Expedition Unknown

It's a helluva lot of fun to watch at that. I've been catching EXPEDITION UNKNOWN since the beginning, and, true, while there haven't been any major discoveries (keep in mind it's tough to unearth a hidden treasure in an hour), it remains a worthy travelogue and documentary on just about everything in the world that's been clouded in mystery or controversy. And that's it. Take it or leave it. Josh Gates, with that degree in archaeology, is the host we would all like to be as he travels a bumpy and occasionally dead-end road with a terrific sense of humor and a burning desire to explore the unknown. There are some truly fascinating episodes, well researched at that, giving the viewer a bird's eye view on some incredible case histories, ranging from lost treasures to Nazi hide-outs. If anything, EXPEDITION UNKNOWN remains a campy entertainment of sorts, with a host of unexpected turns and surprises, throw in some good camera work (whether it be underground or underwater) and Josh in pursuit of it all, and sometimes in disguise. Check out his salute, and in full military dress, to General Patton. Or is that George C. Scott? Carry On.

If Mike Rowe is the people's everyman host, Josh Gates is the host you most want to be. Who wouldn't want to travel the world investigating odd and unusual stories and historical mysteries? And not only that, Josh never seems to have a bad day. Perhaps it's just the magic of television but he genuinely seems to have fun with everything no matter what situation he seems to find himself in. He seems to genuinely enjoy his job and it comes through in every episode.

The show thinly veils itself as being about history and archaeology, but it really is about Gates and his adventures and misadventures around the world. Occasionally you will learn something and they will find something archaeologically interesting, but that's really not what the show is about. Being on the Travel channel, it's as much about the travel and experience as it is the science. Perhaps more so.

The show is well worth the watch.

Whenever I see Josh Gates I find out what the great guy is up to. Now Expedition unknown is really solid on the academic approach and source materials which is a huge plus. Josh isn't someone who will dismiss things out of hand because " it is folklore" or whatever. But then I would expect nothing less from someone who went to a reputable university.

About the show itself: there are some weird ones in it but he tries to remain neutral and only giving his educated opinion at the end of the show. Now he does seem to be over enthusiastic at times which can lead to hilarious situations ( like him falling, jumping off stuff(nearly plunging to his death) etc) So it is quite fun to see what he does next.

He also keep things up to date with the scientific methods and practices so it is a true show you have to watch.

Do you remember when you were a kid and you saw Goonies or read about pirate treasure and you instantly started digging a hole in your yard? Well that magic is still alive in this show. Josh Gates is a great host and takes us on voyages to other lands and remote locations steeped in history. Sometimes it is chasing treasure and other times it is chasing a legend but it is always entertaining imho and a 'safe' enough show that I let my 6 year old watch it. After the first episode we watched together, she immediately started dragging me off the couch to go look for treasure at the creek behind the house (there is a vine hanging over that part and bamboo that makes it look more jungle like lol). She now has a metal detector that we go hunting with on the weekends and has even buried an arrowhead she found so that "Josh Gates can come here and find it". Very inspiring and hard to find that kind of magical adventure show. Sure, it can be formulaic and sometimes things are not found or the dig is still in progress but the show often updates when things are discovered. Please keep up the good work, Mr. Gates and thank you for creating another generation of adventurer :)

I understand some of the lower ratings and their critiques. You get an appetite for answers and actually finding something significant and then....well I guess we'll never really know. Still....the show takes you to places and people that you may otherwise never encounter. It takes the time to provide cultural background and often rich historical information. My 13 yr old daughter loves learning from this show.....and most adults don't know much more than she does about many of the things covered in it. So it certainly isn't a waste of most peoples time. It's much more intellectually minded than most crap on TV today. Ya wanna tune out and watch reruns of Sienfield instead? Josh does well conveying facts while being entertaining. In this show, I think it keeps peoples attention to actually listen to the 'lesson'. Now I cannot say the same for his show 'Destination Truth' which is so very UNlike Expedition Unknown in every way. Don't even try going there. I will always look forward to EU though. To quell above 'the never find anything' complaints....it seems that, in this season at least, they do. We just saw a reconstruction of what 'may' be Cleopatra. An overall fascinating show with many learning opportunities. I much more enjoy Gates in this role than as ghosty guy selling tours of the local haunted house.