Into the Wild Frontier

Last updated
Into the Wild Frontier
Into the Wild Frontier artwork.png
Genre
Inspired byNumerous
Directed byPaul Epstein (10 episodes)
Jason Sklaver (8 episodes)
Christopher Cassel (6 episodes)
Narrated byDelbert Hunt
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes31
Production
Executive producers
  • Craig Miller
  • Dale Ardizzone
  • David Cerullo
  • Doug Butts
  • Gary Tarpinian
  • Paninee Theeranuntawat
Running time22 minutes
Original release
Network INSP
ReleaseFebruary 17, 2022 (2022-02-17) 
present

Into the Wild Frontier is an American docudrama TV series, which airs on INSP and streaming platforms. Each episode follows a different person from the historical era of the American frontier.

Contents

There are currently 4 seasons of the show and it first aired in February 2022. A fourth season aired in Spring 2024.

Background

Into the Wild Frontier dramatizes real life events and people from the American frontier era. Each episode focuses on a different notable character from history, with some of America's best known explorers and frontiersmen depicted on the show. [1]

The first episode of Into the Wild Frontier aired in February 2022, following the life of John Colter. [2] The second season aired in February 2023, [3] [4] with the third-season premiere airing only a month after the second season had finished in May 2023. [5]

The shows third season follows a number of new frontiersmen. It included William Sublette, who with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company played a major role in the development of the Oregon Trail. [6] In August 2023, the network gave the fourth season the green light, with production expected to start before the end of the year. [7]

Following the completion of its production, the fourth season of Into The Wild Frontier aired in Spring 2024. [8] The season consisted of seven standalone episodes, continuing with its theme from other seasons of following a different individual from the American Frontier. Some new historical characters are portrayed on the season, such as John Coffee Hays and Lucien Maxwell, and others return to continue telling the story of their life including Joe Meek.

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 8February 17, 2022 (2022-02-17)April 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
2 8February 15, 2023 (2023-02-15)April 5, 2023 (2023-04-05)
3 8May 6, 2023 (2023-05-06)June 24, 2023 (2023-06-24)
4 7March 24, 2024 (2024-03-24)May 5, 2024 (2024-05-05)

Season 1 (2022)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
11"John Colter: King of the Mountain Men"February 17, 2022 (2022-02-17)
John Colter, one of America's first mountain men, survives multiple brushes with death, including a harrowing escape from Blackfeet warriors who strip him naked and force him to run for his life.
22"Jim Bridger: Forged on the Frontier"February 24, 2022 (2022-02-24)
Young Jim Bridger faces the harsh realities of the frontier, including a moral dilemma where he must decide between staying with a dying companion or fleeing to save his own life from approaching Arikara warriors.
33"Jim Beckwourth: War Chief of the Crow"March 3, 2022 (2022-03-03)
Former slave Jim Beckwourth heads West to work as a trapper and eventually rises to become a respected war chief of the Crow tribe, showcasing his adaptability and leadership.
44"Lewis & Clark: Captains of Discovery"March 10, 2022 (2022-03-10)
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embark on their famous expedition to explore the uncharted American West, navigating treacherous terrain and fostering relationships with Native American tribes.
55"Kit Carson: The Greatest Scout in the West"March 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)
Kit Carson becomes renowned for his scouting abilities, guiding expeditions through the rugged western terrain and playing a crucial role in American expansion.
66"Tom Fitzpatrick: Trapper, Trader, Legend"March 24, 2022 (2022-03-24)
Tom Fitzpatrick's adventures as a trapper and trader are highlighted, demonstrating his skills in navigating and surviving the perilous frontier life while building trade networks.
77"Daniel Boone: Hero of Kentucky"March 31, 2022 (2022-03-31)
Daniel Boone leads settlers to Kentucky, but his leadership is tested when his daughter is abducted by a Cherokee chief, prompting him to transition from a settler to a warrior to rescue her.
88"Jedediah Smith: Scholar and Survivor"April 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
Jedediah Smith's journey as an explorer and cartographer is chronicled, emphasizing his scholarly approach to mapping the West and his survival skills in the face of numerous dangers.

