Think the days of bootleggers, backwoods stills and "white lightning" are over? Not a chance! It's a multi-million dollar industry. But perhaps more importantly to the moonshiners, it's a tradition dating back hundreds of years, passed down to them from their forefathers. It's part of their history and culture. While this practice is surprisingly alive and well, it's not always legal. Discovery Channel's all-new series MOONSHINERS tells the story of those who brew their shine - often in the woods near their homes using camouflaged equipment - and the local authorities who try to keep them honest. Viewers will witness practices rarely, if ever, seen on television including the sacred rite of passage for a moonshiner - firing up the still for the first time. They will also meet legends, including notorious moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
As the season approaches, moonshiner Tim and his partner Tickle search Appalachia for the perfect site to set up his operation. Law enforcement agent Jesse Tate is on the hunt for his first big arrest, but runs into a dangerous web of counter-surveillance.
The episode was rated 7.26 from 185 votes.
Moonshiner Tim and his partner 'Tickle' perform a sacred rite that is rarely captured on film - firing up their still for the first time. Everything goes smoothly, until an emergency hits. Meanwhile, law enforcement agent Jesse Tate pursues a hot tip.
The episode was rated 7.50 from 131 votes.
Equipment failure and an intruder threaten Moonshiner Tim and his partner Tickle's first run of moonshine. Law enforcement agent Jesse Tate busts a nip joint. Moonshining legend Popcorn Sutton runs some 'shine the old-fashioned way.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 112 votes.
In this season finale, one moonshiner will come to an untimely end. Tim and Tickle risk it all, running 'shine day and night, making more money than Tim's ever made. Agent Jesse makes his biggest move of the season when he ambushes an active still site.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 96 votes.
Moonshiner Tim and his partner Tickle soup up Tim's hot rod when they are forced into a daring, daytime bootlegging run. Meanwhile, a hurricane threatens the still site. Then, a new bootlegging biker legend sets out on an 800 mile run.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 99 votes.
With the leaves falling, Moonshiner Tim makes a risky move and adds a second pot to the still site to double his profits. Tickle has a bad accident - and Agent Jesse prepares for the mother lode of all busts.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 98 votes.
It's the dead of winter in Appalachia, and moonshine season is months away. Moonshiner Tim and his partner Tickle are planning a daring 100-mile bootleg run capped with a risky midday moonshine transfer - something Tim rarely does.
The episode was rated 8.12 from 26 votes.
