Watch Unplugged Nation

Unplugged Nation is a reality television show that aired on the FYI network in 2015. The show follows the journey of couples and families as they leave their hectic city lives behind and search for the ultimate off-grid paradise. With the help of expert hosts Jay Gruen and John Weisbarth, these hopeful individuals embark on an adventure of a lifetime as they explore remote areas across the United States and Canada.

The main premise of the show is to showcase the different sustainable and eco-friendly living options available in the wilderness. Each episode features a different group of individuals who have a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and forge a new path in a picturesque and secluded location. From the high-mountain deserts of the Southwest to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, Unplugged Nation offers a glimpse into the different remote settings of North America.

The first half of each episode sees the families meet with the hosts, who help guide them through the selection process of finding their dream off-grid home. They work closely with the families to determine their requirements for basic necessities such as power, water, shelter, and entertainment. The hosts then use their wealth of knowledge of the area and the different properties available to narrow down the options for the families.

The selection process is often riddled with challenges, as many of the families have specific needs that must be met, but simultaneously, they also need to find a balance between self-sufficiency and the resources available in their chosen location.

The second half of the episode features the families as they are whisked away to their new off-grid paradise. In this section, viewers get to see the physical labor involved in turning a piece of raw land into a functional homestead. From putting up battered straw homes, installing solar panels, and digging shallow wells, the families face various challenges along the way but, with the help of the hosts, always pull through.

The show also offers an educational aspect- learning about life off the grid, from building strategies to land use requirements. It focuses on the importance of sustainability and tries to provide a means to live a happy and comfortable life without plundering the Earth's natural resources. The general theme of the show is for viewers to gain knowledge of the world without industrial luxuries.

The hosts are what make Unplugged Nation stand apart from a regular homestead show. Jay Gruen, a carpenter and builder, brings his expertise in the construction and design of the homes, while John Weisbarth, a real estate expert, possesses vast knowledge regarding land acquisition and legal issues.

In conclusion, Unplugged Nation is a thrilling and informative reality show, which provides viewers with an insight into off-grid living. The show's hosts and content make it a must-see for people interested in sustainable and eco-friendly living, as it helps to showcase remote and secluded areas that potential off-gridders may not have known existed. The show is a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and adventure as it follows families on their quest for the ultimate off-grid living experience.

Unplugged Nation is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (19 episodes). The series first aired on July 29, 2015.