I can't say specifically for this show as to whether or not it is fake, but people do live this way up there. I lived in Alaska for 15 years. I'm originally from Arizona. I have seen people and have known people who live this way. Living this way is not mistreating the kids or in any way wrong. Some people prefer this way of life over what we consider normal. It's a different way of life up there; different, but not wrong. Please, don't judge without knowing true facts. And by the way, just because someone is a published author does not mean they are rich or have money. Not all authors get paid for their work; sometimes it is done just to get your name out there.
The family has made up their own accents...if you notice, they all have different accents.
