Plot Synopsis

Three modern families -- the Brooks, Clunes and Glenns -- are dropped in the Montana wilderness, circa 1883, with only some simple tools and the clothes on their backs, where they build cabins, raise livestock and form a strong, but dysfunctional community. Shock sets in as the pioneers start their journey in one of the most extreme sociological experiments captured on film, as one couple's marrige crumbles, anone couple resorts to cheating, and the remaining couple acts as peacemakers. First, the families must build their own shelters after arriving in Frontier Valley -- to protect themselves from the elements and lions, coyotes and bears -- but then their focus quickly shifts to finding food when a rare summer snow storm wreaks havoc. As the adults scheme and squabble, will their children prove to be their most valuable resource as they prepare to survive the upcoming winter? After originally airing as six, one-hour episodes on PBS in 2002, DIY acquired this series, and on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 8pm ET, the network started showing it in 30-minute installments.