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!

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.

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!!

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.