Watch Rat B*stards

Rat B*stards was an American reality television series that aired on Spike TV in 2012. Featuring an unyielding team of hunters in the swamplands of Texas and Louisiana, the show was a journey into the high-adrenaline, challenging, and hazardous world of nutria hunting. The nutria, also known as ‘swamp rats,’ are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America but have become an invasive species in the southern United States. Regarded as a menace to the ecosystem, nutria were causing significant damage to marshlands with their burrowing and eating habits.

In Rat B*stards, viewers could catch a glimpse into the lives of brave, professional hunters who took on the risky job of population control. Each episode followed these courageous souls as they explored swampy territories infested with millions of these rodent beasts, adding an eerie, thrilling, and suspenseful ambiance to the show. The hunters never feared the dangers that lurked beneath the menacing waters, facing each new day with determination, bravery, and a strong sense of purpose. The show added a layer of gritty realism by presenting the harsh realities of being a swamp hunter and the physical and mental endurance it requires.

The cast comprised a group of entertaining, unique, and strongly-knit hunters, each bringing something distinctive to the table. Viewers quickly warmed up to their dynamic relationships, camaraderie, and occasional rivalries, which brought an element of humanity and emotion to the otherwise harsh and dark environment tree. With colorful character personalities and a good dose of American southern charm, the hunters took on each adventure with humor, team spirit, and an unbreakable resolve that won over viewers.

Rat B*stards showcased not only the act of hunting but also its aftermath. The face-off with gigantic nutria was followed by the gritty, hands-on struggle of field dressing, cleaning, and finding buyers for the pelt and meat. This aspect underscored the business of hunting and traced the journey of these hunters from brave executioners to smart entrepreneurs. The show illuminated how these tough swamp rats turned into a profitable commodity contributing to the southern economy, an angle that added dimension and intrigue.

The series' editing and production focused on capturing the rawness and intensity of professional hunting. Viewers were treated to spectacular panoramic shots of Louisiana and Texas swamplands, creating a vivid and immersive viewing experience. The heart-stopping moments of confrontation between hunter and rat, coupled with the peaceful yet wild beauty of the swamp landscapes, made for captivating, edge-of-your-seat television.

Rat B*stards was not just about the thrill of the hunt, but also highlighted the environmental impact caused by the overpopulation of nutria. The series used its platform to showcase the importance of ecological balance and depicted how unchecked interactions between non-native species and sensitive ecosystems can pose severe environmental threats. This layer of ecological consciousness made the show a meaningful watch, adding educational value to its entertainment quotient.

The show made an impact on viewers with its mix of reality TV storytelling, wild swamp landscapes, daunting hunts, and in-depth character development. Despite its brief run, Rat B*stards created a niche for itself, providing a peek into the wild, untamed corners of America, and the hardy individuals who dared to take on the swamp rats in their own territory. It was a magnetic blend of exhilarating hunts, at times heart-warming camaraderie, and the pulsating rhythm of life in the swamps.

Rat B*stards offered more than just conventional reality TV fare. It encapsulated the essence of the perilous yet exciting commitment these hunters made to protect their surroundings, painting a vivid picture of a lesser-known profession in a unique geographic setting. It was a show about brave men and women, the dangerous creatures they hunted, and a dedicated mission to preserve the natural environment against all odds. Intense, thrilling, and profound, Rat B*stards was a tribute to these unsung heroes of the swamps, taking viewers on a journey they were unlikely to forget soon.

Rat B*stards is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on July 31, 2012.