BROWNS DOWN Alaskan Bush People canceled after 14 seasons as late star Billy Brown’s business partner sues his estate for $500k
BROWNS DOWN 💔 ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Canceled After 14 Seasons Amid $500K Lawsuit Targeting Billy Brown’s Estate
“Alaskan Bush People,” the hit Discovery reality series that captivated audiences for nearly a decade, has officially been canceled after 14 seasons — and a $500,000 legal battle involving the late patriarch Billy Brown’s estate may be at the center of its demise.The show, which followed the rugged and often unconventional lives of the Brown family in remote Alaska and Washington, first aired in 2014 and quickly became one of Discovery’s most-watched reality series. However, the wilderness saga came to an unceremonious halt in 2022 — and now, court documents reveal why the cameras stopped rolling.
The $500K Lawsuit That Shook the Family
According to exclusive court filings obtained by The U.S. Sun, a lawsuit filed by Billy Brown’s former business partner, Robert Maughon, may have derailed the future of the show.Maughon sued the estate in April 2021 — just two months after Billy’s death — alleging breach of contract tied to two business deals made in 2009. He claimed to have invested $30,000 across two agreements: one for a 10-year share of profits from Billy’s creative works and another for a lifetime cut of gross income from books, movies, and television — including the wildly profitable Alaskan Bush People.
“Billy Bryan Brown and [his company] failed to pay to Plaintiff the monies called for in the Lifetime contract,” Maughon stated in the filings.
While the precise amount owed remains unclear without a full accounting, Maughon alleges Billy earned up to $500,000 per episode of the show — implying a significant loss.
Discovery Pulled Into the Legal Crossfire
In a dramatic twist, the lawsuit has even entangled Discovery Networks. Maughon’s legal team revealed plans to subpoena corporate representatives to testify on financial earnings and payments related to the show.This comes amid growing signs that Discovery has quietly distanced itself from the Brown family. Alaskan Bush People no longer appears on the network’s active properties list, and no updates have been posted since September 2022.Court records confirm that no new episodes are being filmed, with testimony from Ami Brown (Billy’s widow and executor of his estate) officially recognizing Season 14 as the final installment.
Ami Brown Fights Back in Court
In February 2025, Ami filed a motion to dismiss the claims against her, arguing that she was not personally liable for any of Billy’s alleged business debts.
“There is no joint community obligation of a spouse for the debts of the other spouse,” her legal team argued, referencing Alaska law.
She insists there are no grounds for a claim against her personally unless the plaintiff can prove she directly benefited or was involved in the contracts — which, so far, the amended complaint has failed to do.
A settlement conference is scheduled for April 25, 2025.
Family Turmoil Behind the Scenes
Legal woes weren’t the only challenges threatening the show. The Brown family has faced mounting internal conflicts, including troubling allegations involving Billy and Ami’s children.In August 2024, Noah Brown and his estranged wife Rhain filed for a protective order against his sister Raindrop “Rain” Brown, alleging harassment and threatening behavior during filming. Though the temporary order was denied for lack of evidence, Noah described an alarming incident during production, claiming Rain once said:
“My life would be so much easier if you were dead… I think that my gun is in my room.”
Rain has not publicly commented on the allegationsNoah later confirmed his separation from Rhain in February 2025 — further straining family dynamics.
What’s Next for the Browns?
Despite the cancellation, the Brown family continues to engage fans on social media. Christine, Bear, and other members frequently share life updates, while Ami occasionally posts on Instagram.The family’s future on screen, however, remains uncertain. With litigation ongoing and tensions still high behind the scenes, it seems unlikely that Alaskan Bush People will return — at least in its original form.One thing is clear: the Brown family legacy, like the Alaskan wilderness they once called home, remains rugged, untamed — and full of unexpected twists.
