Destination Truth

Paranormal reality television series (2007–2012)

Destination Truth

Title screenshot of Season 3

Also known as| The Monster Hunter (UK)
Genre|

* Documentary
* Reality
* Paranormal
* Mystery
* Travel
* Adventure
* Outdoors

Developed by|

* Michael Mandt
* Neil Mandt

Presented by| Josh Gates
Starring| Josh Gates
Narrated by|

* Josh Gates
* Jerry Bishop (intro only)

Country of origin| United States
Original language| English
No. of seasons| 5
No. of episodes| 55 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers|

* Michael Mandt (S1–S5)
* Neil Mandt (S1–S5)
* Lucia Gervino (S1)
* Rob Swartz (S1)
* Casey Brummels (S2)
* Brad Kuhlman (S2–S5)
* Bischa Gholam (S3)
* Bobby Pura (S3.5–S5)
* Josh Gates (S5)

Running time| 45 minutes
Production companies|

* Mandt Bros. Productions
* Ping Pong Productions

Original release
Network| Syfy
Release| June 6, 2007 (2007-06-06) –
August 14, 2012 (2012-08-14)
Related

* Expedition Unknown
* Stranded
* Ghost Hunters
* Ghost Hunters International
* Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files
* Legendary Locations

Destination Truth is an American paranormal reality television series that premiered on June 6, 2007, on Syfy. Produced by Mandt Bros. Productions and Ping Pong Productions, the program follows paranormal researcher Josh Gates around the world to investigate claims of the supernatural, mainly in the field of cryptozoology. The third season concluded on April 21, 2010, and holds the highest ratings ever for the series, which continued with a fourth season, beginning on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.[1] The fifth season began July 10, 2012.[2] On March 27, 2014, Gates confirmed via his Facebook account that Destination Truth had ended its run and would not be returning for a sixth season.

## Format

[edit]

Each episode runs for about 45 minutes and typically features two investigations of paranormal activity, usually involving the search for cryptozoological creatures. Gates and his team venture out to various locations around the world where Gates interviews witnesses, reviews any physical evidence they might have, and researches the local history. Later, Gates and his team go into the field, often after nightfall, in an attempt to capture firsthand evidence of the existence of these legendary creatures. Any evidence gathered is then sent to independent experts, generally laboratories or academics in the United States, for further analysis.

The cases rely heavily on field investigation. Typically, Gates' team members split up into two or more groups to survey an area using night vision and thermal imaging cameras. They also commonly use electromagnetic field monitoring and detection equipment when cases contain claims of the supernatural. The team use walkie-talkies to relay findings to a base camp, but also carry backpack mounted cameras, microphone rigs, and hand-held night vision systems to gather evidence, and to replace a traditional camera and sound crew.

Footage from the show is usually edited from an entertainment perspective that relies on "suspense building mechanisms" such as brief segments involving team members becoming agitated or startled, asserting they have seen or heard something of interest and then followed by a sudden cut to a commercial break. Conclusion of what happened is then revealed after the break.

At the end of each segment the show details the teams findings with a brief dialog in which Gates typically either states that the accounts on which the case was based are largely myth, or that they are supported by the team's findings.

## Ratings

[edit]

The season three premiere of Destination Truth hit a series high with 2.1 million viewers, the largest number of viewers ever for an episode of the series and the first episode to be watched by over two million viewers.[1] The second episode of the season broke more ratings records, despite formidable competition, and achieved 2.021 million viewers, the second episode of the series to have more than 2 million viewers, and the second episode in a row to do so.[1] The fourth episode broke the record set by the season premiere, with 2.3 million viewers. When season 3 continued on March 17, 2010, the show received its best premiere rating, with 2.2 million viewers.[3]

## Episodes

[edit]

Main article: List of Destination Truth episodes

## Cast and crew

[edit]

A feature of Destination Truth is that along with Josh Gates, who heads up the investigations, members of his production crew also directly participate in the cases and double as his research team rather than remaining behind the scenes and off camera.

Final Season Cast (season 5)[4]

* Josh Gates – host, lead investigator, co-producer
* Erin Ryder – case manager
* Kyle Wheeler – cameraman
* David D'Angelo – cameraman
* Katy Murakami – field investigator
* Adam Butler – audio
* Tristant Icaza – tech specialist
* Richie Fung – medic

Former

* Drew Adams – production assistant
* Allie Boettger – sound engineer
* Hank Braxtan – tech expert, post producer
* Casey Brumels – camera operator, co-executive producer
* Ron Carlson – producer
* Gabriel "Gabe" Copeland – camera operator
* Jael de Pardo – researcher, field producer, investigator
* Rey Delgado – medic
* Vlad Garcia – audio technician
* Bicha Gholam – case manager
* Lindsay Gillette – researcher
* Tony Gonzales – tech manager
* Shawn A. Goodwin – medic
* Naomi Grossman – production assistant
* Richard Hackney – Motion GFX, Assistant Editor
* Araceli Haldeman – assistant producer

Former cont.

