For over a decade, Moonshiners, Discovery Channel’s controversial and wildly popular reality series, has pulled back the curtain on the secretive world of illegal moonshine production deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Filmed across Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, the show follows the trials, traditions, and turmoil of a cast of real-life backwoods brewers—risking it all to keep a centuries-old tradition alive.
Launched in 2011 by Magilla Entertainment, Moonshiners quickly gained traction, with millions of viewers tuning in season after season. Despite the show’s portrayal of illicit activity, the series has operated under the claim that all footage is authentic—yet has never resulted in the arrest of any participant. This led to controversy in Virginia, where officials once pushed producers to issue a disclaimer labeling the show as fiction. Magilla refused.
With the success of Moonshiners, a host of spin-offs emerged, including Moonshiners: Master Distiller, launched in 2020, now a staple for fans of bootlegging drama.
STARS, LEGENDS & TRAGEDIES
Over the years, Moonshiners has introduced an unforgettable cast of characters, some of whom have stepped away or tragically, passed on.
Stephen Ray “Tickle”, one of the most beloved stars, joined in Season 1 and remained until Season 7. Known for his humor and wild antics, Tickle even landed his own spin-off, Tickle, in 2013. Though he’s had multiple run-ins with the law for unrelated offenses—ranging from public intoxication to weapons possession—Tickle has since gone legal. Now a licensed distiller, he continues to engage with fans on social media and married Carol Anne in 2019.
Jeff and Lance Waldroop were another dynamic duo from Season 2. Hailing from North Carolina, Jeff, a seventh-generation moonshiner, aimed to expand his operation, while Lance often found himself the center of viewer affection. Sadly, Lance passed away in February 2021 at age 30, marking a dark moment for the Moonshiners community. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
Jim Tom Hedrick, the Appalachian icon and storyteller, retired from moonshining and the show in his 80s. Partnering with Sugarlands Distilling Company alongside stars Mark and Digger, Jim Tom continues to lend his wisdom to legal ventures while living a quieter life.
PARTNERSHIPS GONE SOUR, LEGACIES THAT LAST
Josh Owens and Bill Elliott, a feisty pair known for their constant bickering and top-tier distillation skills, parted ways during Season 6. Josh continued briefly on the show, but rumors of his death spread in 2019 after a severe motorcycle accident. Though the accident was real and his injuries were serious, Josh survived—albeit with hospital controversy over treatment costs.
Chico and Sondra (Matthew and Cassandra Tungate), a fan-favorite couple from Kentucky, joined in Season 3. Known for fearless business moves and strong family values, they quietly exited after Season 6, reportedly to focus on raising their first child and breeding racehorses. Since then, they’ve kept a low public profile.
MOONSHINING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Despite the illegal premise, Moonshiners continues to thrive with a loyal fan base. The show walks a thin line between documentary and dramatization, showcasing both the artistry of distillation and the tension of living on the edge of the law.
Discovery’s gamble has paid off. While no arrests have been made, the show has inspired new conversations about tradition, regulation, and rural American identity. Whether brewing in secret or going legit, the shiners remain folk heroes for many—symbols of rebellion, craft, and community.
As new seasons and spin-offs keep rolling, fans can be sure of one thing: the legacy of moonshine—and Moonshiners—is far from over.
Interested in the moonshine life?
Catch Moonshiners and Moonshiners: Master Distiller now streaming on Discovery+.
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