The Best 'Life Below Zero' Seasons, Ranked

Ranker TV
Updated May 15, 2024 13 items

Life Below Zero, the reality television series that has been fascinating viewers since 2013, follows a group of resilient individuals who live in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. This show documents their daily challenges and adventures, and also allows viewers to witness the harsh realities of living off-grid in one of the most brutal environments on Earth. With each season, audiences are treated to compelling storylines - making it difficult to pinpoint which Life Below Zero seasons rank as the absolute best. 

But certain seasons of Life Below Zero stand out from the rest. Through its long history, Life Below Zero has provided glimpses into the lives of these extraordinary people, illustrating how each season contributes to an ongoing narrative that keeps viewers glued to their screens. 

Some seasons have left a mark on fans due to their storytelling and insights. For example, Life Below Zero - Season 2 brought in a new level of intrigue as the episodes delved deeper into the characters' motivations and survival strategies. Additionally, Season 13 introduced both new characters and unprecedented challenges for old ones, solidifying its reputation as one of the best seasons. Lastly, Season 5 proved immensely popular due to its tales of resourcefulness against increasingly hostile conditions. 

When reflecting upon this popular  television series, it becomes apparent why identifying the best Life Below Zero seasons can be such a heated debate among fans. But each installment of this groundbreaking show has its own merits, and appreciating the nuances of these best seasons of Life Below Zero is a rewarding experience.  

  • 1
    7 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 2

    The second season of Life Below Zero premiered on October 29, 2013, and contains 6 episodes. This season finds the cast adjusting to the challenges of spring and summer.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "The Meltdown," "No Time to Lose," and "Long Road Home."

    Memorable moments from Season 2 include:

    • Andy and Kate build a greenhouse.
    • Glenn runs out of food.
    • Sue runs out of fuel.
    7 votes
  • 2
    3 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 5

    The fifth season of Life Below Zero premiered on April 9, 2015, and contains 12 episodes. This season finds the cast contending with a dark, frigid winter.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Ready or Not," "The Unknown," and "Aftermath."

    Memorable moments from Season 5 include:

    • Andy and Kate rescue a bear cub.
    • Erik and Martha make a smokehouse.
    • Sue puts herself in danger.
    3 votes
  • 3
    4 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 13

    The thirteenth season of Life Below Zero premiered on December 10, 2019, and contains 7 episodes. This season finds the Alaskan residents making repairs and teaching their children new skills.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Shock & Awe," "First Blood," and "New Country."

    Memorable moments from Season 13 include:

    • Andy and Denise fight the river breakup.
    • Ricko travels to a natural hot spring.
    • The Hailstones build a trapping cabin.
    4 votes
  • 4
    2 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 4

    The fourth season of Life Below Zero premiered on November 11, 2014, and contains 7 episodes. This season finds the cast stocking up on food and supplies before winter hits.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Opportunity Knocks," "Last Minute Push," and "End of Days."

    Memorable moments from Season 4 include:

    • Chip and Agnes show their daughters how to live off the land.
    • Sue powers down her camp.
    • Eric and Martha go bird hunting.
    2 votes
  • 5
    3 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 1

    The first season of Life Below Zero premiered on May 19, 2013, and contains 10 episodes. This season introduces viewers to residents of Northern Alaska where below-zero conditions are the norm.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "End of the Road," "There Be Monsters," and "Hell and High Water"

    Memorable moments from Season 1 include:

    • Sue's fuel is swiped.
    • Eric encounters a lynx.
    • Sue officially buys Kavik River camp

    3 votes
  • 6
    3 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 11

    The eleventh season of Life Below Zero premiered on September 18, 2018, and contains 22 episodes. This season finds Jessie training for the Iditarod as Sue contends with the elements.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Changing of the Guard," "No Guarantees," and "Cost of Winter."

    Memorable moments from Season 11 include:

    • Jessie competes in the Iditarod.
    • Sue withstands a blizzard.
    • The Hailstones spend a night on the water.
    3 votes
  • 7
    4 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 12

    The twelfth season of Life Below Zero premiered on September 24, 2019, and contains 18 episodes. This season finds Sue restoring her cabin in Chena while Ricko teaches his kids to hunt.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Darkness Approaches," "Winters End," and "Beware the Wild."

    Memorable moments from Season 12 include:

    • Jessie moves to Brushkana.
    • Andy and Denise install solar panels.
    • Jessie races in the Iditarod.
    4 votes
  • 8
    4 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 3

    The third season of Life Below Zero premiered on April 17, 2014, and contains 13 episodes. This season finds the cast dealing with unexpected weather conditions.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Deadly Grounds," "Thin Ice," and "Dark Winter's End."

    Memorable moments from Season 3 include:

    • Erik hunts a mountain goat.
    • Warm weather causes concerns.
    • Glenn tracks a wolf.
    4 votes
  • 9
    1 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 6

    The sixth season of Life Below Zero premiered on November 24, 2015, and contains 8 episodes. This season finds the cast building and obtaining supplies to assist them survive in the wild.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "The Bottom Line," "Running on Empty," and "Divide and Conquer."

    Memorable moments from Season 6 include:

    • The Hailstones get a new boat.
    • Sue visits a gunsmith.
    • Jessie builds new doghouses.
    1 votes
  • 10
    1 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 8

    The eighth season of Life Below Zero premiered on October 18, 2016, and contains 8 episodes. This season finds Glenn returning to camp as the Hailstones move their camp.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "The Slow Grind," "Midnight Sun, and "Higher Ground."

    Memorable moments from Season 8 include:

    • Chip makes bullets.
    • Andy builds a kayak.
    • Sue sets up a new fuel system.
    1 votes
  • 11
    2 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 7

    The seventh season of Life Below Zero premiered on April 7, 2016, and contains 15 episodes. This season finds Jessie revamping his dog lot while Sue preps her camp for winter.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Pride and Power," "Falling Apart," and "Ghosts of Winter."

    Memorable moments from Season 7 include:

    • Jessie and his team run a race on the Denali Highway.
    • Andy wrecks his snow machine.
    • Glenn injures his leg.
    2 votes
  • 12
    0 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 9

    The ninth season of Life Below Zero premiered on July 13, 2017, and contains 8 episodes. This season finds Sue visiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as Jessie breaks new trail.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Unfamiliar Territory," "Howl of the Wild," and "False Start."

    Memorable moments from Season 9 include:

    • Sue scouts for sheep at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
    • Jessie builds a new sled.
    • Glenn goes paragliding.
    0 votes
  • 13
    0 VOTES

    Life Below Zero - Season 10

    The tenth season of Life Below Zero premiered on January 1, 2018, and contains 10 episodes. This season finds the Alaskan residents hunting, fishing, and living off the land.

    This season contains several unforgettable episodes including: "Homecoming," "Facing Fears," and "Heavy Load."

    Memorable moments from Season 10 include:

    • Andy reconstructs his fish wheel.
    • Glenn runs a triathlon.
    • Jessie goes hunting on Bear Hill.
    0 votes