Nathan and Samantha Brown: A Journey in the Alaskan Frontier

In the remote heart of Alaska, Nathan and Samantha Brown have chosen a path few would dare to take. As cast members on National Geographic’s Life Below Zero: Next Generation, they live off-grid near the Tozitna River, close to the village of Tanana. Their lifestyle is shaped by daily challenges, personal conviction, and a deep commitment to living in harmony with nature.

Originally from Oregon, the Browns left behind the comforts of conventional life in search of something more grounded. Their journey is one of constant learning—building a homestead from scratch, raising their children in a rugged environment, and adapting to the harsh realities of Alaskan wilderness. Each day demands resilience, resourcefulness, and faith, as they work with what the land provides and face the unpredictable forces of nature head-on.

Faith, Family, and Intentional Living

Samantha Brown describes herself as part of a “Whole Bible Believing, Christian family.” While often mistaken for Amish—a comparison she finds both humorous and flattering—Samantha clarifies that her faith practices are rooted in Biblical teachings. She and her children observe the Biblical Sabbath, follow kosher dietary laws, and uphold modesty traditions. Living off-grid in remote Alaska, Samantha wears many hats: she’s a wife, mother, herbalist, and homesteader. She also homeschools her children using a self-directed, values-driven approach she calls “freedom learning.”

Her commitment to modesty deepened in 2019 when she began wearing head coverings as an expression of spiritual conviction. Since then, skirts have become her everyday attire—comfortable in the summer and supplemented with sweatpants during the harsh Alaskan winters. When appearing in public or filming, she chooses skirts to honor her beliefs.

Samantha’s signature dreadlocks have been part of her identity since 2013. Before her mother passed away, she brushed them out with her—a moment filled with emotional depth and personal significance. She returned to the style in 2022, finding it more manageable during the demands of raising a family and running a homestead. Her mother’s influence continues to guide her—from gardening practices to how she nurtures and educates her children.

In 2023, Samantha publicly acknowledged Brittany Rowland, a fellow cast member of Life Below Zero: Next Generation, for playing a pivotal role in their television journey. Their shared faith formed the foundation of a strong friendship, and Samantha credits Brittany as a spiritual sister whose support helped pave the way to their involvement in the series.

Early Life and Family Roots

Nathan and Samantha have been together since the early 2010s, though the details of their earliest years remain private. Both originally from Oregon, they built a life grounded in shared values and mutual goals. They welcomed their first child, Adrian, followed by daughters Autumn Serenity—born on October 30, 2014—and Aislyn, born in July 2016 based on her expected due date. Nathan proposed on Christmas Day in 2015, and they married on April 20, 2017. Wedding photos show Samantha in a flowing white gown with lace sleeves, pastel flowers, and a floral crown, while Nathan wore a light tan suit—reflecting their earthy, nature-loving spirit.

Journey to the Last Frontier

In early 2021, what began as a casual curiosity quickly turned into a life-altering leap of faith. Samantha sold her childhood home in just 10 days, a step that paved the way for their biggest adventure yet. They had long envisioned buying land and developing a homestead slowly over 5–10 years, taking time to prepare and learn. But instead of easing into farm life, they stumbled upon a listing and, within a month, bought a full-fledged farm—complete with a variety of livestock.

They officially purchased the property in March 2021. By April, the Browns had crossed into Alaska with their kids and animals in tow. Their new home came with a rundown house, barns in disrepair, broken fences, and an overwhelming assortment of farm animals—cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and geese. With experience limited mostly to backyard poultry and Oregon-style permaculture (which didn’t translate well to the Alaskan climate), they had to adapt rapidly. Their remote location—over 200 miles from most farming resources—forced them to rely heavily on grit, prayer, and hands-on problem-solving in a place many consider “unfarmable.”

Enduring Harsh Winters and Finding Rhythm

The first two winters in Alaska tested the Browns with illness, extreme cold, livestock losses, and emergency repairs. By their third winter (2023–2024), Samantha noted that life finally felt manageable. With fewer crises, they could focus on finishing their house, caring for their animals, and settling into a rhythm that seemed sustainable.

