Worst 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!
Mark and Digger set up a new still site. Elsewhere, Patti and David try their jalapeño whiskey in an untested market.
The episode was rated 7.42 from 140 votes.
The final weeks of shine season are here. Josh & Bill's liquor gets stuck six feet under. Chico & Tyler brew a sweet & sticky moonshine game-changer. Tickle gets trumped by his old buddy. And Mark & Jeff's first sale on the water ends in disaster.
The episode was rated 7.39 from 69 votes.
Tim reaches a milestone with his first bottled batch of shine. Jeff and Mark suspect a rival in their territory. Chico takes a risk that could cost him everything. Josh and Bill's only hope at financing their shine operation is to consider bootlegging.
The episode was rated 7.37 from 70 votes.
Mark and Jeff struggle to set up their remote still site, while Josh and Bill are desperate for cash to build a new copper still. Tensions run high in the Kentucky distillery with Tim and his partner Steve, and a new moonshiner appears in Mississippi.
The episode was rated 7.36 from 91 votes.
Mark and Jeff clear their remote North Carolina still site, while an argument between Josh and Bill threatens to destroy their partnership. Tim has a tough time adjusting to moonshining in a legal Kentucky distillery, and Tickle takes a road trip.
The episode was rated 7.35 from 95 votes.
Josh and Bill secretly sell their shine; Tim returns to Virginia to fill an order; Mark tries to make a delivery by boat; Tickle's deal nearly breaks down.
The episode was rated 7.30 from 66 votes.
Fast cars collide with backwoods tradition as Moonshiner Josh Owens puts pedal to the metal on the Carolina Dragway. Gasser rules mean vintage cars and parts only, but in skilled hands heritage pays off in horsepower. These gearheads race for glory.
The episode was rated 7.30 from 37 votes.
Tim works to fill a large international order. Elsewhere, Tickle goes to court in Virginia.
The episode was rated 7.28 from 131 votes.
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.
It's one step forward and two steps back for Josh and Bill as they near the completion of their bunker. Meanwhile, Jeff, Mark and Lance are $6000 in the hole after losing a batch of mash before starting work on their Highland Scotch.
The episode was rated 7.20 from 116 votes.
