Reality TV has long been fascinated with communities that live apart from modern society, and the Amish are no exception. Over the years, shows like Breaking Amish have pulled back the curtain on this private world, following individuals as they navigate life between tradition and modernity. These programs offer a glimpse into Amish culture—sometimes controversial, often dramatic—and raise questions about what happens when faith, freedom, and fame collide.
Key Takeaways:
- Shows like Breaking Amish, Return to Amish, Amish in the City, The Amish: Shunned, and Amish: Out of Order provide viewers with insights into the Amish way of life.
- Many programs are criticized for exaggerating drama and disrespecting Amish beliefs about privacy and filming.
- Viewers now prefer more honest, respectful portrayals of Amish life instead of sensationalized “reality” TV.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at reality TV shows featuring the Amish, what they reveal, and how accurately they portray Amish life.
Reality TV Shows About the Amish
Reality TV has found a unique and intriguing subject in Amish culture, exploring their lifestyle, beliefs, and the challenges they face.
Breaking Amish (2012-2014)
Breaking Amish offers a deeper look into the lives of Amish and Mennonite youths as they decide to leave their closed communities for the very first time to explore life in New York City. The series documents their intense cultural shock, personal evolution, and the significant consequences of their decision on their relationships with their family. The show was popular for its raw portrayal of the emotional and often painful journey these young individuals undergo.
Return to Amish (2014-Present)
Return to Amish is a spin-off of “Breaking Amish” that revisits the lives of the original cast members as they continue to acclimate to their new realities outside the Amish community or, in some cases, decide to return. This series delves into the ongoing conflicts and challenges they face as they navigate between two vastly different worlds.
Amish in the City (2004)
Amish in the City is a reality series that challenged five Amish youths to live alongside six mainstream American teenagers in a shared house in Los Angeles. The show is about the Amish practice of Rumspringa. This is a time when young Amish can explore the modern world before deciding whether to commit to their community’s lifestyle permanently. It sparked considerable controversy regarding the ethical implications of thrusting a conservative group into the urban environment.
Vanilla Ice Goes Amish (2013-2014)
In a surprising twist on celebrity reality shows, Vanilla Ice Goes Amish features the 1990s pop icon, Vanilla Ice, as he lives with an Amish community in Ohio to learn their traditional construction techniques. The series showcases Vanilla Ice’s genuine respect and fascination with Amish craftsmanship. It offers viewers a unique perspective on Amish culture through the lens of building and renovation projects.
Amish RENOgades (2014)
Amish RENOgades follows “Vanilla Ice Goes Amish” cast members Robert and Albert as they venture beyond their Amish community to undertake renovation projects across America. The show not only highlights their craftsmanship and ingenuity but also their humorous and often enlightening interactions with the modern world. It’s a lighter take on the Amish experience in mainstream society.
Amish Mafia (2012-2015)
The Discovery Channel has also produced its own Amish series in Amish Mafia. Amish Mafia, which has aired for four seasons, follows Lebanon Levi and his assistants as they keep the peace in the Amish community and protect the Amish from outsiders. It is important to note that many, including scholars, have questioned the authenticity of the series.
Sins of the Amish (2022)
The Sins of the Amish is a powerful two-part documentary series that pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden and painful issues within Amish society — the widespread sexual abuse that has long gone unspoken. Through the voices of brave survivors, the series exposes how a culture of silence, fear, and obedience has allowed generations of abuse to persist. This series approaches its subject with gravity and respect, giving survivors the platform to tell their stories on their own terms.
Documentaries Featuring the Amish
While reality shows offer entertainment and drama, documentaries about the Amish provide a more nuanced and educational look at their culture, beliefs, and challenges.
The Amish (2012)
The Amish provides an intimate portrait of Amish life and faith, uncovering the inner workings of this private community. The documentary investigates how the Amish’s reluctance to adopt modern technology and their strict community rules help sustain their unique way of life while also posing challenges to the younger generation.
