Everipedia Logo
Everipedia is now IQ.wiki - Join the IQ Brainlist and our Discord for early access to editing on the new platform and to participate in the beta testing.
Breaking Amish

Breaking Amish

Breaking Amish is an American reality television series on the TLC television network that debuted September 9, 2012.[1] The series revolves around five young Anabaptist adults (four Amish and one Mennonite) who move to New York City in order to experience a different life and decide whether to return to their communities or remain outside their communities and face potential ostracism by their family and friends.[2] It follows the cast members as they experience life in New York and face new situations involving work, friendship, romance, and lifestyle, plus the drama that develops between cast members as they undergo various experiences.[3]

The cast-members' move to New York City differs from Rumspringa, the rite of passage in which some 16-year-old Amish are allowed to experience the outside world and to decide whether or not they wish to remain with their home communities.

A news report on February 25, 2013, stated that TLC had ordered a second season of Breaking Amish with the original cast.[4] Breaking Amish: Brave New World is considered the second season by TLC.[5]

A third season of Breaking Amish, entitled Breaking Amish: Los Angeles, debuted on July 21, 2013, with an entirely different cast.[6] The only connection with the new cast and the original cast was Abe's brother Andrew Schmucker being one of the main cast members.

A fourth and final season of the show entitled Breaking Amish: Brooklyn debuted on September 18, 2014, with a new cast as well. One of the cast members, Matt, would go on make appearances in the fifth season of the spinoff series Return to Amish.

Breaking Amish
Also known as**
**
  • Breaking Amish: Brave New World
  • Breaking Amish: LA
  • Breaking Amish: Brooklyn
**
GenreReality
Country of originUnited States
Originallanguage(s)English
No.of seasons4
No.of episodes44
Production
Running time44 minutes
Productioncompany(s)Hot Snakes Media
Release
Original networkTLC
Picture format480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Original releaseSeptember 9, 2012 (2012-09-09) –
November 20, 2014 (2014-11-20)
Chronology
Related showsReturn to Amish**
External links
Website [40]

Controversy

Shortly after the first episode was aired, several news outlets reported that all of the cast had left their respective communities prior to taping the show, or that they were already married.[7] It also has been reported that the relationships between cast members were portrayed falsely and that there were many inconsistencies between fact and the reality that was represented in the television program.[8][9][10][11] The production has been forthcoming with some of the 'non-Amish' activities in the background of the cast. As episodes progressed, the production steadily revealed other aspects of the cast's past activities, including items not previously released as spoilers by other media outlets.

Some of the information shared on air by the cast during the production:

Season 1

  • In episode 1 it is shown that Kate had spent time in Florida, driving and getting a DUI.

  • In the extended version of episode 3 Jeremiah states that he was kicked out of the Amish three different times, dressing 'English' each time. ('English' was typically used in the series to mean "non-Anabaptist.")

  • In episode 6 Jeremiah states, when Abe talks about marrying Rebecca, that he was once married.

  • In episode 7 Abe and Rebecca discuss how they used to sneak off – with her boyfriend and with others – to dress 'English' and go bowling.

  • In episode 7 Rebecca discusses how Abe once moved to Kentucky and she to North Dakota, renewing their friendship when they returned to their Amish community.

  • In episode 8 Sabrina discusses the fact that she had been married, in 2009, to a Mennonite man – and that marrying a best friend does not always work out.

  • In episode 10 Rebecca states that she had been married directly after her 18th birthday in 2009 and divorced in July 2012. She also mentions that she has a daughter.

  • In episode 12 the group discuss the fact that many Amish teenagers will sneak out and dress 'English', and so it is no surprise to find pictures of them, or many other teenage Amish, during excursions outside of the community.

Cast

Season 1

CastAge1CommunityDetails
Abe Schmucker[12]22Ex-AmishFrom Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.[13]
Jeremiah Raber[14]32Ex-AmishAdopted by an Amish family, grew up in Holmes County, Ohio.
Kate Stoltzfus[15]21Ex-AmishDaughter of a bishop, grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, previously spent some time in Florida.
Rebecca Byler[12]20Ex-AmishFrom Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Sabrina High[12]26MennoniteAdopted by a Mennonite family, born to Puerto Rican and Italian parents.

