Snake Salvation

Watch Snake Salvation

  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 5.3  (37)

Snake Salvation is a reality TV show aired on National Geographic in 2013, focusing on the practices and beliefs of an obscure Christian sect located in the Appalachian Mountains. The church, based in the small town of Middlesboro, Kentucky, follows a literal interpretation of the Bible that includes handling venomous snakes during religious services as a sign of faith.

The show primarily follows the Coots family, the leaders of the church and the most prominent snake handlers in the area. The patriarch of the family, Jamie Coots, is a charismatic and devout preacher who believes that handling snakes is an essential part of his faith. His son, Cody Coots, is being groomed to carry on the family's traditions, and the show also features his wife, Katrina Coots, and his brother-in-law, Phil Crowley, who are also involved in the church.

The episodes typically feature footage from religious services held by the church, where the congregants handle venomous snakes and drink from cups of strychnine-laced water. The show also delves into the history and beliefs of the snake handling churches, presenting interviews with scholars and experts who provide context and insight into this unusual religious practice.

One of the main themes of the show is the conflict that arises between the snake handlers' beliefs and the legality of their actions. While snake handling is legal in some states, it is prohibited in others, and the Coots family has run afoul of the law more than once. The show examines the tensions between the snake handlers and law enforcement, as well as the potential dangers of handling venomous snakes without proper training or precautions.

In addition to the religious and legal aspects of the snake handling tradition, the show also explores the personal lives of the Coots family and their community. Viewers get a glimpse into their daily routines, hear about their struggles and triumphs, and learn about the challenges they face in carrying on their proud but often misunderstood traditions.

Overall, Snake Salvation is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a unique religious practice that is little-known outside of its small Appalachian community. The show provides a nuanced and respectful portrayal of the snake handlers, while also examining the broader cultural and legal issues surrounding their beliefs and practices.

Snake Salvation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between September 10, 2013 and on National Geographic

Snake Salvation
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Seasons
Tricks of the Trade
16. Tricks of the Trade
October 22, 2013
With the onset of fall and wild snakes hibernating below ground, pastors Andrew Hamblin and Jamie Coots are forced to get creative to obtain their deadly, venomous serpents.
Tempted by the Devil
15. Tempted by the Devil
October 22, 2013
The foundation of Jamie's church begins to crumble when a copperhead bites his father.
Lethal Poison
14. Lethal Poison
October 22, 2013
Pastor Andrew Hamblin and his wife take their five children to visit his grandparents, who raised him. Although they don't agree with him handling snakes or that he is teaching his children to handle non-venomous snakes, they support him.
Deadly Legacy
13. Deadly Legacy
October 22, 2013
Pastor Jamie Coots is a third-generation snake handler, and is looking forward to passing the church on to his son Little Cody. Little Cody can handle snakes but has a lot to learn about leading a church and being a pastor.
Sin or Serpents
12. Sin or Serpents
October 15, 2013
Pastor Jamie Coots' daughter Trina is in the midst of a deep personal and spiritual struggle. To her family's dismay, she has divorced her husband, something regarded as a sin in their faith, and she no longer attends weekly services.
Temptation of the Flesh
11. Temptation of the Flesh
October 15, 2013
Six years ago, Pastor Andrew Hamblin was on his way to becoming a famous banjo player, playing on the main stages of Nashville and Dollywood until his musical idol, Ricky Skaggs, helped turn him in the direction of following God.
The Devil Fights Your Mind
10. The Devil Fights Your Mind
October 8, 2013
Pastor Jamie is concerned for one of his parishioners who has a past with drugs.
Outlaw Religion
9. Outlaw Religion
October 8, 2013
Andrew petitions for public support to change Tennessee's law against snake handling.
Backsliding
8. Backsliding
October 1, 2013
Pastor Jamie Coots faces one of the biggest challenges of his life--his daughter Trina has stopped going to church. Jamie fears she is now heading to hell unless he can convince her to return.
Bitten in Church
7. Bitten in Church
October 1, 2013
The foundation of Jamie's church is shaken when a copperhead bites his father.
Casting Out Demons
6. Casting Out Demons
September 24, 2013
Pastor Andrew Hamblin is struggling with the lack of motivation in his congregation. Few want to handle snakes, and he fears their faith is falling. After talking with a nearby evangelical couple, he puts together a multi-day revival that he hopes will help his congregation's devotion, and cast out any demons they may be carrying.
Venom in the Veins
5. Venom in the Veins
September 24, 2013
Even though Little Cody just recovered from a near fatal snakebite, he wants to continue hunting for snakes. When he starts hunting, he feels the effects of the bite and has to wait while they wrestle with cottonmouths. Local media wants to report that someone in Andrew's church was bitten - and Jamie thinks the law has it in for them.
Swamp Hunt
4. Swamp Hunt
September 17, 2013
Pastor Jamie Coots, Little Cody, Big Cody and Pastor Andrew Hamblin hunt for snakes in the swamps of Caddo Lake, La. Pastor Andrew picks up a cottonmouth viper with his tongs - but accidentally swings it into Little Cody, who is bitten twice by the deadly snake. He refuses to go to the hospital, even though he could die within hours, he wants them to go back to the cabin to pray.
Courting Disaster
3. Courting Disaster
September 17, 2013
Pastor Jamie Coots, his son and Kenny Stewart are caught by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency transporting two copperheads and three western diamondback rattlers that they paid $800 for. They are prosecuted by the state district attorney's office with a threat of jail time. Pastor Andrew Hamblin brings his family to the pet store to buy mice for his snakes.
Smoke em Out
2. Smoke em Out
September 10, 2013
When Pastor Jamie Coots' snake supply is low, he comes up with a plan to go to Texas to hunt down deadly western diamondback rattlers. His son and some church members help him complete this task without getting bit. Pastor Andrew Hamblin adds a very rare albino western diamondback to his snake collection.
Appalachian Hunt
1. Appalachian Hunt
September 10, 2013
Pastor Andrew Hamblin and Pastor Jamie Coots are in a hurry to catch venomous snakes before they go into hibernation. If they don't get them, they won't be able to lead their church with a fundamental tenet of their religion as followers of the Holiness faith: They shall take up serpents.
Description
Where to Watch Snake Salvation
Snake Salvation is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Snake Salvation on demand at Amazon and Google Play.
  • Premiere Date
    September 10, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    5.3  (37)