Amish: Out of Order (2012)
Another notable production, Amish: Out of Order, follows the lives of several former Amish who have decided to leave the community and face the modern world, a journey fraught with challenges and self-discovery. Specifically, this series provides a personal look at the struggles and successes of those who choose to break away. Through their stories, it explores themes of identity, loss, and the search for belonging outside their strict religious upbringing.
The Amish: Shunned (2014)
Regarding content focusing on the practice, The Amish: Shunned centers on Amish shunning, where community members who break away from the church or disobey its teachings are cut off from their families and community. Specifically, this powerful documentary follows individuals who share their personal stories of separation, the struggle for identity, and their attempts to forge new lives outside the Amish community.
Amish: A Secret Life (2012)
Amish: A Secret Life follows Miriam and Dave Lapp. They are a warm and engaging young couple raising their children within Pennsylvania’s Old Order Amish community. Despite belonging to a church that forbids modern technology, the Lapps quietly bend the rules. Dave gets rides to work in a car. By agreeing to be filmed, they risk serious consequences from their church elders. This family-focused series offers a candid look at their daily life, from faith and family routines to their growing desire for spiritual openness and change within their community.
Controversies and Criticism of Amish Reality TV
Reality TV featuring the Amish has long balanced fascination with controversy, drawing both massive audiences and significant criticism. Programs like *Breaking Amish* and *Amish in the City* have been accused of distorting reality. This includes exaggerating drama, fabricating storylines, and exploiting participants who may not grasp the implications of fame. Beyond concerns of authenticity, deeper ethical questions arise about consent and cultural sensitivity, as Amish beliefs traditionally prohibit photography or films. Filming those who leave their communities blurs the line between exposure and exploitation. This raises moral questions about whether revealing a hidden world justifies intruding on one defined by faith and privacy.
Despite these criticisms, Amish reality TV has undeniably shaped cultural perceptions. It serves as many viewers’ first window into this private society. While such shows sparked dialogue about individuality, freedom, and faith, they also risk reducing a complex culture to a backdrop for entertainment. Their popularity reflects a broader societal yearning for simplicity and authenticity amid modern chaos, even as that fascination sometimes reinforces stereotypes rather than understanding.
Interested in the real Amish ways beyond reality TV drama? Click here to read our deep dive into authentic Amish culture and traditions.
Conclusion: The Future of Amish-Based Television
As reality TV continues to evolve, the future of Amish-based shows is uncertain. Initially, the buzz surrounding shows like Breaking Amish and Return to Amish has slowed as viewers grow wary of overproduced or sensationalized “reality.” Nevertheless, there remains genuine interest in stories that explore faith, family, and the balance between tradition and modern life. Because streaming platforms encourage more thoughtful, character-driven storytelling, future productions have the chance to move beyond drama and focus on authenticity. Ultimately, they offer viewers a more respectful, human look into the Amish way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shows like Breaking Amish real or scripted?
While Breaking Amish was marketed as a raw look into Amish youth leaving their communities, many elements were later revealed to be staged or exaggerated for entertainment. Some cast members were not as recently Amish as the show implied, and producers reportedly encouraged dramatic behavior and conflicts.
Why do some Amish agree to appear on camera despite church rules?
For practicing Amish, appearing on camera is generally forbidden due to religious beliefs about pride and separation from the world. However, most participants in Amish-based TV shows are individuals who have already left or are in the process of leaving their communities.
Have any Amish members ever spoken publicly about how they were portrayed on TV?
Yes. Several former Amish participants and ex-Amish individuals have spoken out about feeling misrepresented or manipulated by reality TV producers. Specifically, some have claimed that editing distorted their words or exaggerated their actions to fit certain narratives. Furthermore, others have expressed regret for participating, saying the experience brought unwanted attention or estrangement from family.
Where can I watch Amish reality shows online?
Many Amish reality shows are available online through various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, TLC, and Hulu. But remember to always check the latest availability as the offerings can change.
Are there any Amish shows that focus on traditional Amish music and arts?
While less common than reality shows or documentaries about Amish lifestyle and beliefs, there are some productions that focus on traditional Amish music and arts. Typically, these are usually in specialized cultural documentaries or local broadcast segments rather than mainstream television. For example, public television networks sometimes feature programs that delve into these artistic aspects.