Anyone who’s spent a day on a farm or ranch can tell you, there’s seldom a dull moment. From docu-series to “reality” farming TV shows, there’s plenty to explore in the world of agriculture-related entertainment.
The “reality” of reality TV is hotly debated, and farm-related TV shows are no exception. But regardless of however unrealistic, staged or overtly stereotypical the dramatizations in farm shows may be, the entertainment level is undeniable. At best, these shows can act as a conversation starter that may lead to deeper discussion about the real issues affecting the American farmer and our food production system. Grab your popcorn and tune in.
Clarkson’s Farm
Airing: 2021–present
Genre: Documentary/reality
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
What to expect: This quirky and unconventional series gives viewers a firsthand look at farming through the hands-on perspective of prominent English television presenter, journalist and writer, Jeremy Clarkson. The series follows Clarkson, who has no farming background, as he attempts to operate his own 1,000-acre farm in the Cotswolds in South West England. The supporting cast includes Clarkson’s girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, farmhand Kaleb Cooper, plus a host of farm workers, technical and equipment advisors, an agronomist and others who help guide Clarkson’s decision-making.
The protagonist himself has been critical of how TV shows about farm life portray the ag industry, lending a unique perspective to the show.
The American Farm
Aired: 2019
Genre: Documentary/reality
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
What to expect: This eight-episode documentary series, produced by The History Channel, first aired in 2019 and follows a year in the life of five different farm families across the nation. The Boyd, Griggs, Meyers, Robertson and Sunderland families make up the cast as the show highlights the literal blood, sweat and tears farmers and ranchers sacrifice to keep our lands managed, our waters clean and our nation fed.
This isn’t just television drama — “The American Farm” reflects the hard truth that farms across the country are disappearing at an alarming rate. The 2022 Census of Agriculture reported 141,733 fewer farms in 2022 than in 2017.¹ Passing down the farm to future generations is a challenge, and one that “The American Farm” doesn’t shy away from addressing. Ultimately, it brings broad awareness to an issue that has ripple effects across our food systems.
Farmer Wants a Wife
Airing: 2008, 2022–present
Genre: Reality
Where to watch: Fox, Hulu
What to expect: Add cowboy hats, some boots and a couple thousand acres of countryside to “The Bachelor” franchise and you’ve got “Farmer Wants a Wife.”
The original British TV show of the same name has spawned 30 different iterations since 2001, and the U.S. originally jumped on the “Farmer Wants a Wife” bandwagon in 2008, then went on hiatus before returning in 2022. The premise is as simple as choosing a lifelong partner from 10 strangers on national television can be. Hosted by three-time Grammy-winning artist and actress Jennifer Nettles, “Farmer Wants a Wife” follows four farmers on their quest to find love. Nettles lends a down-home spin to the popular (albeit frequently ridiculed) genre of reality dating shows. Nettles herself has ties to agriculture as a 2023 National 4-H Hall of Fame inductee honored for her achievements and contributions to the youth development program that gave her a start in the performing arts.
“Farmer Wants a Wife” highlights the culture clashes that may occur as couples navigate different backgrounds and lifestyles. As the cast is incorporated into the daily life and tasks on each bachelor’s farm or ranch, the question arises: Will these reality show contestants be able to handle the sometimes harsh reality of farm or ranch life?
Tune in to the best farming TV shows
Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted escape from reality in a rural setting or you want to dive into the plight of how real farmers are navigating their operational highs and lows, there’s a little something for everyone, and these three farm TV shows are just the tip of the iceberg.
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Endnotes
- “New Census Shows Alarming Loss of Family Farms.” American Farm Bureau Federation, 13 Feb. 2024, www.fb.org/news-release/new-census-shows-alarming-loss-of-family-farms. Accessed 29 April 2024.
