Hunted

I really enjoyed the first few series of Hunters and originally gave it 8/10. However, in the last couple of series it's gone way downhill, and I agree with other reviewers that it now feels very scripted. For whatever reason, the contestants act far more stupid now than they ever did in earlier series and that just spoils it for me. Taunting the Hunters with video clips on social media certainly isn't real life; who on the run would actually do that? The cameraman following the hunted is a necessity for the programme and I understand that. I've downgraded my review to 4/10 now and won't be watching anymore future series.

I don't know where to start!

It's a great concept but the statement at the top of the show probably tells you all you need to know. Something like "powers of the state such as CCTV, ANPR etc have been replicated...."

The hunted candidates are genuine enough and have no idea what they're getting into. Fair enough.

And the hunters and their contrived ops room, manufactured powers and cringing and obviously rehearsed sound bites are just laughable. "Let's take them down", "I want these two in the bag by the end of the day" and so in. Laughable.

And the "field agents" in their black SUVs. Couldn't be more stereotypical if they tried.

You'd need to be a mug to treat this show as believable.

Hunted is a fast-paced, addictive game of modern hide and seek. Civilian contestants go on the run, while teams of elite former FBI, CIA, and military professionals try to track them down using real-world surveillance tools. It's clever, suspenseful, and entertaining-but it also raises some big questions.

Many of the "retired" investigators look barely past 35, which makes you wonder: couldn't these skilled professionals be helping solve real cases instead of chasing volunteers for a TV show?

More importantly, Hunted serves as a subtle warning. It shows just how easily we can be tracked-through phones, bank cards, social media, cameras, and more. Everyday viewers should take note: we give up a lot of personal data without thinking, and not just to law enforcement. Hackers and scammers are out there too.

As for criminals thinking this show offers a how-to guide for going off the grid-don't get cocky. What's shown here is the surface. Real investigators have far more tricks up their sleeves that aren't shown for good reason.

In short, Hunted is more than just entertainment. It's a glimpse into the reach of modern surveillance-and a reminder to guard your digital footprint.

Here are the rules:

They have a 30 minute head start. They can take whatever they can carry including a tent etc. They have 28 days to get to the designated end location. They must not break the law. During active hours of hunting they must keep on the move and change location regularly – no hiding in the sewer for the entire time. They must attempt to throw the hunters off their scent – and do their best to decoy them. They need to make use of a support network and they must make contact with family and friends. They have £250 in a bank account, only accessible in small amounts via an ATM. I believe they must get the money out regardless of whether its needed as a rule. They must take with them a cameraman.

We are never told the rules on the show (only on the website). This means the players are made to look stupid when choosing not to hide in an abandoned house for the duration, as that would be trespassing. They are required to call home which gives away their location, but it is edited to look as though they are being stupid and doing it out of impulse.

Also, the law rule is ignored as hitchhiking is illegal in this country but they happily ignore that.

Its an interesting show, but the rules need better clarification and explaining to the viewers so we understand the game more, if we are truly to do as they request and ask ourselves what would you do?

What are these people thinking?

A camera crew must follow? They go to friends and family. They use social media. Mobile phones...

Powers of the state? Granted to a TV network should terrify us all, if they can get it? We are all in trouble, I can get it if that is true. Channel4 can listen in to phone calls? Even of non participants- how is that legal? That will be phone hacking, like Princess Di and News Of The World.

Is it the usual celebrity wannabe? Or someone looking for a life changing opportunity? As far as I see it is the former.

People, pampered by years of technology, who have no clue how to live off grid, after their fleeting 15mb of fame. Thinking Off Grid means charging their phone in a stranger's back garden.

Occasionally taking unsuspecting loved ones with them? Condescending hunters, mock them?

Jack the Ripper never got caught, it took years to get Fred, Rosemary, Shipman, Myra - bet they did not have cameras following them. Do the crew have their phones? Off or not, we keep being told they track... We switch from the black SUV's, control room to desperate wannabes.

Booking rooms on your card, going to friends and family, cash points, leaving notes at home... Are you mad? Moving between technology. How we are tracked, tender minds moments as people reach out for help to the obvious, unaware they are minutes from capture.

Contrived, scripted, you might as well watch Hollyoaks which is closer to reality. Pretty ridiculously, £100k is nothing, bait for influencer wannabes who make more after.?

Take it as fiction, a 007/MI5 style documentary as how society has turned.