Best Episodes
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!
Winter closes in as shiners aim to finish their seasons strong; Mark and Digger clash with the law; a breach from an intruder leaves Josh and Chuck deep in debt; and Chico and Sondra's operation is burned.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 198 votes.
Mark and Digger bring in a moonshine legend to rev-up production; Josh and Chuck turn to an old power source to prolong their operation; Chico and Sondra gear up for their first big sale of the season; Tim puts money on the line.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 242 votes.
With liquor stockpiled, Carolina shiners Josh and Big Chuck start digging for a new stash site. The pressure's on as backwoods distillers Mark and Digger haul 60 gallons of premium gin to Nashville the sale of their career. In the Louisiana swamplands, father/daughter duo Patti and David follow nature's harvest to make a sweet new brew.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 218 votes.
Josh and Chuck work to reclaim their place at the top. Later, money threatens an old partnership for Jeff, Mark and Lance; and Mark and Digger craft a special brew for a high-rolling customer.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 177 votes.
Tim Smith aims to put a whiskey time machine to the test; Chico and Sandra switch gears with a new recipe in hopes of jump-starting their stalled season; Mark and Digger opt to experiment with distilling an old classic on their high-speed rig.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 148 votes.
Jeff, Mark and Lance head their separate ways; Tim gets to spend time with an old friend; Patti and David end their season with a boatload of shine.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 226 votes.
Tim needs to rescue his operation, challenging the laws of nature and time. Mark and Digger implement a high tech addition to their operation that could double their output, if it doesn't blow them up. Jeff and Lance make a once banned liquor.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 238 votes.
Patti & David scramble to locate a clean water source for their operation. Mark Rogers ventures into unfamiliar territory to secure new buyers. Mark & Digger use an old moonshiner's trick to spook intruders from their still site.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 263 votes.
Josh and Chuck struggle to finish winterizing their site; Mark and Digger bring their two-pot still out of retirement; Mark and Mike have enjoyed a string of successful runs, but delivering the goods could land them in the crosshairs of the law.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 259 votes.
Mark and Digger struggle with a special recipe for a shine legend. Big Chuck tries to redeem himself after destroying Josh's operation. Chico and Sandra continue working on their still site, but disaster strikes.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 262 votes.
It's moonshine season in Appalachia. Josh has hit the ground running but working solo can lead to catastrophic results. And former outlaw Tim Smith is training his son JT to help run his legal outfit.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 294 votes.
Josh finds himself in desperate need of help following a catastrophe and Chico and Sandra's moonshine partnership puts strain on their relationship. Mark and Digger get innovative with their still, but the operation attracts an unwanted visitor.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 260 votes.
It's Christmas time in shine country! Mark & Digger get in the holiday spirit by playing Santa Claus for kids in need. Patti & David prepare special treats for a festive holiday feast. Bill and friends prepare for Christmas caroling the Carolina way.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 218 votes.
A rookie mistake could ruin Josh and Chuck's operation and Tim travels across the Atlantic to teach an old Irish distillery about making moonshine. Mark and Digger's mash test is interrupted by an unwanted visitor.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 264 votes.
Winter hot on their heels, shiners aim to cash in. A legendary partnership comes to a bittersweet end as Jeff, Mark and Lance head their separate ways. Tim gets to spend time with and old friend. Patti and David end their season with a boatload of shine.
The episode was rated 8.20 from 10 votes.
