Ep 1. New Frontiers

In Alaska: The Last Frontier season 8 episode 1 titled "New Frontiers," viewers are taken to the rugged terrain of Alaska's backcountry. The Kilchers, a family of homesteaders, are featured in this popular reality show as they work to survive and thrive in one of America's most extreme environments. The series chronicles the daily lives of the Kilcher family as they depend on their homestead for food, shelter, and livelihood.

In this episode, the Kilchers gear up for a new season of hard work and survival. As a new winter approaches, the family must prepare for extreme weather conditions that will test their resilience and resourcefulness. The Kilchers plan to upgrade their homesteads and make new discoveries, hoping to improve their lives and push the boundaries of what can be accomplished in this harsh environment.

To start the season, Atz Lee Kilcher and Jane Kilcher venture out on a dangerous mission to secure wild salmon for the winter. They must hike down a treacherous bank and navigate rough waters to catch the prized fish. Meanwhile, Atz Kilcher and his son, Eivin Kilcher, focus on expanding their beekeeping operation. They hope to increase their yields with new hives, but must first battle pesky bears and peskier bees.

Otto Kilcher and his wife, Charlotte Kilcher, focus on improving their homestead as they construct a new building to house their winter supplies. However, they face challenges when the building site proves to be unstable, forcing them to quickly come up with a different plan. Meanwhile, their son August Kilcher is excited to take on his own homesteading project as he builds a sauna from scratch.

The entire family comes together for a day of fun and celebration as they hold a summer festival. The Kilchers invite their friends and neighbors to enjoy a day of food, music, and games while raising money for a local charity. But amid the festivities, tragedy strikes as one of the family's iconic barns burns down. The Kilchers must pick up the pieces and work diligently to rebuild the structure before winter arrives.

Throughout "New Frontiers," viewers are introduced to new challenges and opportunities for the Kilcher family. Despite the hardships of living in Alaska's backcountry, the Kilchers remain committed to maintaining their unique way of life. The season opener provides a glimpse into the unpredictable and demanding world of homesteading in the last frontier.