Discovery Channel’s beloved docu-series Moonshiners has been running since 2011, pulling back the curtain on the secretive world of Appalachian backwoods distillers. Now in its 15th season, which premiered on January 6, 2026, the show returns with familiar faces navigating new risks, cross-border bootlegging opportunities, and the ever-rising pressure from law enforcement. Here’s your comprehensive 2026 cast update — who’s still shining, who’s stepped away, and those we’ve had to say goodbye to.
🟢 Who Is Still on Moonshiners in 2026?
Tim Smith
A founding cast member and former legal distillery owner, Tim Smith is back to an illegal operation in Season 15, alongside Tickle and Henry. With tariff-free liquor in Canada in high demand, Tim stepped back into outlaw territory chasing the opportunity. As he put it, “I went legal 14 years ago, and it has been a challenge.”
Steven Ray “Tickle”
Tickle returns this season, including a standout storyline where he makes tariff-free apple brandy, proving he remains one of the show’s most inventive and irreplaceable characters.
Mark Ramsey
Mark Ramsey is back in Season 15, focused on rebuilding after nearly losing everything to law enforcement. His key priorities this season are survival, precision, and steering clear of past mistakes. Fans are asking whether this could be Mark’s final season — though Discovery has confirmed he is slated to return for Season 16. Still, 15 seasons of living under legal scrutiny have clearly taken their toll on the veteran distiller.
Eric “Digger” Manes
Digger returns alongside Mark but is carrying a major personal challenge. He has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that progressively worsens over time. After clarifying on Facebook that his diagnosis is not immediately terminal, Digger confirmed the disease “will just make him miserable” until something else takes him — but he remains active and defiant. He and Mark are working together to restore their large-scale operation, reflecting on the consequences of operating too close to the edge.
Josh Owens
Josh Owens continues as a cast member, remaining active in collaborative moonshine operations after recovering from his near-fatal 2022 motorcycle crash.
Mike Cockrell & Jerry Benson
Mike Cockrell and Jerry Benson are back this season — with a dramatic twist: both men learn they are wanted men, raising the stakes for this Mississippi–North Carolina duo considerably.
Henry Law
After the passing of his cousin Kenny Law in 2025, Henry returned to Season 15 to carry on their distilling legacy. The longtime partners had launched Law’s Choice Whiskey, a family-run distilling business that remains in the family.
JB Rader
Longtime bootlegger JB Rader also returns this season, stepping back into an active mentoring role to help guide the next phase of production after Mark and Digger’s close call with authorities.
New Faces
Season 15 introduces two rookie distillers from the Carolinas, who bring their own distilling methods, family recipes, and modern twists to the ancient craft.
🔻 Who Left Moonshiners? – Departed Cast Members
Jeff Waldroup (Seasons 2–7): Quietly stepped away alongside his son.
Lance Waldroup (Seasons 2–7): Left due to personal challenges before his untimely death at age 30.
Bill Canny (Seasons 2–6): Old-school techniques faded from the series alongside him.
Chico & Sandra (Seasons 3–7): Moved on to focus on family life.
Tyler Wood (Seasons 3–5): A brief appearance that did not continue.
Roy Grooms, “Muddog” Mike Mitchell, “Shot” Brandon, Darlene: Early contributors who left their mark.
🕊️ In Memoriam – Cast Members Who Have Passed
Kenny Law — Passed away January 14, 2025, age 68
Law’s Choice Distillery confirmed that Everett “Kenny” Law passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. His cousin Henry Law shared that Kenny died at a local hospital after suffering from several health struggles, including heart problems and diabetes, over the years. Season 15 carries a bittersweet quality as fans and co-stars fondly remember him.
Lance Waldroup — Tragically passed away at age 30.
Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick — A legendary storyteller and master shiner.
Roy Grooms — Known for his old-school mountain style.
Popcorn Sutton — The myth, the legend, the man who inspired the entire show.
📊 Cast Summary Table (2026 Update)
| Cast Member | Status | Notable Update |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Smith | ✅ Current (S15) | Back to illegal distilling; Canada operation |
| Tickle | ✅ Current (S15) | Apple brandy; cross-border runs |
| Mark Ramsey | ✅ Current (S15) | Rebuilding post-law scare; S16 future uncertain |
| Digger Manes | ✅ Current (S15) | Fighting Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) |
| Josh Owens | ✅ Current (S15) | Active after 2022 crash recovery |
| Mike Cockrell | ✅ Current (S15) | Wanted man storyline |
| Jerry Benson | ✅ Current (S15) | Wanted man storyline |
| Henry Law | ✅ Current (S15) | Carrying on Kenny’s legacy |
| JB Rader | ✅ Returned (S15) | Active mentoring role |
| Kenny Law | 🕊️ Deceased (Jan 14, 2025) | Passed at 68; heart problems and diabetes |
| Lance Waldroup | 🕊️ Deceased | Passed at 30 |
| Jim Tom Hedrick | 🕊️ Deceased | Legendary shiner |
| Popcorn Sutton | 🕊️ Deceased | Pre-show legend |
🔮 What’s Next — Season 16?
Discovery Channel has officially greenlit Moonshiners for its sixteenth season following the strong performance of Season 15. Production is currently underway in the Appalachian region, with the show targeting its traditional late-year broadcast window. Core figures such as Tim Smith, Tickle, and the duo of Mark and Digger are all slated to return.
Fifteen seasons in, Moonshiners keeps the stills running — and the stories, as complex and bittersweet as ever, keep flowing.
