, 2012, when cast member suffered a fatal and fell from his while working on a during a break from filming near ; he was 47 years old and was pronounced dead at Teche Regional Medical Center. An confirmed natural causes, with no foul play involved. Guist's death profoundly impacted production, as his brother Glenn, his frequent partner, continued appearing solo in subsequent episodes, altering the Guist brothers' collaborative arc that had been a staple since Season 2. 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 , for second-degree battery after allegedly assaulting a man with a during an off-camera altercation the previous month; they pleaded not guilty and the charges were later resolved without further show-related repercussions. More recently, in September 2024, veteran hunter Troy Landry was cited by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for failing to properly tag an during an undercover , facing potential fines up to $950 per count and up to 120 days in jail per offense. 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. 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. 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. These incidents, particularly the fatalities, underscored the hazardous nature of the hunters' 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 mishap.

Broadcast

Airing History

Swamp People premiered on the on August 22, 2010, initially airing on Sundays at 10:00 PM ET. The series quickly established itself as a key program for the network, aligning its broadcast schedule with Louisiana's annual season, which typically runs from late August to early October, leading to regular hiatuses during winter months when hunting is not permitted. Over the years, the show's scheduling underwent several shifts to optimize viewership. For its third season in , it moved to Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET, a slot that contributed to its growing popularity. By , episodes began airing on Mondays, before transitioning to Thursdays in later seasons, such as season 15 in 2024 at 8:00 PM ET. 17 is scheduled to air Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET starting January 7, 2026. Internationally, the program has been distributed on various networks, including in and in the , allowing global audiences to follow the swampers' hunts. Viewership milestones highlight the show's impact on . 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 averaging around 600,000 to 800,000 viewers per episode. As of November , season 16 concluded its run on April 24, , with the finale episode "End of the Line." Season 17 was confirmed by cast member Ronnie Adams in June and officially scheduled to premiere on January 7, 2026, airing episodes based on the season.

Seasons and Episodes

Swamp People has aired 16 seasons since its in 2010, comprising a total of 269 episodes as of 2025. Each typically follows the 30-day alligator hunting period in Louisiana's , with hunters competing to fill quotas of tags allocated for the next year's based on their . The series structure emphasizes the high-stakes of the hunt, where success determines future livelihoods. The following table summarizes the seasons, including episode counts and premiere/finale air dates:
SeasonEpisodesPremiere DateFinale Date
110August 22, 2010October 31, 2010
216March 31, 2011July 21, 2011
322February 9, 2012July 12, 2012
422February 14, 2013July 18, 2013
521February 3, 2014July 7, 2014
620February 2, 2015July 13, 2015
713February 8, 2016May 2, 2016
816February 16, 2017May 18, 2017
920February 1, 2018June 7, 2018
1016January 31, 2019May 23, 2019
1114January 23, 2020April 16, 2020
1216February 4, 2021May 27, 2021
1315January 27, 2022May 19, 2022
1416January 5, 2023April 27, 2023
1516January 4, 2024April 25, 2024
1616January 2, 2025April 24, 2025
Seasons often feature thematic arcs tied to environmental or competitive challenges. For instance, Season 4 highlighted the entry of new hunters from invading traditional territories, intensifying rivalries among established swampers. Similarly, Season 12 focused on disruptions from , including a major storm that forced hunters to adapt their strategies amid brewing hurricanes. These arcs underscore the unpredictable elements of swamp life, such as weather patterns and territorial dynamics, without delving into specific hunts. In addition to standard episodes, the series includes special installments that revisit key moments or celebrate holidays. Early specials like "Swampsgiving" aired after Season 2 in 2011, offering a Thanksgiving-themed look at the hunters' lives. Holiday editions continued with "Swamp Christmas" in December 2014 following Season 6, and compilations such as "Ten Deadliest Hunts" in January 2014 and "Ten Most Dangerous Moments" in February 2017 highlighted perilous encounters across prior seasons. Recurring taglines, like "Tag 'Em and Bag 'Em," emphasize the core objective of securing tags to sustain the trade. Cast members rotate across seasons based on availability, contributing to evolving team dynamics.

