Snake Man of Appalachia

Snake Man of Appalachia, a compelling series from Animal Planet, first aired in 2012 and takes viewers on an incredible journey into the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s serpentine wilderness. This riveting show delves into the lives and traditions of some of Appalachia's most enigmatic and misunderstood residents, offering a unique perspective on their fascinating relationship with venomous snakes - a relationship that is steeped in faith and tradition, often misunderstood, and continues to thrive in the midst of modernity.

The series mainly revolves around Verlin Short, known widely as the ‘Snake Man,’ and his family. A devout Pentecostal, Verlin is an enthusiastic serpent handler, a family man, and a survivor. He embodies the spirit of Appalachia - resilient, resourceful, and deeply rooted in his environment and community. This series presents us a rare, intimate glimpse into their unusual lives.

In Snake Man of Appalachia, it's evident that the world Verlin and his family inhabit is far from the common American experience. Theirs is a life governed by faith so profound that it frequently brushes with death. Each episode of the series explores the complexities of their relationships - with God, with each other, and, of course, with the venomous snakes they handle in their deeply spiritual and emotionally charged church services.

One of the most powerful aspects of this series is seeing how the Shorts and their tight-knit community intertwine their faith with death-defying exploits using deadly snakes as a conduit. They provide an intimate window into an age-old tribal tradition, the practice of snake handling, during the religious services they conduct in their small but vibrant community.

Snake Man of Appalachia paints a picture of a community where the lines between faith, tradition, and survival blur, offering a fresh viewpoint on the American human and cultural landscape. The viewers can see venomous snakes as totems of faith, symbols of defiance and tools of prophecy, used by the handlers to demonstrate their unwavering faith and fearlessness in the face of danger. And Verlin Short, through the eyes of his spirited serpentine senior, symbolizes the heartbeat of this unique culture and mesmerizes audiences with his sheer passion, faith, nerve, and his artful command over venomous serpents.

However, the show isn't all about snakes and faith. It also provides a wonderful snapshot of everyday life in Appalachia – the interaction with the community, the themes of survival and resilience, and the intimate moments between family members. Viewers get a chance to experience the warm camaraderie, the close-knit relationships, and the struggles and triumphs of the families who form the backbone of this exceptional society.

The storylines, indeed, are gripping, but it's the breathtaking cinematography that brings the rugged beauty of rural Appalachia to life. From the lush, untamed forests where Verlin hunts for snakes to the spectacular mountainous landscapes that form the backdrop of the Appalachian people's lives, the visuals in Snake Man of Appalachia are as much a treat for the senses as they are a testament to the show's thematic depth.

Snake Man of Appalachia is a powerful, engrossing series that offers a unique look at a misunderstood culture and an intriguing exploration of an extraordinary tradition that has maintained its grip on a section of America. It celebrates an alchemy of faith, fear, danger, and tradition, as well as an intimate portrayal of a family and community that has chosen to live by their rules and convictions in a fast-paced modern world.

Through his camera lens, the viewer gets to peek into a different world, one that exists in stark contrast to the comfort and safety of conventional life. Unflinchingly honest, breathtakingly atmospheric, and profoundly moving, Snake Man of Appalachia pulls audiences into a world that is thoroughly fascinating, deeply spiritual, and, above all, uniquely American.