Season 2 (2023)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
91"Kit Carson: Fearless Fighter"February 15, 2023 (2023-02-15)
Kit Carson's reputation as a fearless frontiersman is cemented when he confronts a notorious mountain bully in a deadly duel, showcasing his bravery and fighting skills.
102"Joe Meek: Cunning Captive"February 22, 2023 (2023-02-22)
Teenaged Joe Meek arrives as a greenhorn trapper but evolves into one of the most cunning mountain men, navigating the challenges of the wild and the complex relationships with Native Americans.
113"Andrew Henry: Man of His Word"March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)
Andrew Henry, despite his limited experience in the fur trade, commits to leading a trapping expedition into the dangerous Western territories. Partnered with the volatile Manuel Lisa, Henry faces internal discord and the constant threat from the Blackfeet tribe.
124"Marie Dorion: Enduring Frontier Legend"March 8, 2023 (2023-03-08)
In the episode "Marie Dorion: Enduring Frontier Legend," Marie Dorion, a resilient Iowa woman, joins the Astor Expedition as the only female member, demonstrating remarkable survival skills and tenacity. After her husband is killed by hostile tribes, Dorion embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness with her two young children
135"Joe Walker: Humble Hero"March 15, 2023 (2023-03-15)
Joe Walker emerges as a pivotal yet understated figure in the exploration of the American West. Known for his modesty and exceptional survival skills, Walker leads a daring expedition across the Sierra Nevada, discovering new routes and forging paths for future pioneers.
146"Tom Fitzpatrick: Steadfast Frontiersman"March 22, 2023 (2023-03-22)
Tom Fitzpatrick's journey from Irish immigrant to influential mountain man and trailblazer is chronicled. Renowned for his unwavering determination and expert navigation skills, Fitzpatrick plays a crucial role in guiding settlers through the Rocky Mountains and establishing the Oregon Trail.
157"Jim Clyman: Frontier Survivor"March 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)
Clyman's experiences as a fur trapper, explorer, and survivor in the rugged American West showcase his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. From encounters with hostile Native American tribes to surviving grueling conditions, Clyman's tale epitomizes the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier
168"William Sublette: King of the Fur Trade"April 5, 2023 (2023-04-05)
As a co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, Sublette plays a central role in shaping the economic landscape of the American West. His shrewd business acumen, combined with his adventurous spirit, solidifies his legacy as a trailblazer in the fur trade.

Season 3 (2023)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
171"Anne Bailey: Horseback Heroine"May 6, 2023 (2023-05-06)
The extraordinary life of Anne Bailey, also known as "Mad Anne," unfolds. Renowned for her fearless riding and bravery during the American Revolutionary War and the frontier conflicts, Bailey becomes a legendary figure in West Virginia folklore.
182"William Bartram: America's First Great Naturalist"May 13, 2023 (2023-05-13)
The pioneering work of William Bartram in exploring and documenting the natural world of North America is spotlighted. Bartram's groundbreaking travels through the southeastern United States during the late 18th century result in detailed botanical and ethnographic studies.
193"Daniel Boone: Cunning Woodsman"May 20, 2023 (2023-05-20)
Daniel Boone's exceptional skills as a woodsman and hunter are highlighted as he navigates the challenges of the American frontier. Boone's expertise in tracking, hunting, and survival enable him to lead settlers through the treacherous wilderness of Kentucky, opening up new territories for exploration and settlement.
204"Mason & Dixon: Trailblazing Surveyors"May 27, 2023 (2023-05-27)
The partnership of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon is chronicled as they undertake the monumental task of surveying the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland. This boundary, known as the Mason–Dixon line, later becomes symbolic in the division between the North and South.
215"James Harrod: Kentucky's Founding Father"June 3, 2023 (2023-06-03)
The pioneering efforts of James Harrod are showcased as he leads settlers to establish the first permanent American settlement in Kentucky. Harrod's leadership and vision in founding Harrodsburg mark a significant moment in the westward expansion of the United States.
226"Christopher Gist: Unsung Hero of the First Frontier"June 10, 2023 (2023-06-10)
The critical yet often overlooked contributions of Christopher Gist to early American exploration are brought to light. As a skilled surveyor and scout, Gist plays a pivotal role in mapping the Ohio Valley and aiding settlers during the French and Indian War. His bravery, expertise, and detailed journals significantly impact the westward expansion
237"George Croghan: Frontier Peacemaker"June 17, 2023 (2023-06-17)
The diplomatic efforts of George Croghan in early American frontier history are explored. As a skilled negotiator and Indian agent, Croghan works tirelessly to foster peaceful relations between Native American tribes and colonial settlers.
248"Robert Rogers: Frontier Soldier"June 24, 2023 (2023-06-24)
The daring exploits and military innovations of Robert Rogers are detailed as he becomes a legendary figure during the French and Indian War. As the leader of Rogers' Rangers, he develops unconventional warfare tactics, including the famous "Rogers' Rules of Ranging," which revolutionize frontier combat.

