Where Is Chico? Moonshiners Star Absent from Season 8, Focusing on Family and New Ventures

The Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has long captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of everyday Americans brewing illicit liquor using time-honored techniques in the heart of Appalachia. The show, which dives into the lives of moonshiners navigating the dangers of illegal distilling while evading law enforcement, returned for its eighth season with a promise of innovation. According to a Discovery Channel description, “This season, a new generation of moonshiners are striving to take the ancient art into the 21st century, using age-old methods to produce new flavors and liquor varieties that could transform America’s liquor landscape.” Yet, one familiar face was conspicuously absent from the lineup: Chico, the Kentucky outlaw moonshiner known for his humor and passion. Fans took to social media, with one tweeting, “I miss Chico and his one last good tooth,” while another demanded, “WHERE IS CHICO AND SONDRA?”

So, what happened to Chico and his fiancée, Sondra? Why did they step away from the show, and what are they up to now? Here’s a detailed look at Chico’s journey, his new family milestone, his legitimate whiskey venture, and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of Moonshiners.

Chico and Sondra’s Exit from Moonshiners

Chico, whose real name is Matthew Louis Tungate, and his fiancée, Cassondra “Sondra” Thompson, were fan favorites on Moonshiners for their dynamic personalities and dedication to the craft of brewing. According to a Discovery Channel representative speaking to Monsters and Critics, “Chico and Sondra will not be appearing on this season of Moonshiners.” The statement confirmed their absence from Season 8 but offered no specific reason, leaving fans curious about the couple’s next chapter.

Chico’s bio on the Discovery Channel paints him as a vibrant character: “Kentucky outlaw moonshiner Chico is a man always on the lookout for opportunity. As fearless as he is funny, Chico throws his entire being into every endeavor he undertakes.” Beyond moonshining, Chico is known for raising and racing traditional Kentucky Trotter Horses, showcasing his diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit. His absence from the show sparked speculation, but recent updates reveal that Chico and Sondra have shifted their focus to family and a legitimate business venture.

A New Chapter: Welcoming Baby Wyatt

One of the most significant developments in Chico and Sondra’s lives is the arrival of their son, Wyatt. In November 2018, Sondra shared the joyful news on her Facebook page, posting a photo of their newborn with the caption, “To everyone that has been wondering what we have been up to here he is. Everyone meet my new baby boy Wyatt.” The couple, who also have a daughter named Alena and another son named Waylon, have prioritized family life, which likely influenced their decision to step back from the high-pressure world of reality television.

Raising three children, including a newborn, is no small feat, especially for a couple accustomed to the unpredictable demands of moonshining. The responsibilities of parenthood, combined with the desire to provide a stable legacy, seem to have prompted Chico and Sondra to pivot away from the illegal liquor trade depicted on the show and toward a more sustainable future.

Going Legit with Olde Towne Distillery

While Chico and Sondra may have left Moonshiners, they haven’t abandoned their passion for crafting spirits. Instead, they’ve gone legitimate, partnering with Olde Towne Distillery in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, to produce a legal product called Olde Towne Moonshiner Chico Spirit Whisky. This unique blend, consisting of 80 percent white whiskey and 20 percent bourbon, is aged with charred oak staves to create a smooth, flavorful spirit reminiscent of traditional whiskeys. The product is available in 750 ml and 375 ml bottles at 90 proof, designed to appeal to both moonshine enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs.

In a 2016 Facebook post, Chico expressed his pride in the venture, stating, “Well, I finally got down to trying to make sure to leave my family something when I leave this ol world. Pretty proud of what we pulled off their support has got me this far now I need some from all of y’all my spirit whiskey is in the distributors hands and the liquor stores have to ask for it in your home town.” He emphasized the affordability of the whiskey, priced around $20, and encouraged fans to request it at local liquor stores.

The collaboration with Olde Towne Distillery, which also produces hemp moonshine and other spirits, marks a significant shift for Chico. “I wasn’t going to sign with a big distillery. I wanted to sign with them,” he told The Anderson News during a promotional event at Marshalls Liquor Store in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, in 2016. The distillery’s general manager, Mike Richards, noted that while Chico doesn’t produce the whiskey himself, the recipe was a joint effort, reflecting his expertise as a moonshiner.

The Authenticity Debate: Is Moonshiners Staged?

Chico’s transition to a legal distillery raises questions about the authenticity of Moonshiners, a show that thrives on the drama of illegal liquor production. Some fans have long wondered how the cast avoids arrest while openly documenting their illicit activities on national television. In 2012, Kathleen Shaw, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, told Fox News, “If illegal activity was actually taking place, the Virginia ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement would have taken action.” This statement suggests that the show may be staged to some extent, with cast members possibly operating under permits or filming in controlled environments.

Show regulars like Tim Smith and Steven Ray Tickle have hinted at the practicalities of avoiding legal trouble. Tickle explained, “They’ve got to actually catch you doing something wrong. By the time that hits the TV… we’re not sitting where we [were] at the time.” This mobility, combined with the possibility of legal permits, allows moonshiners to operate in a gray area. Chico’s move to a legitimate distillery further supports the idea that some cast members use the show’s platform to transition into legal ventures, leveraging their fame to build sustainable businesses.

Chico’s Legacy and Future

Chico’s departure from Moonshiners doesn’t mark the end of his influence in the world of spirits. His partnership with Olde Towne Distillery and commitment to his family reflect a desire to leave a lasting legacy. While he and Sondra have kept a relatively low profile since 2019, likely focusing on raising their children and managing their business, Chico’s humor and entrepreneurial spirit continue to resonate with fans. His Spirit Whisky remains a testament to his roots as a moonshiner, now crafted within the bounds of the law.

As Moonshiners continues to explore the evolving landscape of craft distilling, Chico’s story serves as a bridge between the outlaw traditions of Appalachia and the modern craft spirits industry. Whether he’s racing horses, brewing whiskey, or raising his family, Chico remains a beloved figure whose journey from the backwoods to the liquor store shelf embodies the resilience and adaptability of America’s moonshiners.