BACK TO THE FRONTIER: Episode 1.1

BACK TO THE FRONTIER is a reality TV series on HBO Max about three modern-day families who reenact the “homestead” lifestyle of 19th-century America. In episode one, three family units join a summer-long competition where they role-play as Western settlers in the late 1800s. However, each group struggles to adapt to the old ways of life while leaving their modern technology behind. Will they be able to survive the old frontier?

Set in a remote region of Montana, BACK TO THE FRONTIER chronicles three middle-class American families: the Lopers, the Halls, and the Hanna-Riggs. Each family must repair their cabins, grow their food, and adapt to the old ways of frontier life. Along the way, the characters learn about the old American West, the Homestead Acts signed by President Lincoln, and other antiquated customs. The show consists of handheld camera footage, interviews with the contestants, and lectures from American historians.

In terms of production value, BACK TO THE FRONTIER doesn’t disappoint. The camerawork is exquisite, the editing is snappy and consistent, and the narration is amusing. The strongest aspect is the liberal use of flyby drone shots. The show makes excellent use of Montana’s beautiful landscapes, and it greatly enhances the “old-timey” Western atmosphere.

Regarding its moral code, BACK TO THE FRONTIER has a mixed portrayal of Christian virtues. Each family instills the values of empathy, hard work, and unchaining oneself from overreliance on modern technology. The teenage characters admit to missing their old lives of makeup and social media but push through to this new lifestyle. The two traditionally wed families, the Lopers and the Halls, are comprised of strong maternal and paternal figures. The fathers are present and try to set good examples for their children. In one instance, the Loper patriarch leads his family into openly praying to God on camera, thanking Him for His resilience and strength. However, there is one same-sex couple.

While there is no foul language or outright violence, BACK TO THE FRONTIER has some minor grievances. First, there is a segment where each family reacts to seeing an outhouse for the first time. The characters make “poop” jokes around this subject. Moreover, the Hanna-Riggs family includes two gay fathers and their biological twin sons (there’s no mention of their mother). The two fathers strive to be good role models for their sons, and although they don’t hug, kiss, or show any form of affection towards each other, their homosexuality and how it affects the family is discussed, and their immoral antibiblical relationship is not condemned in the episode. When the same-sex couple must pick one head of the household to apply to buy land, the two dads discuss that same-sex marriage was not legal in the 1800s.

BACK TO THE FRONTIER is an uplifting series for adults. The series boasts a high production value, a reverence for American history, and an emphasis on some prominent Christian virtues. Each family emphasizes the importance of strong father figures, learning to work together, and even participating in a group prayer on camera. Unfortunately, it is marred by a same-sex couple. Conservative Christian viewers will be disappointed to see a homosexual relationship celebrated. Therefore, MOVIEGUIDE® recommends extreme caution for teens and adults.