Why Isn’t Liz Cavalier on ‘Swamp People’?

Longtime Swamp People fans have always known Liz Choate, aka Liz Cavalier, as the Gator Queen of the series, but, like many reality series stars, producers cycle cast members, leaving fans of the original season missing their queen.

Known for being the hunting partner of Troy Landry, also known as the King of the Swamp, Swamp People fans saw the pair playfully banter and cheer one another on during the hunt.

Liz’s powerful presence on the show was a family affair. Her last name, Cavalier, came from her first husband, and they have a daughter, Jessica Cavalier, who also appeared on Swamp People Seasons 4 through 6.

Liz, who didn’t appreciate being referred to as Elizabeth because only her father, Charles Dupre — also a fearless gator hunter who taught her the art of the craft — was allowed to call her that. Charles had a fearless and commanding screen presence, seasoned hunting skills, and distinct Cajun pride on the show, earning him a central role between Swamp People Seasons 2 through 6.

During this period, Liz hunted alongside Troy in Pierre Part and later moved operations to Pecan Island with her family and husband, Justin Choate.

But after Swamp People Season 6, Liz was abruptly dropped, as part of a mass cast shakeup by Original Media, the show’s production company, which cut ties with several legacy members, including Junior Edwards from Willie Edwards’ clan.

Liz didn’t take it lightly and went public on Facebook, sharing that she had no idea why production made this decision, and that fans of the hunters being laid off would be the most affected. That bold response reportedly soured her relationship with the producers, who allegedly asked her to remove the post.

And that’s how the Gator Queen’s journey with Swamp People ended, by summing up her reality TV journey on a bitter note. However, there’s more to the story, as Liz did show up on the show six years later.

Liz Cavalier Returned to ‘Swamp People’ Season 12

When producers asked Liz to remove the post, she responded with a big, clear “KISS MY A$$.”

She stood her ground and doubled down on her support for Louisiana culture and refused to let go of the legacy she’d built. But interestingly, after nearly six years away, she returned in Swamp People Season 12 (2021) for a full-season arc, pushing her episode total to 94. That short-lived comeback seemed to be a one-season deal, possibly tied to a limited contract or less-than-ideal pay — take that with a bucket of salt.

This was in 2021, and since then, Liz hasn’t returned and hasn’t made a public statement about a future return either. But, she stays in contact with her fans on Facebook, regularly posting updates and memories from past gator seasons. It’s also clear that every September, she still heads out to hunt and is keeping her long-standing tradition alive. Her posts reflect both her pride in Louisiana’s swamp culture and her continued passion for the hunt. While she’s not as active on Instagram, her daughter Jessica’s bio — “Gator hunter, Duck hunting, Hog Hunting, Deer Hunter, Nutria Hunter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Loving Life” — makes it clear that her connection to hunting runs deep and goes far beyond alligators.

What Is Liz Cavalier Doing Now?

Though she’s no longer on Swamp People, Liz hasn’t exactly slowed down. In addition to hunting, she shares on Facebook that she frequently sells handmade decorative items, like floral wreaths complete with birdhouses, likely as a creative side gig. These posts give fans a glimpse into her day-to-day life, which remains grounded, proud, and deeply personal — and every other day there’s a comment from one of the fans, asking her to either return to the show or let her know how much she’s still missed on Swamp People and honestly, we can’t disagree.

Liz currently lives on Pecan Island with her husband, Justin Choate, and his children Destin and Daimon Choate, who also briefly appeared on Swamp People Season 4. Justin was featured during the period when Liz led her hunting team apart from Troy. Her daughter Jessica also appeared on the show during this phase, and while she has reportedly dealt with personal issues in the past, she is active on her Instagram and paints a much more stable and happy picture. She’s active, smiling, and seemingly thriving. Liz’s family life, which includes hunting, seems to have a just as healthy pace to date, despite no longer being on camera.

Liz Cavalier Never Moved to Any Other Hunting Show After ‘Swamp People’ Sour End

Despite being a breakout personality on Swamp People, Liz never crossed over into other TV projects. Her only known non-History Channel appearance was a one-episode guest spot on The Queen Latifah Show in 2014 alongside her family, and this was during the height of her popularity. That appearance was more novelty than a launchpad.

She never pursued full-blown celebrity status or spin-off opportunities after that. In some way, that aligns with who she’s always been: a hunter first, a TV personality second. It also shows that her fame was an extension of her lifestyle, not the other way around.

Even now, Liz remains low-key. She continues to connect with fans, especially older viewers who remember her era on the show. But she hasn’t tried to rebrand, chase influencer fame, or turn her legacy into a product. That consistency, living on her own terms, rejecting corporate control, and maintaining her roots, might be exactly why she’s still respected in the community. While Ashley Jones or Pickle Wheat may have been called the new Gator Queen in recent seasons, long-time fans know that title was earned first by Liz, and it was never just for the cameras.

The Swamp People Season 16 finale is scheduled to air on April 24, 2025, on the History Channel.