Season 2: Brave New World

Cast[13]Age1CommunityDetails
Rebecca Byler-Schmucker [12]21Ex-AmishFrom Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Has one daughter. Got married to Abe in the season finale of Breaking Amish, and is currently expecting her second child.
Kate Stoltzfus[15]22Ex-AmishDaughter of a bishop, grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, previously spent some time in Florida.
Abe Schmucker[12]23Ex-AmishFrom Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Got married to Rebecca on the season finale of Breaking Amish, and is currently expecting a child with her.
Sabrina High[12]26Ex-MennoniteAdopted by a Mennonite family, born to Puerto Rican and Italian parents.
Jeremiah Raber[14]33Ex-AmishAdopted by an Amish family, grew up in Holmes County, Ohio.

Abe's mother Mary Schmucker and little sister Katie Ann Schmucker are major recurring cast members this season ^Note 1 : Age at the time of filming.

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesSeason PremiereSeason Finale
112September 9, 2012 (2012-09-09)November 18, 2012 (2012-11-18)
210May 12, 2013 (2013-05-12)July 14, 2013 (2013-07-14)
312July 21, 2013 (2013-07-21)September 29, 2013 (2013-09-29)
410September 18, 2014 (2014-09-18)November 20, 2014 (2014-11-20)

Season 1 (2012)

No. in
series
No. in
season
TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(million)
11"Jumping the Fence"September 9, 2012 (2012-09-09)3.09[16]
The premiere of a reality series following five men and women from Amish and Mennonite communities as they seek the possibility of leaving their old lives behind for new ones in New York City, though they also run the risk of saying good-bye to their family and friends forever.
22"What Have We Gotten Ourselves Into?"September 16, 2012 (2012-09-16)2.88[17]
The Amish find themselves in chaotic and vibrant New York City. Romance may be in the offing as the newcomers adjust to life in New York City, but their fresh start also comes with an air of tension.
33"Breaking All the Rules"September 23, 2012 (2012-09-23)2.78[18]
The cast breaks Amish & Mennonite rules by buying "English" clothes and getting tattoos. The cast grows more comfortable in the city when they get wardrobe makeovers and tattoos, and Kate and Rebecca mull modeling careers, but surprise visits by Abe's and Rebecca's families could put an end to this experiment. Also, Jeremiah has his first driving lesson.
44"New Beginnings"September 30, 2012 (2012-09-30)3.00[19]
Rebecca confronts a difficult episode from her past. Kate succumbs to the pressure of being shunned by her family. Sabrina tries to find out more about her ethnic background. Jeremiah continues his driving lessons with a different instructor.
55"What Is Really Happening?"October 7, 2012 (2012-10-07)2.43[20]
The cast discusses the pros and cons of the Amish life. Abe accompanies Jeremiah to a strip club. Rebecca uncovers Kate's Florida DUI arrest record which Kate must confront. Sabrina continues to look towards exploring her ethnic background.
66"Good vs. Evil"October 14, 2012 (2012-10-14)3.21[21]
Kate wears a bikini for her first photo shoot. Abe wants to take his relationship with Rebecca a step further. Sabrina, along with Kate, Abe and Rebecca visit the Museum of Sex.
77"Final Days"October 21, 2012 (2012-10-21)3.38[22]
Kate finds she is ousted from the others. Sabrina learns the whereabouts of her biological father, though she and Jeremiah keep a secret from the rest. Rebecca reveals a part of her past that she is not really in the mood to discuss. The cast makes a tough decision while packing their bags.
88"Decision Time"October 28, 2012 (2012-10-28)3.87[23]
The men and women go home to decide whether they will return to their communities or leave them behind for a new life, which may mean saying good-bye to their families and friends forever.
99"Party Time"November 4, 2012 (2012-11-04)3.33[24]
Sabrina uncovers her late birth mother's letters. Kate begins to accept the reality of her situation. Abe and Rebecca plan their eventual wedding. Jeremiah and Sabrina plan bachelor and bachelorette parties respectively for the engaged.
1010"Finale"November 11, 2012 (2012-11-11)3.80[25]
Cast members' tempers flare following pre-wedding parties. Abe and Rebecca get frustrated on wedding plans. Jeremiah is curious of how Sabrina feels about their relationship.
1111"The Shunning Truth — Part 1"November 11, 2012 (2012-11-11)3.88[25]
Michelle Beadle hosts as the cast reunites to discuss their first time in NYC, and even relates to relationships with their families and friends, their possible brushes with the law and the authenticity of their Amish or Mennonite lives.
1212"The Shunning Truth — Part 2"November 18, 2012 (2012-11-18)3.06[26]
Michelle Beadle hosts as the cast continues to speak about their lives, their cultural origins and the rumors and allegations that need to be addressed.

