Luke Nichols announces hiatus from Outdoor Boys YouTube channel

Luke Nichols steps away from Outdoor Boys, citing overwhelming fame and the desire to protect family privacy.

Luke Nichols, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Outdoor Boys, has announced his decision to step away from content creation after more than a decade of outdoor adventure videos. The channel, which launched in May 2015, has garnered over 14.8 million subscribers and 2 billion views, showcasing Nichols, his wife Rebecca, and their three sons as they embark on various wilderness survival challenges.

In a video titled "Goodbye," posted on May 17, 2025, Nichols shared his reasons for the hiatus, citing the pressures of fame and the toll it has taken on his family's privacy. Nichols explained that the overwhelming attention, including fans approaching the family in public and stealing content to repost on other platforms, made everyday life increasingly difficult. He emphasized the need to step back before the situation became unmanageable, prioritizing his family's well-being over continued public exposure.

Nichols, a criminal defense attorney by profession, also mentioned his eldest son Tommy’s new venture, Outdoor Tom, as a future focus. Tommy, who recently launched his own channel, will be mentored by Luke as part of a shift in priorities, allowing him to guide his son’s development while preserving family time.

Rebecca Nichols, a key figure in the channel's behind-the-scenes operations, has supported Luke throughout the journey, managing aspects of the business while also contributing to the family’s content. The Nichols family’s emphasis on outdoor activities, self-reliance, and family values resonated with millions of viewers.

Although Outdoor Boys is stepping back, the family’s legacy will continue through Tommy’s channel, with fans eagerly anticipating the next generation’s adventures. The Nichols family’s decision to pause the channel reflects a balance between online fame and family life.