Way Out West

Way Out West, a reality television series that aired on truTV in 2014, provides viewers with an inside look into the unique, rugged lifestyle of three competing outfitting families based in the wild terrain of Idaho. The show beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the great American frontier, presenting the everyday struggles and triumphs of these hardworking families as they strive to sustain their businesses and forge their own destinities. Set in the heart of the scenic American West, the series offers a testament to the beautifully simplistic yet demanding lifestyle that these families have chosen to endure for generations.

The show principally focuses around three families - the Yourens, the Bullocks, and the Korells. Each of these families operates their own outfitting business, offering trail rides, hunting and fishing trips, and guides for the novice and experienced outdoorsmen and adventurers who want to experience the magic of the western wilderness first-hand. The businesses are a legacy inherited through generations and serve as a resort for tourists/trekkers who want to bask in the adventurous spirit of the wild outdoors.

What makes Way Out West distinct is its homely depiction of the families’ daily lives, capturing the highs and lows of running an outfitting business while simultaneously trying to manage and hold on to their own familial bonds and traditions. The show throws light on their constant attempts to coexist and cohabitate with the wild, maintaining a balance between human activity and the serenity of natural habitats, encapsulating the true essence of ‘living on the edge’. Each episode unfolds their stories of survival and determination, against the stunning backdrop of Idaho's idyllic landscapes.

Watching Way Out West, audiences are privy to the intense rivalries among the families as they struggle to attract customers to their respective businesses. These competitions offer viewers a thrilling mix of wilderness challenges, horse races, and downright outrageous events. Simultaneously, the series delves deep into the personal relationships within and between the clans, highlighting their shared history, dramatic confrontations, unexpected alliances, and enduring friendships. The families may constantly be at odds with each other but they also respect each other's perseverance and commitment to maintaining their way of life.

Another compelling element within Way Out West is the way it emphasizes the relentless confrontation with Mother Nature that these families face. From severe winter storms to dangerous wildlife encounters, the harsh realities of the extreme wilderness are on full display. Whether it is navigating treacherous trails in the dark or confronting a wild bear, every episode is packed with adrenaline-pumping action and unpredictable wilderness drama.

The spirit of the Old West is still alive in the rivalry, camaraderie, and daily lives of these outfitting families. Besides the constant interpersonal dramas and rivalries, there’s an unyielding portrayal of their deep-seated love for the wilderness, for the lives they’ve consciously chosen to embrace in Idaho’s magnificent terrain. Above all, it’s a celebration of persisting with a traditional way of life in an otherwise modern world, reiterating the determined resilience of the American spirit.

Although it’s a reality show, Way Out West is also an example of a unique slice-of-life piece, that presents the viewers with a rare, intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of these modern cowboys and cowgirls, tough and resourceful as they are. It showcases their battling spirits, the passion they harbor for nature and their business, and their commitment towards maintaining their heritage.

It is not just exhilarating outdoor challenges and fierce competition that you get to see in Way Out West but also love, friendship, and unity which tie these families together. On one hand, there’s rivalry, a never-ending race to outlast one another. On the other, we see these very competition-driven families coming together in times of adversity offering support and extending warm gestures of friendship.

In a nutshell, Way Out West is a dynamic mix of adventure, family drama, unique regional culture, and stunning wilderness beauty, offering a fresh perspective on the lives of those who have chosen to make their homes away from modern urban settings, living a lifestyle that upholds the relentless spirit of the American West. The series is a trove of thrilling wilderness survival tales, poignant family moments, and insightful cultural narratives, suitable for the adventurous at heart and anyone interested in experiencing a taste of the vibrant western ethos all from the comfort of their homes. For these reasons, Way Out West stands as a unique entry in reality television.