Extinct or Alive (2018– ) User Reviews

Finally a true in search of show that finds

[mustangride · 9/10 · 18 February 2020]

Unlike one of the best drinking game shows on tv "Finding Bigfoot" this show actually goes out and searches for real animals that were known to science and lost to it presumably.

It is entertaining as well as honest without the need for made-up-drama though there is some drama but the pay-offs in education are worth it an Yes when the Tort was found as a Herpetologist and Conservationist myself I did feel that joy in my heart.

Animal show with a twist

[seadamsrd · 9/10 · 27 September 2018]

My daughter loves this show. As a tween, shes loves anything with animals and science, and Forrest has captured her attention with just enough background info that shes learning biology, ecology, and geography and loving it. Has had a couple of "teaching moments" in the show, but so completely better than other the alternative types of shows she could be watching.

THEY ACTUALLY FOUND STUFF

[jbdietzler · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

I originally thought that this would be a "Finding Bigfoot" type show, where they hyped it up, but found nothing. Then they found the Fernandina Island Tortoise, and the Pondicherry Shark, and Dracula Monkey. The show is well written, and higher ratings means more episodes, which raises the chance of more discoveries.

I strongly encourage you to give a good review, if not for the show, do it for the possibility of more discoveries.

Inspiring! Genuine!

[bradencliff · 10/10 · 30 July 2018]

I decided to write a review here after discovering how misleading the others are. This show is incredibly engaging and informative. Although it's main focus is extinct animals, Extinct or alive educates us about many others animals. The host, Forrest Gallante, is contagiously enthusiastic and highly relatable. He does indeed swear during some episodes. However, it is censored. If this bothers you then I suggest not watching the show. Another reviewer was angry with the way he talked about some locals on an episode. He called them drunks and was clearly upset at them. However, these locals were indeed drunk and they illegally hunting endangered animals in a protected area. I would also be upset if I were a conservationalist. That same reviewer accused Forrest of of telling lies. They demonstrated that there is indeed anti-venom for the viper they encountered. However, they misunderstood the context with which it was stated there was no anti-venom. Forrest and his team were deep in the Taiwanese jungle. They were far away from any hospital which means there was no way of reaching any anti-venom. That is why he said there was none. Furthermore, other reviewers have said this is another one of those shows like Finding Bigfoot. This is far from the truth. The point of the show on the surface is to uncover extinct animals. However, biggest goal is to spread awareness of those animals in the hopes to help protect them. It is a show about conservation at the center. This is bedsides the fact that they do indeed find the Zanzibar leopard after it was declared extinct over 25 years ago. The problem with criticizing the show for not always finding the animal is because that is the nature of the job. Sometimes the animal just isn't there. That does not mean the show failed at its goal. In the end, it show that accomplishes it's goal of project it's message for conservation in the most effective way possible. The adventures and discoveries you see are extremely inspiring and the episodes leave you with hope for the future of the animals of this planet.

Committed and passionate, Galante grips the attention each time for this viewer.

[pronker · 10/10 · 10 August 2018]

He's the generation of educated, mobile and tech-savvy individuals who open up parts of the planet to the armchair traveler, which at age 64, I am. So he researches and shows us clips or photos of the animals that were, and in the case of the Zanzibar leopard, still are. This is an engaging show that brings interest to the subject every time. The thrilling globetrotting aside, his personality emerges along with Zachary Hogan's and Jeremy Wade's to the forefront of conservationists portrayed as they show respect for the folks in lands who live marginal lives in tune with rivers, the ocean and the jungle.

My hope is that the thylacine is discovered in Australia or Tasmania, and that is what drove me to watch the entire series. The methods showed me the dedication of troupers like Galante who monitor traps and motion cameras for the rest of us who will never tread a jungle path. We live in hope, as the saying goes, that a beast thought vanished turns up in a small population. If it could happen with the coelacanth, it can happen with other species. Way to go, Forrest!

Unfortunately, just another almost found 'em

[dextershepherd · 4 July 2018]

I had high hopes for this series. Unfortunately, it's in line with all the finding Big Foot, river monsters, etc. shows that lead one to believe they will eventually provide some shred of definitive evidence. Sadly, it's disappointing at best. They use a drone with Infra-red sensors. Why not fly the drone in closer to actually obtain footage? Because it isn't there. CGI? Like a National Geographic version of Paranormal Activity. Don't waste your time.