Season 2: Brave New World (2013)

A subtitle is added to this season entitled: Brave New World. All of the cast members from the first season return as they relocate and reside in Pinecraft, a small neighborhood located within Sarasota, Florida where there is a community of ex-Amish and Amish.[27][28]

No.No.TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
131"Nothing to Lose"May 12, 2013 (2013-05-12)2.14[29]
Abe, Jeremiah, Rebecca, Sabrina, and Kate have all had a difficult time adjusting to their new lives since leaving the Amish and Mennonite communities. Jeremiah hatches a plan to get the gang back together and give them all a chance at redemption.
142"Shunned & on the Run"May 19, 2013 (2013-05-19)1.87[30]
The group reunites for the first time since leaving New York, but they are not prepared for life on the road in close quarters. Meanwhile, when the Bishop shows up unannounced back in Punxy, Abe's mother Mary is faced with the most difficult decision of her life.
153"Facing Demons"May 26, 2013 (2013-05-26)1.63[31]
The cast has great expectations when they finally make it down to Florida, but there's trouble in paradise.Jeremiah's surprise visitor has an ulterior motive for showing up, and Kate comes to Sabrina's rescue when she gets caught in the middle
164"Flirting With Disaster"June 2, 2013 (2013-06-02)2.34[32]
Lingering sexual tension between Sabrina and Jeremiah raises some eyebrows, and the heat is on when Sabrina has a sudden confrontation with his ex. Hope for a fresh start in Florida takes a turn when unexpected and unwanted guests come knocking.
175"What's the Beef?"June 9, 2013 (2013-06-09)1.89[33]
Sabrina gets a call from a private investigator with surprising new information about her biological family. Abe chases his dream of becoming a professional bull rider and Jeremiah faces the consequences of his illicit affair.
186"Forbidden Fruit"June 16, 2013 (2013-06-16)1.70[34]
A surprise modeling gig in Miami offers Kate an escape from the others, or so she thinks. Katie Ann has a surprise of her own in store for Mary and a big decision about her future. Jeremiah discovers footage of Kate that leaves everyone in shock.
197"Devil in a Red Dress"June 23, 2013 (2013-06-23)2.15[35]
Sparks fly when Katie Ann decides to get an "English" makeover and picks Kate over Abe and Rebecca to go with her. Sabrina tries to find her long lost family, and herself, in Puerto Rico with Jeremiah along for the ride. Abe finally goes bull riding.
208"A Brother's Secret"June 30, 2013 (2013-06-30)2.07[36]
In the season finale Jeremiah comes back from Puerto Rico with a heavy heart and Sabrina makes a surprising decision about her future. An unexpected visitor from home shows up to check on Mary and Katie Ann. And the group finally make decisions about what's next.
219"The Shunning Truth — Part 1"July 7, 2013 (2013-07-07)2.38[37]
The cast gather for a two-part reunion special and ready to set the record straight in this explosive two-part reunion special hosted by NBC's Michelle Beadle. Plus sparks fly when the cast is brought face to face with two mystery guests.
2210"The Shunning Truth — Part 2"July 14, 2013 (2013-07-14)2.07[38]
In part two of the reunion special host Michelle Beadle dives deeper into the complicated relationships the cast has with each other, their own families, and two surprise guests. Tensions rise as more shocking secrets are revealed.