Season 4 (2024)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
251"Jim Baker: A Born Leader"March 24, 2024 (2024-03-24)
In the episode "Jim Baker: A Born Leader," the remarkable life of Jim Baker, a prominent mountain man and frontiersman, is chronicled. Known for his leadership and survival skills, Baker plays a crucial role in various expeditions and as a guide for settlers navigating the challenging terrain of the American West.
262"Jim Beckwourth: The Long Ride"March 31, 2024 (2024-03-31)
The episode highlights his time with the Crow Nation, his discovery of Beckwourth Pass, and his enduring legacy as a trailblazer who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the American frontier.
273"Bill Hamilton: The Last Mountain Man"April 7, 2024 (2024-04-07)
The life and legacy of Bill Hamilton, one of the final figures of the mountain man era, are examined. Renowned for his survival skills, hunting prowess, and deep understanding of the wilderness, Hamilton embodies the rugged spirit of the American frontier.
284"Lucien Maxwell: Legend of New Mexico"April 14, 2024 (2024-04-14)
The captivating story of Lucien Maxwell, a prominent figure in the history of the American Southwest, is brought to life. Maxwell's legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of New Mexico, where he becomes one of the largest landowners and a key player in the region's economic and social landscape.
295"Joe Meek: A Fearless Fighter"April 21, 2024 (2024-04-21)
Meek's fearless spirit and formidable skills in wilderness survival make him a legendary figure of the American West. The episode delves into his exploits, including his encounters with Native American tribes, his participation in the fur trade, and his contributions to the exploration and settlement of the Oregon Territory
306"John Coffee Hays: A Texas Legend"April 28, 2024 (2024-04-28)
Hays, known as one of the greatest Texas Rangers, played a crucial role in maintaining law and order on the frontier during the tumultuous years of the Republic of Texas. His leadership, marksmanship, and strategic acumen earned him a legendary reputation as a fearless lawman and frontiersman, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Texas and the American West.
317"John Mullan: Roadbuilder of the West"May 5, 2024 (2024-05-05)
Young Army officer John Mullan heads west to help establish an important wagon route through the Northern Rockies. But, before he can build his road, Mullan must survive a dangerous encounter with the Yakima in Washington Territory.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western (genre)</span> Multimedia genre

The Western is a genre of fiction typically set in the American frontier between the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the closing of the frontier in 1890, and commonly associated with folk tales of the Western United States, particularly the Southwestern United States, as well as Northern Mexico and Western Canada.

<i>Futurama</i> 1999 American animated sci-fi sitcom

Futurama is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company and later revived by Comedy Central, and then Hulu. The series follows Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically preserved for 1,000 years and revived on December 31, 2999. Fry finds work at the interplanetary delivery company Planet Express, working alongside the one-eyed mutant Leela and the robot Bender. The series was envisioned by Groening in the mid-1990s while working on The Simpsons; he brought David X. Cohen aboard to develop storylines and characters to pitch the show to Fox.

<i>Little House on the Prairie</i> (TV series) American western drama television series

Little House on the Prairie is an American Western historical drama television series about the Ingalls family, who live on a farm on Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in the 1870s–90s. Charles, Caroline, Laura, Mary, and Carrie Ingalls are respectively portrayed by Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, and twins Lindsay and Sydney Greenbush. The show is loosely based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's best-selling series of Little House books.

<i>The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp</i> TV western (1955-1961)

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp is the first Western television series written for adults. It premiered four days before Gunsmoke on September 6, 1955. Two weeks later came the Clint Walker western Cheyenne. The series is loosely based on the life of frontier marshal Wyatt Earp. The half-hour, black-and-white program aired for six seasons on ABC from 1955 to 1961, with Hugh O'Brian in the title role.

<i>The Boondocks</i> (TV series) American anime-influenced adult animated sitcom

The Boondocks is an American anime-influenced adult animated sitcom, created by Aaron McGruder for Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim. It is based upon his manga-influenced comic strip of the same name. The series premiered on November 6, 2005. The show focuses on a Black American family, the Freemans, settling into the fictional, friendly and predominantly White suburb of Woodcrest. The perspective offered by this mixture of cultures, lifestyles, social classes, stereotypes, viewpoints and racialized identities provides for much of the series' satire, comedy, and conflict.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">INSP (TV network)</span> American digital cable and satellite TV channel

INSP is an American digital cable television network that features primarily westerns and is headquartered in Indian Land, South Carolina - a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina.

