‘Beyond the Bayou’: Jep & Jessica Robertson Make Major Life Decision

Jep and Jessica Robertson are back with a new unscripted series Beyond the Bayou on Great American Pure Flix and Great American Family. The August 13 premiere caught up with their family in Monroe, Louisiana. 

The winds of change were felt as Jep and Jessica had a major opportunity to consider, one that would not only impact them, but others who count on them as well. Read on to find out what Jep and Jessica decide. 

When the episode kicked off, the two introduced themselves to the audience just in case viewers have never seen anything from the Duck Dynasty universe. They’ve been busy with five kids and three grandkids, with another on the way — and that’s not even considering the two dogs, six cats, dozen chickens, and three beehives. “Needless to say we’re pretty busy,” Jep said. Their sons River and Gus were also at home with Priscilla and her son August. Gus was in third grade, around a decade since he was adopted. River was 17 with Priscilla going to school to become a teacher. 

Priscilla, August, Jep, and Jessica (Great American Family)

Jep and Jessica didn’t think they would be grandparents at their age, but they’ve enjoyed it. The two also find joy being mom and dad. Jep encouraged kids to play golf and tennis because they can play it at age 70. He mentioned Gus was naturally gifted at all of the big sports like baseball. During a catch session, Gus told Jep he had an idea to sell eggs from the chickens. Jep asked about his business plan. Gus called the name of his new business Eggalicious. River thought it sounded tasty, and Jep liked the idea. 

Meanwhile, Jessica went to visit oldest child Lily, who gave their mom and dad a first grandchild in Winston. She was expecting with her husband Austin. Lily confessed to Jesica that she was nervous about having a second baby, especially with her husband Austin working full-time. Jess said she has always been close with Lily. She brought her designer eye for the nursery. Lily’s sister Merritt was also shown. The second child of Jep and Jessica had a good reason to celebrate. Her husband Tyler was about to graduate from the fire academy, the next in line within a long line of firefighters. A party was being planned. 

Jessica, Gus, and River (Great American Family)

The next day, a friend named Lance came by to meet with Jep. Lance reflected back to when they were playing golf when he brought up the idea of acquiring ranch land in Texas and developing short-term rentals near the state park. Jep felt the vision would be a destination. He referred to it as a “Texas Shire,” likened to the Lord of the Rings. Lance wanted Jep to partner up with him in Texas on the construction part and also help market it. This was an offer that definitely got him interested. However, he was tied down with the whole family. He needed to check with Jess. That would be the hard part. Lance said to bring her as she had a design eye. 

Day 1 of Gus’ egg business saw him and his dad on the lookout for a good chicken they could use for marketing purposes. They also filmed some ad material and potential social media content. 

Later, Jep went to Jess with Lance’s proposition and gauged her interest in venturing back to Texas. Jess had her concerns. She needed some time to think. When Jessica looked for what Lily thought, the mom was indeed worried. 

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Jep and Jessica sought counsel with their Bible study. Pastor Trey went into the idea of decision-making. Jessica opened up about what happened during the adoption process for Gus. The church group prayed for them as they decided whether or not they wanted to go to Texas. Eventually, Jep and Jessica broke the news regarding the business opportunity to the family not long after they decide to take the leap. Jessica felt like this was a life-changing decision. Ultimately, the family were ready for their Texas adventure. Jessica tried to motivate the troops to pack up and get ready to hit the road to the ranch. She received a call from Lily, who couldn’t say goodbye in person because she was running a fever and not feeling well. 

Jessica said she was going to cry, but it was OK, “we’re not going to be gone forever.” Lily tried to ease concerns by saying the team  would be OK and get through it. Jessica was a little heartbroken she couldn’t see her daughter before the big trip. Joining Jep and Jessica  for this Texas adventure were Gus, Priscilla and August. They were optimistic about what was to come and looking to make lasting memories together as a family. For Jep, it was about the journey and not necessarily the destination. 

Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou, Thursdays, Great American Pure Flix; Saturdays, 9/8c, Great American Family and GFAM+