Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson became a household name thanks to her vibrant personality and sassy catchphrases on TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras. But eight years since the end of her spinoff show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, many fans wonder: where is Honey Boo Boo now?
Early Stardom and TLC Breakthrough
Alana Thompson entered the spotlight in 2012 during season 5 of Toddlers & Tiaras, quickly stealing hearts with her signature line, “A dolla makes me holla, Honey Boo Boo!” Her mother, Mama June Shannon, was by her side every step of the way. TLC soon saw an opportunity and launched Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a spinoff series that showcased the quirky daily life of the Thompson-Shannon family.
The show introduced viewers to Alana’s sisters—Anna “Chickadee,” Jessica “Chubbs,” and Lauryn “Pumpkin.” The family’s unapologetic Southern charm and humorous dynamics made the show a quick success, drawing millions of viewers and propelling Alana into mainstream fame.
Show Cancellation and Public Controversies
In 2014, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was abruptly canceled due to allegations that Mama June was dating a convicted sex offender. This controversy shook the public’s perception of the family and abruptly paused Alana’s TV career. The scandal drew major criticism, and the once-beloved family was suddenly under intense scrutiny.
Despite the negative attention, Alana managed to maintain her public presence with appearances in follow-up WEtv spinoffs like Mama June: From Not to Hot and Mama June: Family Crisis. These series focused more on her mother’s weight loss transformation and family drama rather than Alana’s own growth, but they kept her in the spotlight.
Dancing With The Stars: Juniors and a New Era
In 2018, Alana returned to television in a more wholesome light as she joined the cast of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Paired with Tristan Ianiero and mentored by professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, Alana placed 8th in the competition. While she didn’t win, she gained respect for her perseverance and energy on the dance floor.
“Everyone around me was so supportive,” she say. “Some days I would get super nervous and frustrated, but Artem and Tristan were supportive and told me I was going to be great.” This experience helped shift the public narrative and allowed Alana to step into her own identity, outside her mom’s shadow.
A Biopic and Telling Her Own Story
As Alana matured, she began shaping her story on her own terms. On the 8th anniversary of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’s final episode, she announced a new Lifetime biopic titled I Was Honey Boo Boo. Narrated by Alana herself, the biopic delves into her childhood, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.
This marked a pivotal moment in her life—transitioning from being a subject of reality TV to a storyteller. Through her narration, fans received a more personal and authentic perspective of what it meant to be Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, beyond the glitz and chaos of early fame.
Family Crisis and Legal Battles
Alana’s journey has not been without hardship. In 2019, Mama June was arrested for drug possession alongside her boyfriend Eugene “Geno” Doak. The charges, including felony-level possession of crack cocaine and paraphernalia, shocked the public. The case put a strain on the family’s reputation and added another emotional layer to Alana’s teenage years.
In 2021, Mama June was sentenced to community service and placed under court supervision. Her attorney later stated that all charges would be dropped if she completed the pre-trial diversion program successfully. Throughout these issues, Alana remained strong and leaned on her sister Lauryn “Pumpkin,” who became her guardian during their mother’s legal turmoil.
Who Is Honey Boo Boo Now?
Today, Alana Thompson is no longer the pageant child audiences remember. At 19, she has taken significant steps to build a meaningful life. She recently graduated high school and shared her aspirations of studying nursing. Alana also maintains a strong presence on social media, where she shares snippets of her life, promotes body positivity, and advocates for mental health awareness.
She remains close to her sister Pumpkin and her nieces and nephews, often posting family moments. Although her reality TV days have slowed down, she hasn’t ruled out returning to entertainment under the right circumstances. “I want to be known for more than Honey Boo Boo,” she said in a recent interview. “That was a part of me—but not all of me.”
FAQs: Everything Fans Want to Know About Alana Thompson
Is Alana Thompson Still on TV?
While she occasionally appears in WEtv shows, Alana is focusing more on education and her personal growth. Her Lifetime biopic *I Was Honey Boo Boo* is her most recent project.
Where Does Honey Boo Boo Live Now?
Alana currently lives with her sister Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, who became her legal guardian during Mama June’s legal issues.
What Is Alana Thompson Doing Now?
She is focusing on her education and plans to pursue nursing. She’s also using social media to advocate for self-love and share life updates.
Does Alana Have a Boyfriend?
Yes, Alana has publicly shared her relationship with her boyfriend Dralin Carswell, though they have kept the details relatively private.
Is Alana Still in Contact With Mama June?
Despite their rocky past, Alana has expressed love for her mother and continues to maintain a relationship with her, though their bond has faced many ups and downs.
Will We See More of Honey Boo Boo in the Future?
Alana has hinted at possibly returning to TV, but for now, she is more focused on personal development and stepping away from the reality TV limelight.
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson’s transformation from pageant princess to a grounded young adult has been filled with both hardship and hope. While she may not be on TV every week, her journey continues to inspire fans across generations. With dreams of higher education and a voice that empowers others, Alana is proving she is so much more than her reality TV persona.