<i>The FBI Files</i> Television series

The FBI Files is an American television docudrama series that originally ran from 1998 to 2006 on the Discovery Channel and produced by New Dominion Pictures. The show was cancelled in 2006. However, Court TV Mystery, Discovery, and its sister network, Investigation Discovery, aired re-runs until October 2012. Investigation Discovery only showed episodes from seasons 5,6, and 7. As of October 2012, the network now airs episodes from the earlier seasons, with updated information about the cases at the end of most episodes. Up to late September 2012, WE tv showed episodes from seasons 1-4, but the network had removed the episode introductions by Jim Kallstrom. In the UK on Quest Red, The FBI Files airs every weeknight. It has also been shown on TV Denmark, Discovery Australia, and Netflix in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westerns on television</span> Television genre based on the American Old West

Television Westerns are programs with settings in the later half of the 19th century in the American Old West, Western Canada and Mexico during the period from about 1860 to the end of the so-called "Indian Wars". More recent entries in the Western genre have used the neo-Western subgenre, placing events in the modern day, or the space Western subgenre but still draw inspiration from the outlaw attitudes prevalent in traditional Western productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLB Network</span> American television sports channel dedicated to baseball

The MLB Network is an American television sports channel dedicated to baseball. It is primarily owned by Major League Baseball, with TNT Sports, Comcast's NBC Sports Group, Charter Communications, and Cox Communications having minority ownership.

Andrew Glassman is an American television producer. Glassman founded the production company Glassman Media in 2001 following his successful career as an Emmy Award-winning investigative Broadcast Journalist during which he appeared on-air at NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC, WCAU, and WNBC.

<i>Crime Patrol</i> (TV series) Indian crime television series

Crime Patrol is an Indian true crime anthology series created by Subramanian S.lyer for Sony Entertainment Television. The first season was created by Cinevistaas Limited and directed by Anshuman Kishore Singh, while later seasons were created by Optimystix Entertainment. The series is set in Mumbai, India. The first and second seasons' episodes are 30 minutes long, while the subsequent seasons' episodes are 40 minutes long.

<i>Impractical Jokers</i> American hidden camera reality show with improvisational elements

Impractical Jokers is an American hidden camera comedy and reality show with improvisational elements. Produced by NorthSouth Productions, Impractical Jokers premiered on truTV on December 15, 2011, starring the members of The Tenderloins: James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and formerly Joe Gatto. In March 2024, it was announced that the series will relocate to TBS, who originally simulcast the tenth season, due to a programing network overhaul at truTV. Despite this, truTV will continue to air reruns.

<i>Panic 911</i> 2012 American TV series or program

Panic 911 is an American documentary television series that airs on A&E and debuted on November 29, 2012. A second season began airing on August 8, 2013.

<i>Americas Funniest Home Videos: Animal Edition</i> American video clip television series

America's Funniest Home Videos: Animal Edition is an American video clip television series that first aired on Nat Geo Wild on June 11, 2021. It is based on the Japanese variety show Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan and is a spin-off of America's Funniest Home Videos. The show features humorous and wondrous homemade animal videos that are submitted by viewers, from pets to wildlife and everything in-between. It is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, who is also the current host of its parent show.

<i>Ultimate Cowboy Showdown</i> American reality TV show

Ultimate Cowboy Showdown is an American TV reality series, which aired in the United States on INSP and streaming platforms. It first aired in October 2019 and is hosted by Trace Adkins. The show has run for four seasons, with the latest airing in November 2023.

<i>Wild West Chronicles</i>

Wild West Chronicles is an American television series, which airs on INSP. The historical docudrama series follows the life of Bat Masterson, a newspaper reporter that traveled the frontier during the late 1800s to uncover stories about the Wild West.

The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger is an American historical drama television series, which aired on the INSP network from January 11 to March 14, 2024.

<i>Elkhorn</i> (TV series) 2024 upcoming American TV series

Elkhorn is an American television drama series, chronicling the early life of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt became a cowboy and rancher in the American Frontier in his mid-20s, before returning east to become the country's youngest President.

References

  1. "INSP New Series, Into The Wild Frontier Premiering February 17th". Cowgirls in Style. February 9, 2022.
  2. "Into the Wild Frontier Brings Legends to Life". Cowboys & Indians. February 16, 2022.
  3. "Your guide to the 2023 TV premiere dates". Entertainment Weekly. August 24, 2023.
  4. Leydon, Joe (February 14, 2023). "The Season 2 premiere of the docudrama series airs Wednesday on INSP". Cowboys & Indians (magazine).
  5. "Westerns on TV: INSP Brings Us 'Into the Wild Frontier'". Remind magazine. May 4, 2023.
  6. "New episode of frontier-themed TV series depicts life of St. Louisan William Sublette". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. April 5, 2023.
  7. Umstead, R. Thomas (August 23, 2023). "INSP Greenlights New Season of 'Into The Wild Frontier'". Multichannel News.
  8. Moser, Zachary (5 January 2024). "Cast Of Into The Wild Frontier: Who Plays Who In The Historical Drama". Screen Rant.