Raising Wild

Raising Wild is an intriguing reality television series aired by Discovery in the United States in 2019, which immerses viewers into the compelling world of a truly unconventional family. The show offers a deep dive into how the Harteau family leaves the comforts of modern civilization behind to embark on a grand adventure of living wildly and self-sufficiently in the untamed wilderness depths of the Pacific Northwest.

At the heart of Raising Wild are Brett and Penny Harteau, who represent a quintessential American Dream. Penny, a former model turned clothing designer, and Brett, a former roofer, make a life-altering decision to leave behind the trappings of city life and begin a new journey. They drive away from everything they know in Los Angeles, California, and set out for life in remote Washington State.

The Harteau family, despite dealing with cold, wild animals, and everyday life challenges, refuse to abandon their dream of living a life intimately connected with nature, reflecting a beautiful embodiment of self-sufficiency, resilience, innovation, and survival in the wilderness. The series documents and explores this unique lifestyle choice and the significant challenges and achievements faced by the Harteau family, showcasing their real-life wild experiences.

Throughout the series, viewers gain a unique insight into off-grid living, with each episode offering an engaging blend of survivalist adventure, familial dynamics, and the beauty of wilderness. The drama lies not just in external forces – be it the unyielding elements, wild animals, or the harsh winters – but also within the family, as it navigates the ups and downs of living in isolation.

While Raising Wild ventures to the wilderness, it remains grounded in familial interactions; their lifestyle as well as parenting decisions. The Harteau's have their two young daughters, Zephyra and Snowbird, who are integral characters in the unscripted narrative. The show gives focus on how these children adapt to this out-of-the-box lifestyle, also shedding light on their unique education that includes learning survival skills, developing a deep-rooted respect for nature, and understanding the foundations of sustainability.

The series features an array of captivating scenes, from the Harteau family building their 'Escape Pod,' a micro-shell for shelter and survival, to dealing with their property being located in "the cougar highway," exposing viewers to a world that is not only wild but also unmistakably human. There are high stakes and serious challenges, coupled with quirky moments and daily life activities, providing a rich sense of authenticity.

Helping the Harteaus in their wilderness sojourn, viewers will meet various friends, some with military training, whose presence add further dynamic angles to the show. These individuals offer a unique blend of skills and advice to aid the Harteaus in their journey, providing much-needed expertise and support when confronted with the elements and various survival situations and challenges.

The truly unique concept of Raising Wild presents an opportunity for viewers to take a step back from urban life's conveniences and complexities, offering a fresh perspective on how one family chooses to live their life. The spirit of the show is one of power and independence - packed with plenty of bushcraft, survival challenges, wildlife encounters and outdoors adventure.

A special element of Raising Wild is the Harteau's long-term plan, which is not just to live in the wild, but to learn to benefit from what the wilderness provides. The holistic experience, therefore, involves a bigger picture: living sustainably and with minimal environmental impact, promoting respect and understanding of the natural world. This contemporary Thoreauvian touch adds a unique twist to the show’s narrative, making Raising Wild a genuine eye-opener.

Overall, Raising Wild signifies a mixture of discovery, family values, survivalism, and wilderness adventure. The wilderness serves as much as a character as the Harteau family themselves, giving audiences a view into an extraordinary life, far removed from the familiar cityscape. Thus, the show not only speaks to survival enthusiasts but portrays an invigorating and captivating human drama that resonates with a broad audience, making it accessible viewing for all.