Reception

Critical Response

Swamp People has received mixed critical response, with reviewers praising its raw depiction of Cajun hunters and their while critiquing elements of scripting and repetition that undermine its authenticity. In a 2011 opinion piece, highlighted the show's appeal in showcasing individuals living off the land with thick Cajun accents, offering viewers a fascinating glimpse into a unique way of life. Similarly, Variety in 2012 described a season as delivering "another great season of gator hunting," appreciating the entertainment derived from the hunters' perilous pursuits. Critics have also pointed to production choices that introduce reality TV tropes, such as exaggerated drama and contrived scenarios, which detract from the program's purported realism. A 2013 PopMatters review of Season 3 noted the use of extensive stock footage and multiple camera angles suggesting pre-planned shoots, arguing that these elements reveal "fakery" despite the engaging portrayal of hardworking Cajuns. More recently, a 2025 Collider analysis criticized the show's repetitive quick cuts, underwater filler shots, and inconsistent visual continuity—like repeated outfits across episodes—as gimmicks that create chaos rather than tension, potentially alienating audiences seeking genuine immersion. Aggregate ratings reflect this ambivalence, with users assigning an average of 6.2/10 based on over 2,700 votes as of 2025, indicating moderate entertainment value but limited critical acclaim. lacks a compiled critics score, underscoring the scarcity of formal reviews for the series. Critiques have evolved over the show's run, with early seasons lauded for their novelty and tense hunting sequences that captured the dangers of the profession. A 2012 review of Season 2 commended the "tense moments" and personal dramas, though it already noted emerging repetition. Later seasons, particularly post-2018, have faced more scrutiny for formulaic hunts, yet some observers credit ongoing character development—such as family dynamics and individual backstories—for sustaining viewer interest amid the predictability. The series has not received major critical awards, though it earned recognition in viewer-driven categories, such as winning Best Series at Channel Guide Magazine's 2012 Viewer's Voice Awards.

Cultural Impact

Swamp People has had a substantial economic impact on , particularly by enhancing tourism in swamp regions like Pierre Part. The show's portrayal of has drawn visitors seeking authentic experiences, leading to ventures such as the Choot 'Em Alligator Hunting Tours operated by cast member Troy Landry and his family since the early . These tours, along with similar swamp excursions, contribute to local revenue by showcasing Cajun heritage and wildlife, supporting smaller communities through increased visitor spending on guided hunts and eco-tourism activities. Additionally, official merchandise sales, including apparel and memorabilia available through the store, have provided another revenue stream, amplifying the show's role in bolstering the regional economy. In popular media, Swamp People has influenced the landscape of reality television, inspiring a surge of programs centered on Louisiana's unique professions and environments, such as Gator Boys and Duck Dynasty. This trend, emerging shortly after the show's 2010 debut, popularized "blue-collar" narratives rooted in Southern rural life, expanding the genre's focus on regional subcultures. The series has fueled broader social dialogues on environmental conservation and cultural representation. By depicting regulated alligator hunts, it underscores Louisiana's successful wildlife management program, which transformed alligators from an in the to a sustainable resource through farming and harvesting regulations, raising public awareness of these efforts. Simultaneously, it has ignited debates about identity, with viewers and scholars praising its preservation of traditional swamp-dwelling practices amid , while others argue it perpetuates stereotypes of as uneducated or backward, potentially commodifying their heritage for entertainment. Fan engagement reflects the show's enduring appeal, with cast members like Troy Landry participating in meet-and-greet events at festivals and conventions, fostering direct connections with audiences as of 2025. Tailored experiences, such as swamp tours and cultural immersions inspired by the program, further encourage interactive appreciation of Louisiana's heritage.

Spin-off Series

Swamp People has spawned several spin-off series produced by the , extending the original show's focus on swamp life and hunting challenges to related themes and locations. One early spin-off, Swamp People: After the Hunt, is a five-episode that premiered in 2013. It follows the lives of the swampers after the 30-day gator hunting season ends, showcasing their off-season activities. Another companion series, Swamp People: Blood and Guts, premiered on February 15, 2016, and ran for multiple seasons through at least 2020. It consists of enhanced versions of episodes from the main series, offering updated information and additional context to the hunters' experiences. The series concluded after its run, serving as a companion to deepen viewers' understanding of the swampers' world. Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry, which debuted on June 7, 2018, follows Troy Landry as he investigates mysterious creatures and phenomena in the swamps. As of November 2025, it has aired three seasons, with Season 3 episodes continuing into 2025. The most prominent spin-off, Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, debuted on August 18, 2020, shifting the action to Florida's to address the invasive population through the state's Python Elimination Program. Hunters, including professional snake experts and crossover cast from the original series, compete to remove pythons that threaten native , emphasizing teamwork and innovative tracking methods in the challenging terrain. Popular Swamp People star Troy Landry, known as the "King of the Swamp," appeared in the first three seasons alongside his son Chase and partner Pickle Wheat, bringing his alligator-hunting expertise to python pursuits. By November 2025, the series has aired five seasons, with Season 5 premiering on January 2, 2025, and focusing on intensified hunts in remote areas. It was renewed for this fifth season prior to its airing, continuing to build on the franchise's popularity. These spin-offs share cast members like Troy Landry and are produced by the same creative team behind the original series, expanding the Swamp People universe by exploring adjacent environmental and survival narratives while maintaining the core emphasis on rugged outdoor expertise.