Season 3: Los Angeles (2013)

  • This season features an entirely new cast. None of the cast members of the previous seasons for this season with the exception of Andrew Schmucker who only appeared in guest appearances. He makes his debut in the third episode.

No.No.TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
231"Family Secrets"July 21, 2013 (2013-07-21)N/A
We meet a new group of Amish and Mennonite young adults, Matt, Devon, Iva, Betsy, and Lizzie, who are prepared to start new lives in the English world.
242"Exodus"July 28, 2013 (2013-07-28)N/A
The cast heads to Los Angeles and tries to start a new journey for themselves. Lizzie realizes she has to come out with the truth that she is pregnant.
253"Black Sheep"August 4, 2013 (2013-08-04)N/A
Lizzie's brother Sam comes by demanding to see her and his attitude causes everyone else to mind their own business. Andrew Schmucker makes his debut to the house and doesn't give a friendly welcome which already causes the others to find him as a problem.
264"Metamorphosis"August 11, 2013 (2013-08-11)N/A
The group undergoes a make-over to transition from their Amish appearance to an English one. Betsy's behavior begins to spiral out of control.
275"Exile"August 18, 2013 (2013-08-18)N/A
Betsy is confronted by her bad actions that happened one night that no one else realized. Iva is in distraught and is relieved when her fiance Sam comes by to make her happy, but is told even more surprising news. In the midst of the drama, the group decides to go to Las Vegas to have fun.
286"Sin City"August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)N/A
While in Las Vegas, Matt is afraid of getting into bad habits that could ruin his good character. Betsy is on the verge of revealing secrets that could destroy the relationship between all of the cast members.
297"Judgment Day"September 1, 2013 (2013-09-01)N/A
When Iva's fiance Sam bids the others a farewell, tensions build up among them. Matt interns for a fashion designer. When a baby shower for Lizzie is made, it is nearly ruined by Devon's mischievous behavior.
308"Into the Fire"September 8, 2013 (2013-09-08)N/A
After Devon is rejection from the house, Matt goes to preach about forgiving others to a crowd of skeptics. Betsy discovers some news from a genealogist that leads to her traveling to Mexico. Matt tries to hold it together in his first fashion industry presentation.
319"Paradise Lost"September 15, 2013 (2013-09-15)N/A
The group travels back home from Los Angeles. Matt is at a conflict with his parents. Andrew goes to visit his mother. Lizzie finally goes into labor and her baby's father makes a visit to support her through the painful moment.
3210"Second Chances"September 22, 2013 (2013-09-22)N/A
Sam does not like Lizzie's choices and goes to confront her baby's father. Andrew has to deal with his probation officer making sure he's not getting into trouble. Matt announces to the group that he's gay.
3311"Redemption"September 29, 2019 (2019-09-29)TBD
Sam makes a confession to Betsy on behalf of what went down in Los Angeles and has to deal with the consequences. Matt discovers that there is a warrant out for his arrest. The cast go to see Lizzie's baby and are shocked to see that the father is black.
3412"The Shunning Truth"September 29, 2013 (2013-09-29)N/A
The cast members gather together with Michelle Beadle in a reunion special to journey back over the course of the season and get to the bottom of some relationship and drama issues.

Season 4: Brooklyn (2014)

  • This season is titled Breaking Amish: Brooklyn and features an entirely new cast of people as well. This is also the only season not to end with a reunion special.

No.No.TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
351"Road Not Taken"September 18, 2014 (2014-09-18)N/A
362"On The Run"September 25, 2014 (2014-09-25)N/A
373"Bright Lights, Big Sinners"October 2, 2014 (2014-10-02)N/A
384"House Divided"October 9, 2014 (2014-10-09)N/A
395"Forgive and Forget"October 16, 2014 (2014-10-16)N/A
406"Out With The Old"October 23, 2014 (2014-10-23)N/A
417"Make Things Right"October 30, 2014 (2014-10-30)N/A
428"What Tomorrow May Bring"November 6, 2014 (2014-11-06)N/A
439"Seizing The Moment"November 13, 2014 (2014-11-13)N/A
4410"The Shunning Truth"November 20, 2014 (2014-11-20)N/A

