# Swamp People Cast Reveals Secrets Fans Never Knew

Swamp People, the gripping History Channel reality series, has captivated audiences since 2010 with its raw portrayal of Louisiana alligator hunters battling the treacherous bayou.

Premiering on August 22, 2010, the show follows teams of hunters in the Achafalaya River Basin who risk their lives culling alligators during a 30-day season starting the first Wednesday in September. Hunters are issued tags, and tagging out before the season ends is crucial for income.

Beyond gators, they harvest fish, crawfish, shrimp, crabs, raccoons, turtles, and more to sustain their families. The series has expanded beyond the basin, featuring crews in Texas and other Louisiana areas, and spawned spin-offs like Swamp People: Outback Hunters and Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry.

The show’s success is undeniable: Season 1 garnered 3.1 million viewers, with ratings soaring to 5.5 million for Season 2’s finale. It became a cable ratings leader, leading to spin-offs. However, behind the scenes, the cast has revealed shocking truths fans never suspected.

One heartbreaking revelation is the loss of original cast member Junior Edwards. A fan favorite known as the “King of the Swamp,” Junior appeared in Season 1 and returned in Season 12 in 2021.

He left in 2015 amid rumors, but he clarified on Instagram that they weren’t asked for more money—they were simply cut. Tragically, Junior battled colon cancer and passed away in 2024. His grandson Little Willie announced it on Facebook, sharing emotional posts about his grandfather’s illness.

Co-stars like Ronnie Adams and Ashley “Big Al” Carriere paid tribute, calling him a legend and hardcore outdoorsman. Junior’s death highlighted the personal toll of the show, as he fought cancer while filming.

Another bombshell is Troy Landry’s legal trouble in September 2024. Troy, a prominent hunter and now “King of the Swamp” after Junior’s passing, was cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for failing to tag an alligator properly during a sting operation at Lake Palardi. He admitted to cutting a dead gator loose from his line, leading to two citations.

Each charge carried up to $950 in fines and 120 days in jail. Despite this, details were kept quiet—no comments from the network or Troy beyond a dismissive remark comparing it to a speeding ticket.

Troy continued filming Season 16, which aired in 2025, and maintained his social media presence, sharing family updates and hunting content. His fans remained loyal, unaware of the incident, which seemed to end in a fine rather than imprisonment.

The cast has also opened up about the immense risks they face. In a 2014 appearance on The Queen Latifah Show, hunters like Jacob Landry admitted to near-misses with gator bites and injuries like leg hooks. Liz Cavalier emphasized that shooting gators isn’t easy—they deal with apex predators that can flip boats or drag people underwater.

Experience in reading water and anticipating moves is key. Troy Landry expressed initial concerns about filming, worried the show might sensationalize violence without context. He stressed that hunting is about legal, regulated stewardship to control populations, not cruelty. The series intentionally downplays graphic moments to focus on tradition, family, and survival, preserving the hunters’ legacy.

These revelations humanize Swamp People, showing the real dangers, losses, and legal battles behind the cameras. Fans are left questioning how much is hidden, but the show’s authenticity endures, celebrating Louisiana’s swamp culture.