In 2020, Bree Harrison did a Reddit AMA for “Gold Rush” fans. But one fan, in particular, asked Harrison to talk about the show’s authenticity and how the miners on “Gold Rush” operate a million-dollar risky business. Harrison then explained why everything, according to her account, on “Gold Rush” is authentic. “The show is NOT scripted, and we are absolutely a real mine site,” Harrison posted in the AMA. “Moving that much dirt is insanely expensive and a huge gamble when you can’t guarantee what you’ll get out of the ground. Fuel alone is a huge expense, on top of wages, maintenance, parts, feeding the crew, etc.”
Harrison’s answer highlights the crushing failures we’ve seen from the cast of “Gold Rush.” From digging sites ultimately producing nothing worthwhile to machine equipment breaking down, “Gold Rush” has displayed numerous obstacles that would seem cruel and a massive waste of money if entirely scripted. Plus, all those setbacks definitely helped in producing stressful moods ripe for some of the shows’ more dramatic shouting matches or violent fights among coworkers.
Speaking of equipment breakdowns, while the timing of those occurring on the show could feel too convenient for fans, Harrison added that miners work their machinery long past their peak. “I understand why people find the breakdowns hard to believe,” Harrison further posted. “But the reality is that the conditions and work we do is harder on equipment than other industries, and I can say that after working off seasons in logging and construction.”