Passionate host

[muanchiou · 7/10 · 7 December 2019]

I like the show and I like the host. His passion is contagious.

However, being Taiwanese, I did find his episode in Taiwan somewhat disappointing, which led me to wonder how people from the other countries he visited feel like in those episodes.

The "drunk porters" he met there were from native Taiwanese tribes, and yes the tribes are known to drink a lot, it is normal in their culture. Dr. Chiang tried to tell Forrest this, and explained why it is important to look at things from the tribe's perspective, but Forrest completely discarded the advice and was straight out rude to the people who owned and lived on this land for thousands of years. In the show he had said that the civilization expanding into the nature is the biggest cause of extinction, which means he should also understand that "people from the cities, with their governmental regulations" hold no moral high ground on this topic, and coming in to tell the natives how to live their life is just arrogant.

It has to be a conversation, and people like Dr. Chiang understands and works hard on having the conversation for decades. It's disappointing because I think he does understand this type of nuances like he did with the Zanzibar episode, but Forrest did not show the respect in this episode at all.

Overall I still find the show interesting and educational.

Engaging & entertaining!! Forrest Galante is fantastic in many aspects on the show!

[lionsfan0975 · 10/10 · 16 July 2018]

I have to honestly say that each episode has me glued to my chair. Each episode goes so quick because it brings something new and is thoroughly entertaining. Not only am I entertained but I generally learn a thing or two from Forrest. Plus I believe what we see and hear can help people to believe in the chance of finding a supposed extinct species. I mean you never truly know and almost anything is possible.

Each episode focuses on one particular animal that has been determined to be extinct. So they go there to research and look for the animal with the hopes of getting evidence that they exist still. If they are able to get evidence and they can provide funding to assist the animal to stay alive. Along the way Forrest will also find other animals that you can see and learn about too.

Hopefully most people that watch will at least slightly change their ways for the betterment of the planet and our wonderful animals. It's sad to see how many living things have gone and will continue to go extinct due to humans.

The show is fantastic and they all deserve kudos for a job well done.

Forrest you are the man!! Keep it up!! Props to the crew and everyone behind the scenes too! You all make it happen! Lastly, thanks to Animal Planet for having this kind of programming!!!

While I do enjoy the show, I'm not a fan of the host (Forrest Gallante)

[dingleberrysauce · 6/10 · 5 December 2019]

While I actually enjoy the show, I can understand why some people see it as a 'UFO hunt' where sometimes they don't find what they're looking for. That said, Forrest does find animals that have been considered extinct and he shows the passion of finding these animals, which is fun.

The reason I created this account to leave a review is I think the show has included Forrest going against the recommendations of professionals, which makes me see him as a pompous, or a child that needs to learn the meaning of no. If your medical professional says not to do something and you go directly against that on camera, I wonder what the point is of having those paid professionals.

While I certainly don't want to see Forrest get injured, maybe he needs to learn a lesson. I'd kinda like to see one of the professionals be able to say 'that is why I said you shouldn't do that, but what do I know, you paid for me to be here.'

Great scenery...

[rhardy-390-701341 · 3/10 · 7 July 2018]

Traveling to exotic, distance, areas of our globe, in search of animals, supposedly extinct, based on tales and claims of locals and regional hunters!

Great catch lines and..not much else. The areas they visit are aesthetically pleasing, do not get me wrong, but the shows content smacks more of a UFO hunt. I had to listen to a friend who had became addicted to some show about a north eastern island, called Oak Island, that supposedly claimed to be the resting place of some fantastic treasure. Each time he would speak of it he would be less and less enthusiastic...and that is what the show has become for me.

It implies AMAZING DISCOVERIES and is simply a minor zoological lesson, with travail footage and images of other local animals...yet no elusive *insert random extinct animal*.

I find the show a big effort at running in circles. I would think that Discovery, moving away from the mental fluff shows it has been endorsing for the last 5 years, for concern of being the next channel with a slapstick nick name, much like The History Channels "The Hitler channel" tag that it distanced itself from through programming changes.

