Sarah Palin's Alaska


Sarah Palin's Alaska is an American reality television show hosted by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. According to Palin, the show's aim is to bring "the wonder and majesty of Alaska to all Americans". The series, which began airing on TLC in November 2010, broadcast 8 episodes and 1 clip show. The show was part travelogue and part documentary series, according to a story in The Vancouver Sun, six months before the release of the series trailer. In reviewing the first episode, The New York Times said the show allows viewers to "observe Ms. Palin observing nature". The show was not renewed for a second season.
The show was produced by Mark Burnett Productions for Discovery Communications.

Reviews and reception

In reviewing the first episode, The New York Times said Sarah Palin's Alaska is a reality show living up to its title, and "a nature series for political voyeurs" that allows "viewers to get to observe Ms. Palin observing nature". The paper commended Palin for her political courage in appearing in the series and for not being afraid to be herself. The Telegraph said the series received mixed reviews, with critics and commentators saying the show seemed intended as a vehicle to help Palin relaunch her political career.
Five million viewers tuned in for the premiere episode, a record for TLC. The second episode attracted 3 million viewers, a 40% drop in viewership. Before the airing of the last episode, Entertainment Weekly reported that the show had maintained an average viewership of 3.2 million per week, but that it would not be renewed for a second season. Entertainment Weekly said that if the Palin chose to do another season, it would have been interpreted as a sign that she would not be running for president in 2012.
At the conclusion of the series, long time Alaska resident and author Nick Jans commented that the show made clear Palin's actual unfamiliarity with the outdoor Alaskan lifestyle, observing that most of the supposed adventures on which Palin and her family embarked were "guided trips aimed at mass market tourists... requiring no skills beyond a pulse and the ability to open your wallet".

Episodes