Video Games

The Swamp People television series inspired two mobile video games released in the early , both developed as tie-ins to simulate aspects of in the bayous depicted on the show. The primary game, titled Swamp People (also known as The Swamp People Game), was released in May 2012 for devices and June 2012 for Android. Published by A&E Television Networks, it is a where players establish a camp in the swamp, customize their character, and upgrade weapons, traps, and boats to navigate bayous virtually. Core involves baiting lines to trap alligators of various sizes across 10 different locales, returning to haul them in using mini-games for capture, and competing in eight AI-opponent races on swamp courses with dual analog controls. The game also includes survival challenges against swamp creatures and leaderboards for competitive play. It received mixed reviews for its authentic to the show's theme but was criticized for control issues and graphical limitations. The app received its final update in June 2015, version 2.5, and was officially retired on December 31, 2020, making it unavailable on major app stores thereafter. A secondary arcade-style title, Choot'Em Angry Swamp (also referred to as Angry Swamp), launched in late 2011 for and early 2012 for Android and Amazon devices. Developed by MiMobileLabs in collaboration with the Landry family from the show, it features physics-based demolition gameplay where players control "angry" swamp creatures—such as crawfish, mosquitoes, snakes, frogs, and turtles—each with unique abilities to destroy invading alligators across hundreds of levels. The game incorporates sound clips from cast member Troy Landry, adding authenticity through his signature Cajun phrases like "Choot 'em." Levels emphasize puzzle-like strategy and skill to target gators in swamp environments, offering hours of progressive challenges. Like the simulation game, it has been delisted from app stores and is no longer officially supported or available for new downloads. Both games emphasize interactive extensions of the show's alligator-hunting , with mechanics centered on handling, trap-setting mini-games, and gator confrontations to immerse players in virtual swamp survival. No additional video games based on Swamp People have been announced or released as of 2025.

Home Media

The home media releases of Swamp People primarily consist of DVD collections for early seasons, with limited physical options for later ones, supplemented by extensive streaming availability. Seasons 1 through 3 were released on DVD by A&E Home Video between 2011 and 2012, featuring multi-disc sets that include all episodes from each season along with bonus content such as extended footage. Subsequent seasons, including 4 and 5, shifted to distribution by Lionsgate Home Entertainment, with Season 4's six-disc set arriving in February 2014 and covering 18 episodes from the 2013–2014 run. Compilation releases, such as the two-disc Best of Swamp People from Lionsgate in October 2012, highlight key moments from multiple seasons, focusing on high-stakes hunts and cast dynamics. Blu-ray options for Swamp People are scarce, with no confirmed wide releases beyond potential digital tie-ins; has remained predominantly in DVD format due to production choices favoring cost-effective distribution for reality series. By 2025, covers approximately the first seven seasons through various complete collection sets available from retailers like Amazon, encompassing over 90 hours of content but leaving later episodes reliant on digital platforms. Streaming access has broadened the series' reach significantly. The full catalog of 16 seasons (273 episodes as of 2025) became available on the History Vault app starting in 2015, offering ad-free viewing of all episodes for subscribers. On , the series streams in rotation, with Season 15 added in early 2025 via the Disney+ bundle, allowing on-demand access to recent hunts amid challenging weather conditions. Internationally, select regions on feature a collection of episodes since at least 2018, emphasizing the core alligator-hunting narrative in Southern Louisiana's swamps. Special features across these releases enhance viewer engagement with behind-the-scenes documentaries on Cajun hunting traditions, cast interviews highlighting personalities like Troy Landry, and bonus webisodes not aired on television. For instance, the Season 7 DVD includes six exclusive webisodes, while earlier sets offer deleted scenes and production insights into the Atchafalaya Basin's perils. These extras, totaling several hours per set, provide context on the cultural and environmental stakes of the 30-day gator season without delving into full episode recaps.

References

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