I would rather watch a show about a region, that mentions a "sighted" extinct species as a byline, than an entire show focused on ...air

If you like "WHAT IF??" shows, sure, this would work for you. If you expect the previously determined extinct *Again insert random extinct animal name here* to be AMAZINGLY discovered in the content of this show, you will sorely disappointing

Conservation at Its Finest

[dazzledtwilighter · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

10/10 Seriously. I cannot get enough of your show. The amazing lengths you, your crew, and other scientists go to not give up on a species is incredible! I always want you to find the animal, everytime, but know it might not happen. Then I remember that even with you bringing the animal into the spotlight gives it hope that future generations of the animal and humans along with conservation can save a species. Thank you for all you do!! Can't wait fot more episodes.

What an idiot

[jarvise-87184 · 1/10 · 30 July 2018]

Any credibility this moron might have had was completely blown when he started in Hudson, Florida, hunting for the aprocryphal black Florida panther. He purportedly was searching the *Florida Everglades,* which happen to be hundreds of miles south of where the program was filmed. He never got anywhere near the Everglades. What's more, he builds a fire under a kayak and cooks clams for dinner! Speaking of asses, too bad he didn't *ass-phyxiate.* ... or worse, cause a wildfire.

What a waste of air time, money and viewers' attention. We have so much work to do to improve the lot of wildlife. Please send your Animal Planet yahoos somewhere else. Florida already had Florida Man.

The guy literally found an "extinct" animal

[jordanmachock · 10/10 · 28 September 2018]

The show is well made, the host is great, the settings are amazing and unlike soooo many other shows they'e actually trying to find something real. There's all these shows about finding Bigfoot, the Chupacabra, or aliens and idiots across the world watch season after season even though they obviously never find something. In this one the guy actually tries to find real animals that are supposed to not exist anymore ... and at least once he definitively did. I've seen people complain that he doesn't find all of them and all I can think is, really? He's setting out to do something that is supposed to be impossible. Extinct means gone right? So if his success rate isn't high that makes sense. The fact that it's not zero like all those other shows makes it so so much cooler to me.

This is the way wildlife TV should be done!

[brooklynhendricks-47772 · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

Before this show, wild life tv was seriously lacking. Extinct or Alive is inspiring, educational, amd exciting. I hope it continues, so that younger generations can see what is out there! Steve Irwin would be proud!

Best show on television

[owenjroberts-01622 · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

Extinct or alive has everything a tv show needs. It's informative, educational, exciting, influential, and has a host with an undeniable passion for what he does. What sets this show apart from Bigfoot/Alien shows is that it generates results. Forest is a trained/educated biologist who does extensive research that in multiple instances leads him to rediscover a previously "extinct" animal. He isn't running around looking for something that was written on a 500 year old piece of paper by god knows who, or an oversized ape that has no scientific backing. He is looking for and finding REAL ANIMALS. This show is not only great to watch but it is great for modern day biology and conservation. It's a breath of fresh air among among all the trash currently on television. Keep doing what you do Forest.

Amazing work. Inspiring.

[kherny · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

In a political and social climate where so much seems dire and lost, and for good reason, this is the necessary reminder that while there is much work to be done, there is hope.

Things we may have thought lost can still be found.

The excitement and passion the host has for what he does can be felt in each episode and the discoveries he makes are momentous. A must watch for all nature lovers, and outdoorsy types alike.

A few bad reviews here and there seem more to be based around pedantic complaints and stick in the mud types. Everyone should watch.

Really?

[jla-56099 · 4/10 · 23 July 2018]

So sad that one of my favorite television programs recently aired with Forrest using profanity on what I thought was a family show. I moved 'Extinct or Alive' to the bottom shelf of my 'Watch No More' list. While In Taiwan in search of a purportedly extinct Formosa Clouded Leopard he happens upon one man, then another laying on the ground. He asks 'Who are these men?' 'Are they they drunk or on drugs?' Isn't he there as their country's guest? The U.S. has laws against being drugged or drunk in public; do we know if they do? Were they given a tutorial on these basics? He used profanity!! My heart sank to hear him sound off as though he was that country's leader! It seemed as though every other word he used was 'f...' and 'f..n'. How very sad this show aired! Perhaps many young people (and many more may be included from the various age brackets), this kind of unsavory language is not suitable for many audiences! I was offended! Even embarrassed for him! He is representative of us! I hope he personally does not have young people who look up to him. He disappointed in this episode. His expeditions are informative, educational & fun to watch. That will be missed. I give this program three strikes - he is out of my living room! Furthermore, he lied in this same episode stating the venomous pit viper the camera man was inches from walking on had no anti-venom available. According to Wikipedia, anti-venom is available in Taiwan for this venomous snake! Wow!! He said he does not exaggerate but not only did he do just that, he punctuated his information with a big lie on national television!!