Nathan and Samantha frequently emphasize that no manual can fully prepare anyone for such an isolated, off-grid experience. Their journey has been a series of learning curves and experiments, shaping them into tenacious and resourceful homesteaders. Their unique situation stands out, given how few are willing—or able—to maintain a farm in such a harsh environment.

Samantha also shares her gratitude for the calmer winter of 2023–2024. After facing consecutive challenges, the smoother season felt like a spiritual and emotional respite. Her childhood fascination with bugs and plants has blossomed into a passion for herbalism and beekeeping, forming a natural continuum between her early life in Oregon and her present one in rural Alaska.

Life on Screen: Life Below Zero: Next Generation

Nathan and Samantha made their debut on Life Below Zero: Next Generation during the show’s fifth season in 2023. Their storylines often revolve around maintaining the homestead, raising their children, and navigating Alaska’s extreme conditions with perseverance and creativity.

Season 5: Building Foundations and Facing Change

Season 5, which premiered in January 2023, marked the Browns’ introduction to the show and their initial efforts toward establishing a lasting home. In “Dog Cabin,” they built a larger shelter for their dogs—an essential step for enduring Alaska’s brutal winters. With their children actively involved, the episode highlighted their shared commitment to the homesteading lifestyle.

In “Deep Roots,” Nathan and Samantha concentrated on maintaining the farm, while “Ghost Forest” featured Nathan teaching his children vital fishing skills for subsistence living.

As spring approached in “Giving Back,” the family shifted strategies to take advantage of thawing waterways. In “Death Moans,” they faced the urgent task of repairing a storm-damaged greenhouse just in time for the upcoming growing season.

In “The Break In,” predator activity around their property escalated, prompting the Browns to reinforce their defenses. Their creativity shone in “Breaking the Cycle,” where they built a homemade chicken plucker to simplify poultry processing. Finally, “Walking on Thin Ice” concluded the season with barn improvements that demonstrated their drive for consistent progress.

Season 6: Predators, Scarcity, and Survival

Debuting in early September 2023, Season 6 opened with “A Wild Life,” where the Browns confronted a predator threatening their livestock—a stark reminder of the wild dangers that surround them.

“Winter from Hell” brought disease to their animals, posing a serious threat to their food security. Acting swiftly, they worked to contain the outbreak.

In “Ensnared,” the Browns reinforced their infrastructure, focusing on long-term security and efficiency. “Wolf Territory” highlighted their vigilance as they gathered supplies and monitored increased wolf activity.

By “Training Grounds,” the family ventured into new fishing territories to expand their food sources. In “Brain Power,” escalating signs of wolves near the property pushed them to double down on protective measures for their livestock.

Season 7: Spring Growth and Homestead Innovation

With its premiere in January 2024, Season 7 ushered in a new chapter as the Browns embraced the changing season and renewed their efforts toward self-reliance. In “Spring Cleaning,” they repaired greenhouses and Nathan began exploring projects beyond traditional farming.

“Uneven Ground” celebrated new life on the farm as their sustainable lifestyle continued to grow. In “Reap the Rewards,” they explored unfamiliar rivers to seek out new sources of protein.

In “Breathe In, Breathe Out,” the Browns demonstrated ingenuity by converting an old woodpile into a rotational grazing pen—boosting both land management and animal health. Finally, “In Her Blood” focused on preparing for the winter ahead, as they fortified their infrastructure and secured food supplies.

Across seasons 5 through 7, the Browns continually evolved both their land and their way of life. Each episode told a story of grit, innovation, and deep-rooted family purpose. In a world driven by convenience, the Browns chose intention and connection, rising daily to meet the Alaskan wilderness on its own terms—and proving that with unity, heart, and relentless effort, true self-reliance is possible.

Although Life Below Zero: Next Generation concluded after seven impactful seasons, the legacy of the Brown family lives on as a symbol of perseverance and purpose. Their transformation from newcomers to seasoned survivalists continues to inspire all who are drawn to the call of the wild and the profound rewards of living in harmony with nature.