Plot Synopsis

THE PIONEERS is a one-hour reality series that follows four South Dakota couples for three months, as they trade in their 21st-century comforts for covered wagons, campfires, and the harsh reality of life on the American prairie of the late 1800s. These four couples, each with strong ancestral ties to the pioneer past, pack supplies and provisions in covered wagons, and these new pioneers set out together on the journey of a lifetime. On their way, the pioneers recover from a broken wagon and continue their journey to the homestead, as their guide, Chase, leaves them to complete the journey on their own, while warning the group of possible obstacles on the way to their destination. Their first order of business is digging the foundation for the first sod homes, but they're at the mercy of Mother Nature as they attempt to survive on the prairie. The four couples are: Mary and Marshall, of Viborg, South Dakota, who have been married for 12 years and have a deep connection to their pioneer ancestors; Mike and Diane, married for 30 years and living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who are a helicopter mechanic for a hospital and an educational assistant, respectively; Paul and Heidi, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who are the owner of a small business and a deeply spiritual stay-at-home mom; and Adayla and Andrew, the youngest couple on this journey -- she's the daughter of a preacher and a talented musician and singer.