River Monsters

I could care less about fish, but Jeremy Wade is 100% legit. He is entertaining and intriguing and the locales are exotic and beautiful. He also hosts two other shows which are just as good: Mysteries of the Deep and Dark Waters.

This is a great fishing show apart from the overdramatization, which for me is a major negative.

Some drama scenes are annoying and plain unbelievable. The plot of every episode starts with a mystery man-eating monster but in the end there is no monster (duh) except for some seriously big fish. I guess this helps attracts non-fishermen to a show that would otherwise attract mostly fishermen.

On a positive note, the host is a good fisherman with excellent knowledge of the fish he targets and the ecosystems they live in. This portion of the show is by itself highly educational and enjoyable to watch.

But this show is great. Watched every episode and would like to see more.

Years ago, the Discovery, A & E, and Nat Geo networks opted to eliminate true reality programming , in favor of scripted fiction on the paranormal. UFOs, crypto-zoology, treasure hunters, and rich Alaskans "living off the grid." Viewership and revenue went up; they're cheap to produce and can be rerun ad nauseum. The only cost was their reputation.

River Monsters is one of a handful of authentic programs left. You really can't script catching fish. It is informative, not only about the prey being sought, but the places and people who appear. Wade is an excellent teacher, and the programs include other experts on specific species.

I agree that the reenactments are a little too much, including one that parodies the flight from the ocean in Jaws I. But this is part of the entertainment side of each episode. Animal Planet has been showing old programs once a week, for those who missed their original run.

I'm a woman of 55 years old, this show was detrimental with my relationship with my son. He is now 28 years old. This show is more than just a fishing show. It stands the detriment of time. Moms if you want to spend time with your young sons, dads that go for you too. This is a best show to do it. It's an adventure in learning experience like no other show.