Most Needed Show on Television

[phoekman · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

In our age of convenience and disposable everything Forrest Galante is a true champion of our natural world. He is an advocate for species that need our help. Besides all the great wildlife info, the show is fresh and fun! I am always excited for a new episode. I hope it stays on the air for many years!

Finding Bigfoot with a Scientific Basis

[mikerudek · 1/10 · 30 August 2018]

After Episode 1, in which our adventure star rediscovers a leopard subspecies, the series quickly devolves into a format that best compared to Finding Bigfoot, Ancient Aliens, and Expedition Unknown. None worth watching, IMO.

Formula: 1. Maybe this animal still exists? 2. We have only two weeks to investigate. 3. Take a week for set-up in new local. 4. Spend a lot of time showing things that have nothing to do with the presumed extinct species...throw in a cute biologist or interesting local character if possible. 5. Preach at the viewer about the horrible things they do to abuse the environment. 6. Show video hiking at night or doing other things that have nothing to do with finding an animal that is considered extinct. 7. Fly a drone at night and show some unsubstantiated green images that could be anything from another native species to a domestic dog or a cat. 8. Cuddle with some "cute" non-endangered animals. 9. Complain that time is too short and quickly running out (what did you anticipate you goof-ball). 10. Slobber on oneself while proclaiming, "I haven't found any subtantial evidence, but I still believe, and I will be back!".

Honestly, you time is much better spent watching any NatGeo or David Attenborough re-run. Extinct or Alive has quickly devolved into Cornball Adventure Television.

Fascinating show

[sousafamily · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

I love nature shows! I love the thrill of the chase. I love Forrest's enthusiasm. This show had me hooked at the very first episode. My kids and I watch every week and everyone looks forward to watching. Forrest is doing such an amazing service to the world. Keep doing what you're doing.

You will indeed see rediscovered species!

[chalkiaskostas · 10/10 · 16 February 2020]

Inspiring and unique. You will see first hand that some previously thought to be extinct animals are not! Surprised by the various novel techniques and equipment used to track and attract animals. A must watch!

YES HE DOES FIND SOME OF THEM, with close up video footages !!

[JonanthanNewOrleans · 10/10 · 24 December 2019]

In several episodes HE DOES FIND the extinct animal he is looking for!!! You can see video footages or he even holds them in his arms.

This is NOT like chasing UFO or Big Foot shows always ''nearly there'' but never find anything in the end.

Its depressing to see beautiful animals extinct because of humans but this show also gives some hope and happiness seeing some of them are still living.

This is real life real nature documentary so some things of course are totally out of control of the host and the crew, negative reviewers should watch Hollywood sci-fi movies instead.

10/10 totally fully recommend

Great host, approach, & adventure.

[gspfunk76 · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

Forrest goes in search of previously unseen or extinct animals with a solid, research-based methodology. I appreciate this as a lot of shows just go at it without putting in the research or sources. His eagerness and passion is unmatched.

Shows like this (and treasure hunting shows) often lead us out on impossible adventures and we expect (hope) they'll find what they're after in the end. Forrest DOES find what he's looking for on occasion, which is amazing.

It's incredible that we hunt & write off animals as extinct and they can still find a way to survive.

This is a great show and we appreciate the work that Forrest and his team put in each episode.

Dreadful!

[scarywoody-1 · 1/10 · 19 September 2018]

About as interesting as watching paint dry. Which would be interesting with the right host. This guy just isn't good. In the episodes I watched he trounces around at night using a lot of flashlights and infrared. During the day he trounces around complaining about garbage.

In reading the reviews that rate it a 10, it's interesting to investigate that the reviewers have only ever reviewed this show. I'm guessing they are paid supporters of the show. Possibly producers that are scraping for viewers. I go to the reviews because I'm interested in peoples opinion before I waste my time. When they seed the reviews with 10/10's it wastes everyone's time. We should find a way to bill them.

Hopefully this show is a one season and done. Make room for something better.