See also

  • Amish in the City

  • Return to Amish

References

[1]
Citation Linkwww.thefutoncritic.com"TLC Takes Amish Out of the Country and Into the City in New Groundbreaking Series" (Press release). TLC via The Futon Critic. August 2, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[2]
Citation Linkentertainment.time.comWaxman, Olivia B. (September 9, 2012). "Breaking Amish: One Ex-Follower's True Story of Moving to the Big Apple". Time. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[3]
Citation Linkwww.huffingtonpost.comFurlong, Maggie (August 30, 2012). "'Breaking Amish' On TLC: Meet The Cast Of This Controversial New Show". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[4]
Citation Linkthefutoncritic.com"TLC Orders a Second Season of Hit Series "Breaking Amish"" (Press release). TLC via The Futon Critic. February 25, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[5]
Citation Linkitun.es"Breaking Amish, Brave New World by Breaking Amish".
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[6]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comBibel, Sara (June 14, 2013). "'Breaking Amish: LA' to Premiere Sunday, July 21 on TLC". TV by the Numbers.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[7]
Citation Linkwww.dailymail.co.ukWarren, Lydia (September 21, 2012). "Is Breaking Amish for real? Just two episodes in and already viewers are asking whether it's really all that authentic". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[8]
Citation Linkwww.dailymail.co.ukWarren, Lydia (November 13, 2012). "More 'Breaking Amish' bombshells as cast member confirms she is a divorced mother and another pair reveal they had sex while drunk". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[9]
Citation Linkwww.huffingtonpost.comHughes, Jason (October 22, 2012). "'Breaking Amish': Rebecca Admits She's Been Divorced After Abe Proposes". The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[10]
Citation Linkwww.huffingtonpost.comSieczkowski, Cavan (September 24, 2012). "Is 'Breaking Amish' Fake? TLC Addresses Rumors That Reality Show Is Staged". The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[11]
Citation Linkvariety.comMarechal, AJ (September 20, 2012). "TLC on defensive over 'Breaking Amish'". Variety. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[12]
Citation Linkwww.usmagazine.comCorneau, Allison (November 19, 2012). "Breaking Amish: 5 Shocking Show Myths Debunked!". Us Weekly. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[13]
Citation Linkwww.nydailynews.comNicole Lyn Pesce (September 7, 2012). "Cast of TLC's 'Breaking Amish' sits down with the Daily News to talk about their experience". New York Daily News.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[14]
Citation Linkwww.wtov9.comMinor, Eric (November 19, 2012). "Local 'Breaking Amish' star's ex-wife, former roommate claim series not 'reality TV'". WTOV-TV. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2013. Cite uses deprecated parameter |deadurl= (help)
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[15]
Citation Linkabcnews.go.comFaris, Paula; Singh, Natasha (July 8, 2013). "'Breaking Amish' Star Kate Stoltzfus Shows Skin in Maxim Magazine". ABC News. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[16]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comKondolojy, Amanda (September 11, 2012). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' Wins Night + 'Real Housewives of New Jersey', 'NFL Countdown', 'Long Island Medium', 'Breaking Amish' & More". TV by the Numbers.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[17]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comBibel, Sara (September 18, 2012). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' Wins Night, 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Real Housewives of New Jersey', 'Breaking Amish', 'Leverage', 'Hell on Wheels' & More". TV by the Numbers.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[18]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comKondolojy, Amanda (September 25, 2012). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Wins Night + 'NFL Countdown', 'Breaking Amish', 'Long Island Medium', 'Boardwalk Empire' & More". TV by the Numbers.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[19]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comBibel, Sara (October 2, 2012). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Wins Night, 'Dexter', 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Homeland', 'Breaking Amish', 'Long Island Medium' & More". TV by the Numbers.
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM
[20]
Citation Linktvbythenumbers.zap2it.comKondolojy, Amanda (October 9, 2012). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Steel Magnolias' Wins Night + 'Jeff Dunham: Minding Monsters', 'The Real Housewived of NJ', MLB, NASCAR & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Cite uses deprecated parameter |deadurl= (help)
Sep 18, 2019, 9:29 PM