Apple TV's new thriller The Last Frontier has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows this fall — a gripping survival drama set in the icy wilderness of Alaska. During press day, Pop Culture Unplugged caught up with Simone Kessell, who stars alongside Jason Clarke, to discuss her powerful role as Sarah, the wife and emotional anchor to Clarke’s character, Frank.
On Joining The Last Frontier
Simone laughs when asked what it was like stepping into this massive production.
“Oh, it’s just a little indie, little low-budget thing we shot in Canada,” she jokes. “It’s epic! I showed my son the trailer and he said, ‘Mom, it’s like Batman.’ None of us were quite prepared for the scale of the show — it’s huge.”
For Kessell, the size and ambition of The Last Frontier were both thrilling and intimidating. “It’s got everything you want from a TV show — action, heart, and real human connection,” she says.
On Playing Sarah — The Heart of the Story
As Sarah, Simone portrays the quiet strength behind Frank’s mission.
“When you think about the relationship between Sarah and Frank, it’s the heart of the show,” she explains. “You have to believe Frank — as a husband, a father, and a marshal — or nothing else works. Their love and their struggles ground all the chaos that unfolds around them.”
She adds that authenticity between the two characters was crucial:
“Relationships on camera are really important. You’ve got to believe they’re truly together. Sarah’s strong, she’s been through a lot, and she’s fighting not just for survival but for her son.”
On Filming in the Harsh Alaskan Cold
While The Last Frontier captures the beauty of Alaska, filming in those conditions was far from easy.
“It was cold — like, -25° cold,” Kessell says with a laugh. “You can’t fake that. It changes the way you move, the way you speak, everything. I have so much respect for the crew who worked through that every day.”
That extreme environment, however, added an undeniable authenticity to the story. “You feel it on screen,” she says. “It’s real.”
On Why The Last Frontier Feels Different
When asked what makes The Last Frontier stand out among survival thrillers, Simone lights up.
“It’s pure entertainment with a drop of hope,” she says. “It reminds me a bit of the 90s — Northern Exposure vibes, that feeling of community and heart. There’s action and intensity, but at its core, it’s about people and connection.”
She hopes audiences will walk away both entertained and emotionally moved.
“When a show hits me, I wake up the next day thinking about it. That’s what I hope happens for viewers.”
On What She’d Need to Survive in Alaska
To end on a fun note, Simone shared her must-haves if stranded in Alaska:
“A fabulous hat, a gorgeous big coat, and a bottle of vodka,” she laughs. “That’s survival right there.”
Final Thoughts
With a blend of action, heart, and breathtaking landscapes, The Last Frontier delivers on all fronts. Simone Kessell’s performance as Sarah adds emotional weight to the story, grounding the chaos in love, resilience, and humanity.
🧊 The Last Frontier is now streaming exclusively on Apple TV.