7 Toughest Days

This is probably the worst survival show ever made! He does ridiculous things that would end up killing everyone following him. It's clearly just an entertainment show about locations most can't go to. In that respect, it's ok. Please never call it a survival show though! It is certainly not that.

It shows pretty places! It could be a great travel show.. He came from a different background than most, and I respect that he turned his life around.

I've seen the first two, and am looking forward to the third. Just to see a different place, and see some snow. I can't wait for the beautiful scenery!

First of all, aside from the amazing filmography, this is different from other nature documentaries and "survival" shows. The locations I've never seen before. (The climbing and hiking through the deep mountains of Asia Minor is one of the coolest nature things I've seen as of late). Critics are comparing it to other survival shows saying it's staged and fake. He has a crew with him, they research exactly where they're going to present a narrative to be followable and to teach the audience the most. He shows how's to survive unusual things, but they are planned to a degree. And to think of other reality tv isn't staged ti MANIPULATE a story, then you shouldn't be watching this to begin with.

Lastly, I have to say it. As a white man, I'm obligated to point out that a lot of criticism is indirectly criticizing it because it's starring a black man. There are other very famous survival and nature shows all hosted by white men and revered. In quality and interest, this is on the same level. Some people just have a hard time seeing past their blind prejudice.

In Gabon, a man asks him, "why are you here?" His response sums it up perfectly, and why everyone should give it a chance: "I just can't learn things from a book, man."

I like this show but it was a bit nerve-racking to watch because of not knowing what's next, which is part of the fun. Granted, he knows more about what's coming up than he lets on but I'm just watching it as a consumer I was a little stressed out, especially in the dense forest. He is quite the adventurer though, and really does some amazing and often crazy feats. I was surprised at some of the negative comments. All adventure shows are heavily produced. Of course he's not as alone as it seems of course because there is a crew there. But how can you not marvel at his adventurous spirit, his skills and the breathtaking scenery?! I gave it an 8/10 because he does complain a little much for my tastes.

The most unrealistic survival show I've ever seen. Wandering about the jungle with a rigging harness and a rope. Even Bear grylls would be ashamed and he goes back to a hotel after he's showed you how to survive.

His tips on checking for avalanches was look for a crack in the snow or listen for a loud thumping noise. Advise lime that could easily get someone killed. It's bordering or a public safety hazard for a show. No useful information at all caries a lighter with him and puts up a hammock to sleep in I mean come on by all means take what you want in an extreme environment but don't then call it a survival show.

I should say that in fairness the critiques I'm applying to this show also unfortunately apply to many other recent National Geographic shows. They're all the same in an annoying way: The host continually plays up the danger of the situation they've put themselves in and their personal fright level, in an attempt to make the show seem more exciting. But it just ends up making it annoying. Like when he pretends not to know that a waterfall is coming up, or when he asks his guide whether there are any roads in the jungle. Come on, guys, stop insulting your audience so hard. His guide can't quite believe his feigned level of ignorance, leading him to ask incredulously, "Why did you come here?" But the show lacks self-awareness, so they kept that part in.

There is plenty of demand for adventure shows, but we as audience members are not dumb. Stop treating us like we are!

EDIT: Another reviewer seems to be mentioning my review and saying I rated it lowly because the host is a black man. That's news to me because two of my most recent ratings (8 and 9) are of other nature shows with black hosts. I also recently rated Life Below Zero: Next Generation a 1, and that has all white hosts.

I'd like it if people could be less polarized in their approach to rating. Take a look at some of the recent shows with black hosts and you'll see a lot of 1's and 10's. It's disappointing but others of us are just trying to give an honest rating.

As for this show: No, it's actually bad. It's more manipulated than other shows. Watch 15 minutes and if you don't agree, well, congrats, you have a new show to watch.