Watch Ice Road Truckers

Ice Road Truckers is a documentary television series that originally aired on the History Channel in 2007 and ran until 2017. The series, which was created by David Story, follows the lives of truck drivers who transport freight to and from remote locations in Canada and Alaska during the winter months when roads are frozen over and ice roads become the only means of transportation.

The show primarily focuses on the danger of the job and the challenges the drivers face. Most of the drivers are independent operators, and their ability to transport goods in a timely manner directly correlates with their financial success. However, the hazards of the job are many: drivers face blizzards, whiteouts, and black ice, all while driving on roads that are not only frozen but also prone to shifting and cracking. The trucks themselves are challenged by the extreme conditions as well, with engines that must be kept warm and tires that are at risk of puncture or blowout.

As one of the drivers featured on the show, Lisa Kelly became popular among viewers for her tenacity, bravery, and skill as a driver. Her segments on the show follow not only her delivery runs but also her personal life and the relationships she forms with other drivers.

Ice Road Truckers also highlights the lifestyle of the drivers themselves. Many of them live in trailer parks and often go months without seeing their families, making the bonds they form on the road incredibly important. The drivers' camaraderie is frequently shown on the show, as they offer each other advice, support, and even assistance with their trucks.

In addition to the personal relationships among the drivers, the show also touches on the cultural aspects of the regions in which they work. Many of the drivers are First Nations people, and the show examines not only their role in contemporary society but also the history and traditions of their communities.

Ice Road Truckers is shot almost entirely on location, offering viewers a vivid and immersive portrayal of the often-overlooked world of long-haul trucking in extreme conditions. The show's camerawork contributes to a heightened sense of danger and adventure, as viewers often feel as if they are in the cab with the drivers, battling the elements together.

Over its ten-year run, Ice Road Truckers became a hit for the History Channel, consistently drawing in high ratings and devoted fans. The show inspired spinoffs and imitators, but none could match its unique blend of danger, drama, and human interest.

Overall, Ice Road Truckers is a gripping and fascinating look at the lives of truck drivers who must navigate some of the most treacherous roads on earth. While Lisa Kelly's personal story is a standout among the drivers, the show offers a comprehensive and varied depiction of the truckers' world, incorporating both the harsh realities of the job and the relationships and communities that sustain the drivers.

Ice Road Truckers is a series that is currently running and has 11 seasons (147 episodes). The series first aired on June 17, 2007.