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“Ice Road Truckers” made a splash when it debuted in 2007, quickly securing a place as one of the History Channel’s most popular programs. Over the course of 11 seasons, it highlighted the extreme difficulties faced by truck drivers transporting cargo over perilous ice roads. Among the various drivers featured, Lisa Kelly stood out as the show’s first female trucker, showcasing her skills while navigating some of the toughest terrains in Canada and Alaska.
Kelly’s journey began when she moved to Sterling, Alaska, at the age of six. After high school, she pursued a semester at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before moving back to Alaska to work. It was during her time as a delivery driver and bus operator that she discovered her passion for driving, eventually landing her first trucking job at Carlile Transportation long before she joined the show.
Lisa Kelly’s Return in Season 7
When Lisa Kelly was absent from the sixth season of “Ice Road Truckers,” fans were left wondering about her absence. Producer Thom Beers clarified that although they offered her a return contract, she chose to take a year off for her well-being, as the filming schedule had become overwhelming. However, in Season 7, Kelly made her comeback, contributing to the series until its conclusion in Season 11. Over the years, she appeared in more than 80 episodes, marking her significant impact on the show.
Life After “Ice Road Truckers”
Since the last episode aired on November 9, 2017, Lisa Kelly has remained active. She spoke with Diesel Spec Inc. in 2018 about her newfound interests in rescuing horses and attending trade shows across the UK, where the show has a loyal following. Kelly also ventured into advertising for Chevron Lubricants, launching a video series titled “Destination: Further — Lisa Kelly,” offering insights into her life as a truck driver. The series ran from December 2018 to January 2020 and showcased her various challenges and jobs.
As of 2023, Kelly has been driving a Freightliner Coronado 122SD for a new trucking company, continuing her passion for the industry. Personally, she is still married to Travis Kelly, whom she wed in 2008, and shares her experiences across social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.
Will Lisa Kelly Rejoin “Ice Road Truckers”?
Fans are curious about the possibility of “Ice Road Truckers” returning and whether Lisa Kelly would be part of the cast. In a candid interview with Heavy Duty Trucking in 2018, Kelly revealed that early in her career on the show, she felt the pressure of being seen merely as “eye candy” and noted that she didn’t receive payment during her first few years. Despite these early hurdles, Kelly expressed surprise at the show’s longevity and remains hopeful for its revival. In her 2021 conversation with Overdrive, she mentioned her desire for a comeback, indicating her willingness to return if the show is renewed.
Where to Watch “Ice Road Truckers”
For fans eager to revisit “Ice Road Truckers,” there are still ways to catch up on the series, particularly the eight seasons featuring Lisa Kelly. The show is available on The Roku Channel for free, albeit with ads. It can also be streamed through subscription services like History Vault, Discovery+, and Prime Video, where the initial three seasons are accessible at no charge. Episodes and seasons can also be purchased on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and Prime Video, ensuring fans can enjoy their favorite moments from this high-stakes reality series.
