I watched the first show. Would sort of like to see more of them but what I saw confirmed for me that my reluctance to hike with more than 3 others who I know well makes for more successful trips.

Maybe the best qualified people quitting first means they are smarter. Best to know one's limitations rather than to press on foolishly.

And boy oh boy is Alaska a tough place to live off the land! Looks to me like fending off hypothermia is a fulltime job.