Not everyone has what it takes to tame the wilderness. Some people can't even survive a night spent in a tent in their own backyard. But even if you're not the next Bear Grylls, survival TV shows [1] are ridiculously entertaining to watch (especially when you watch them from the comfort of your temperature-controlled home). From reality competition series to survivalist docuseries, there are tons of fascinating shows about survival available to stream right now, and — aside from being fun to watch — they might also provide you with some useful tips for taking on the wild. Check out the gallery for all the best survival shows streaming right now.
Southern Survival
In this series, a crew of survival experts known as the BattlBox crew put outdoor survival products to the test, seeing if they can actually withstand natural disasters and other threats from the wilderness. Do these products actually provide the protection they promise? Don't worry — the BattlBox crew figures out the answers so you don't have to.
Watch Southern Survival on Netflix [3].
Alone
What happens when 10 survivalists are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness using a limited amount of survival equipment? They figure out who's really got what it takes to survive, and that's the premise of this History Channel competition series. Seasons three through six are available to stream on Hulu, so you can watch survivalists take on Vancouver Island, Patagonia, Mongolia, and the shores of the Great Slave Lake.
Watch Alone on Hulu [4].
Win the Wilderness
In this reality competition series, six British couples go head to head to see who can best survive in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, all with the hope of winning the deed to a remote Alaskan lodge. Spoiler alert: several couples underestimated the challenges of living in extreme isolation.
Watch Win the Wilderness on Netflix [5].
Down to Earth With Zac Efron
Zac Efron [6] stars alongside wellness expert Darin Olien in this travel show, which follows the two men as they journey around the world — including stops in France, Puerto Rico, London, Iceland, Costa Rica, Peru, and Sardinia — discovering new healthy and sustainable ways to live. While Efron and Olien don't exactly have to fend for themselves in the wilderness, it's still offers a cool look at different sustainable living practices.
Watch Down to Earth With Zac Efron on Netflix [7].
Man vs. Wild
Starring Bear Grylls, this series follows the famed survivalist adventurer as he strands himself in various remote locations and then makes his way back to civilization, providing in-depth advice for travellers who may find themselves themselves similarly lost or stranded. Seasons one through five are available to stream on Amazon Prime, while seasons six and seven can be found on Hulu.
Watch Man vs. Wild on Amazon Prime [8] or watch Man vs. Wild on Hulu [9].
You vs. Wild
Similar to Man vs. Wild, this choose-your-own-adventure Bear Grylls production for Netflix allows viewers to actually make key decisions in order to help Bear Grylls "survive," providing interactive missions in some of the harshest environments on earth. It's like going camping without ever leaving your couch.
Watch You vs. Wild on Netflix [10].
Naked and Afraid
In this Discovery Channel series, strangers are dropped off in pairs in dangerous, desolate locations without supplies . . . or any clothing. Together, they must figure out a way to survive for three weeks (and get past the awkwardness of being naked and afraid with a total stranger on TV). You can stream seasons four through 10 on Hulu.
Watch Naked and Afraid on Hulu [11].
Naked and Afraid XL
Naked and Afraid XL is very similar to the original series, except rather than spending 21 days naked and afraid, participants are stranded for 40 days. Competitors are also forced to vie for the same limited food, water, and shelter while avoiding natural predators. Only the first season is available to watch on Hulu, but it's definitely worth a watch.
Watch Naked and Afraid XL on Hulu [12].
The Last Alaskans
Set in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, this reality series gives an insider's look into the lives of the few families and trappers who inhabit the remote area. Seasons one through three are available to stream on Hulu, and after watching this one, you'll never complain about the cold again.
Watch The Last Alaskans on Hulu [13].
Survivor
In this CBS competition series, which has been on air for over two decades, hardcore competitors are marooned in an isolated location where they must provide food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves, as well as compete in challenges and attempt to avoid elimination. Though not all 40 seasons are available to stream for free, you can watch several of those seasons on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Watch Survivor on Amazon Prime Video [14] or watch Survivor on Hulu [15].
Bear Grylls Survival School
In yet another Bear Grylls production, brave adolescents are challenged to leave their devices at home and test their survival skills in the wild. For novice adventurers, this one may be more your speed.
Watch Bear Grylls Survival School on Amazon Prime Video [16].
Dude, You're Screwed
This Discovery Channel series takes elite survivalists, blindfolds them, and drops them in dangerous, remote locations, giving them only 100 hours to escape to civilization (relatively) unscathed. Considering past participants have included a UK Royal Air Force extreme survival instructor, a former Navy SEAL, and a master sergeant in the US Army Special Forces, this competition definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
Watch Dude, You're Screwed on Amazon Prime Video [17].
Running Wild With Bear Grylls
What's better than Bear Grylls? Bear Grylls teaming up with celebrities, of course. This Discovery Channel series follows the survivalist as he takes various celebrity participants — who have included Channing Tatum [18], Ben Stiller [19], and Zac Efron [20], among several others — on one-on-one, 48-hour journeys into the wild. The result is just as entertaining as you'd expect.
Watch Running Wild With Bear Grylls on Disney+ [21].
Doomsday Preppers
We may never face an actual Doomsday, but you better believe there are people who will be prepared if that day ever comes. This National Geographic Channel series profiles various survivalists, or "preppers," who are ready to face any number of circumstances that may cause the end of civilization, and season two is available to stream on Netflix.
Watch Doomsday Preppers on Netflix [22].
Mountain Men
In this History Channel series, viewers are introduced to people who have chosen a life off the grid and in the unspoiled wilderness, without the comfort of any modern technology or conveniences. You can watch seasons one and two on Amazon Prime, as well as seasons three and four on Hulu.
Watch Mountain Men on Amazon Prime Video [23] or watch Mountain Men on Hulu [24].