Honey Boo Boo, Duck Dynasty and Cables Blue Collar Boom The Hollywood Reporter

Publish date: 2024-05-09

Redneck TV: ‘Honey Boo Boo,’ ‘Duck Dynasty’ and Cable’s Blue Collar Boom – The Hollywood Reporter

Duck Dynasty
The genre's undisputed ratings champ, this docu-series about the duck-calling Robertson family's booming business brings big numbers. Its recent season ended with a whopping 9.6 million viewers during its one-hour episode — and an equally impressive 5.5 million adults 18-49.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
The face of the movement, seven-year-old Alana Thompson got her start on TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras before her spinoff was one of the network's biggest successes in 2012 — and looks to maintain its pop culture prominence with specials and more episodes in 2013.
Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy
Though this latest venture for the "Blue Collar" comic finds him tackling all manner of odd jobs for History, his shtick and commitment to sleeveless shirts keeps the show well-within redneck parameters.
MTV hoped this slightly controversial reality show about a group of West Virginia friends raising hell in the sticks would be the next Jersey Shore — but it was canceled in the wake of star Shain Gandee's sudden death.
American Hoggers
The name says it all. The Campbells make their living going around Texas, hunting and removing wild boars for customers.
Country Fried Home Videos
It ceased production a few years ago, but CMT's redneck answer to America's Funniest Home Videos still does well in repeats for the country-skewing network.
Bayou Billionaires
Real-life Beverly Hillbillies, the Dowdens struck it rich when they found out their Louisiana home was on the fourth-largest deposit of natural gas in the U.S. CMT documents their nouveau riche antics, which include taking a stab at professional wrestling.
Billy the Exterminator
His name is Billy. He's an expert in pest removal. He has a show on A&E.
Hillbilly Handfishin’
Thrill-seekers and fishing enthusiasts go on well-documented expeditions with Skipper Bivins and Trent Jackson where they "noodle" — that is, they stick their hands in muddy holes trying to catch catfish. The successful series has actually spawned noodle-centric knock-offs.
Lady Hoggers
You like American Hoggers? Imagine if the hogging was done by ladies. A&E's spinoff follows the fairer sex as they work to de-hog Florida.
Another surprise hit, Discovery's Moonshiners chronicles the ups and downs of home distilleries — and keeps breaking its own records, pulling in 3.65 million viewers in late 2012.
History offers up the Hillbilly Handfishin' alternative you never knew you wanted.
Rat Bastards
Redneck Island
My Big Redneck Vacation
Rocket City Rednecks
Swamp People