The Real Reason Matt Brown Disappeared From *Alaskan Bush People*

Matt Brown, a standout personality on *Alaskan Bush People*, was a key figure in the Brown family’s journey through the Alaskan wilderness, captivating viewers with his adventurous spirit.

The Discovery Channel series, which premiered on May 6, 2014, followed Billy and Ami Brown and their seven children as they lived off-grid, far from modern society. However, Matt’s sudden disappearance from the show in 2019 left fans puzzled and concerned, sparking speculation about family dynamics and personal struggles.

*Alaskan Bush People* portrayed the Browns as a tight-knit “wolfpack,” surviving harsh conditions in remote locations like Alaska’s Copper Center and Washington’s Okanogan County. Over 14 seasons, the show faced controversies, including accusations of being scripted, yet maintained a loyal audience.

Amidst this, Matt, the eldest son, vanished from episodes without explanation from the family, fueling rumors of estrangement. Despite the Browns’ active social media presence, Matt’s absence was glaring, though a verified Instagram account with over 200,000 followers confirmed he was alive in 2024.

The primary reason for Matt’s departure was his battle with substance dependence. Known to struggle with alcohol, he entered rehab in 2016 and again in 2018. When the family relocated to California for Ami’s medical treatment, Matt stayed behind, likely to focus on recovery. This distance led to his exclusion from the show.

In April 2021, Matt broke his silence on Instagram, alleging that the production supplied substances to his family and that he was denied profits from the show’s success.

He claimed his father, Billy, controlled all earnings, leaving him with nothing despite the family reportedly keeping over $300,000 from him, intensifying feelings of abandonment and neglect.

Further complicating matters, in 2020, Matt faced serious allegations of assault from two women, reported to the Los Angeles Police Department. Although the district attorney declined to prosecute, the accusations—neither confirmed nor denied by Matt—likely deepened the rift with his family.

His brother Bear, in a 2021 interview with Distractify, noted Matt was “doing his own thing” and expressed hope for his peace, but confirmed little contact. By 2022, Bear clarified on social media that Matt chose not to return to the show or the family’s “wolfpack,” highlighting ongoing tension.

Today, Matt resides near the family’s North Star Ranch in Washington’s North Cascade Mountains, working at an orchard and sharing updates on sobriety via YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. He speaks of small victories and sacrifices, indicating a focus on personal growth away from family ties.

Meanwhile, *Alaskan Bush People* faces uncertainty, with Bear denying cancellation rumors in March 2025, calling it “on hiatus,” though a $500,000 lawsuit involving Billy’s estate and business partner Robert Mann, alongside Ami’s past-tense references in court, suggests the show may not return after its last airing in December 2022.

Matt’s exit reflects personal battles and familial discord, leaving fans to ponder the Browns’ fractured unity.