It’s been more than eight months since the Season 3 finale of The Last Alaskans aired on Discovery, and now fans are anxiously awaiting a Season 4 announcement. Unfortunately, after the death of beloved star Bob Harte, it doesn’t look like the show — which documents the few families who have been allowed to remain on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge — will continue.

Back in July, the show’s Facebook page announced Bob’s passing. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce Bob Harte has passed away. He was a beloved member of the Discovery family and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” the post read. Since then, they haven’t shared any content on their page.

That being said, a network announcement could be made in the coming months. Last year, Discovery revealed The Last Alaskans would be returning for Season 3 just weeks before it’s March 22 premiere. “This season, as the Artic Refuge’s final permit holders seek prosperity in a hungry land, a new generation steps into this age-old way of life,” the statement read. “Eager young trappers, Tyler and Ashley Selden, and Charlie Jagow fully commit to a life among North America’s most isolated, modern-day pioneers. Aside from the day-to-day challenges, Tyler and Ashley face another surprise this season — welcoming their first child. Meanwhile, Bob Harte faces his mortality and flees the Alaskan winter and after 40 years in the bush, the legendary Heimo Korth yearns to pass the torch to his daughter Krin.”

According to Newsminer.com, The Last Alaskans is the only one of the Alaskan reality shows that is actually real. Cough, cough,
Alaskan Bush People! They refer to the category of Alaskan reality shows as being a “crowded” field and “not too highly regarded,” but the producers managed to keep this one authentic.

bob harte 'the last alaskans'
Discovery

Bob Harte leaves his remote home in Alaska to seek the medical care he needs in the Lower 48.

Producer John Jones  told the publication in 2015 that he didn’t want to disrespect the cast by turning them into charicatures. “None of the talent wanted to be portrayed in a sort of Kardashian kind of style,” he said. “They wanted us to take this seriously, and we assured them that we intended to take this seriously, make this more of an Alaska 360 approach.”

John added that he and his team conceived of the idea as a break from the usual form of Alaska reality television and American television in general. “Everything gets louder and faster and louder and faster on TV, and to me, this series is sort of turning off the motor and taking out the sail, and that can still be entertaining,” he said. “We set out to… embrace the isolation and the cost of isolation  —  embrace the beauty.”

Although the show wouldn’t be the same without Bob, we would still like to see the others return. Come on, Discovery — what are you waiting for?! Give the people what they want.

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