* Sharra Jenkins – tech specialist
* Chris Lore – case manager
* Mike Morrell – audio engineer
* Bobby Pura – co-producer, investigator
* Dan Ramirez – director, camera operator
* Nick Scown – producer, editor
* Star Seifert – producer, researcher
* Ian Shorr – producer, researcher
* Erica "Shush" Shusha – camera operator
* Vanessa Joy Smith – tech manager
* Michael "Ponch" St. Hilaire – audio technician
* Evan B. Stone – camera operator
* Jarrod Tomassi – medic
* Jed Udall – camera operator
* Rich Velazquez – audio technician
* Rex Williams – medic
* Eric Wing – camera operator, producer, casting director
* Ali Zubik – field producer, investigator

Other

* Michael Adler – sound mixer
* Brad Kuhlman – executive producer, former investigator
* Neil Mandt – creator, camera operator, executive producer
* Michael Mandt – creator, executive producer
* Jeff Rice – producer
* Angela Wittenberg – editor

|

### Guest appearances

[edit]

Over the seasons, Gates has built a relationship with the TAPS team from SyFy's paranormal show Ghost Hunters and frequently brings his own ghost hunting evidence to them for review and comment. Likewise, Gates has been on their programs, frequently hosting their Halloween specials and other live events.

* Jason Hawes – TAPS investigator
* Grant Wilson – TAPS investigator
* Steve Gonsalves – TAPS investigator
* Dave Tango – TAPS investigator
* Jael de Pardo – investigator

* Robb Demarest – GHI investigator
* Dustin Pari – TAPS/GHI investigator
* Barry Fitzgerald – GHI investigator
* Kris Williams – TAPS/GHI investigator
* Allison Scagliotti – actress Warehouse 13

|

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Syfy's Destination Truth season premiere hits series high with 2.1 million viewers". TVbytheNumbers.com. September 10, 2009. Archived from the original on March 2, 2010. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
2. ^ "Destination Truth". Syfy. Archived from the original on December 5, 2010. Retrieved November 23, 2009.
3. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 18, 2010). "Syfy's "Destination Truth" Scores Its Best Season Premiere Ratings Ever". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 11, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2010.
4. ^ "Destination Truth". Syfy.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website by Syfy
* Official website by Mandt Bros. Productions
* Official website by Ping Pong Productions
* Destination Truth at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Syfy original programming

Current|

* The Ark (since 2023)
* Resident Alien (since 2021)
* Revival (since 2025)
* SurrealEstate (since 2021)

Former|

| 1990s debuts|

* The Animation Station (1995–97)
* Cartoon Quest (1992–95)
* Farscape (1999–2003)
* First Wave (1998–2001)
* FTL Newsfeed (1992–96)
* Mission Genesis (1997)
* Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1997–99)
* Poltergeist: The Legacy (1999)
* Sightings (1996–98)
* Sliders (1998–2000)
* Welcome to Paradox (1998)

|

2000s debuts|

* Andromeda (2004–05)
* Battlestar Galactica (2004–09)
* Black Scorpion (2001)
* Cha$e (2008)
* Charlie Jade (2008)
* The Chronicle (2001–02)
* Destination Truth (2007–12)
* Doctor Who (2006–09)
* The Dream Team with Annabelle and Michael (2003)
* The Dresden Files (2007)
* ECW (2006–10)
* Estate of Panic (2008)
* Eureka (2006–12)
* Exposure (2000–02)
* Flash Gordon (2007–08)
* Ghost Hunters (2004–16)
* Ghost Hunters Academy (2009–10)
* Ghost Hunters International (2008–12)
* Good vs. Evil (2000)
* Guinea Pig (2008)
* The Invisible Man (2000–02)
* In Search of... (2002)
* Into the Unknown with George Noory (2008)
* Lexx (2000–02)
* Mad Mad House (2004)
* Mind Control with Derren Brown (2007)
* The Outer Limits (2001–02)
* Outer Space Astronauts (2009)
* Painkiller Jane (2007)
* Proof Positive (2004)
* Psychic at Large (2006)
* Sanctuary (2008–11)
* Scare Tactics (2003–13)
* Sci Fi Investigates (2003)
* The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne (2001)
* Stargate SG-1 (2002–2007)
* Stargate Atlantis (2004–09)
* Stargate Universe (2009–11)
* Tremors (2003)
* Tripping the Rift (2004–05)
* Warehouse 13 (2009–14)
* WCG Ultimate Gamer (2009–10)
* Who Wants to Be a Superhero? (2006–07)

2010s debuts|

* 12 Monkeys (2015–18)
* Aftermath (2016)
* Alien News Desk (2019)
* Alphas (2011–12)
* The Almighty Johnsons (2014)
* Bazillion Dollar Club (2015)
* Being Human (2011–14)
* Bitten (2014–16)
* Blood Drive (2017)
* Caprica (2010)
* Channel Zero (2016–18)
* Close Up Kings (2015)
* Collection Intervention (2012)
* Con Man (2017)
* Continuum (2013–15)
* Cosplay Melee (2017)
* Dark Matter (2015–17)
* Deadly Class (2019)
* Deals from the Darkside (2012)
* Deep South Paranormal (2013)
* Defiance (2013–15)
* Dominion (2014–15)
* Dream Machines (2012)
* The Expanse (2015–18)
* Exit (2013)
* Face Off (2011–18)
* Face Off: Game Face (2017)
* Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files (2010–14)
* Fangasm (2013)
* Geeks Who Drink (2015)
* Ghost Mine (2013)
* Ghost Wars (2017–18)
* Happy! (2017–19)
* Haunted Collector (2011–13)
* Haunted Highway (2012–13)
* Haunting: Australia (2015)
* Haven (2010–15)
* Helix (2014–15)
* Heroes of Cosplay (2013–14)
* Hollywood Treasure (2010–12)
* Hot Set (2012)
* Hunters (2016)
* Incorporated (2016–17)
* Insane or Inspired? (2012)
* The Internet Ruined My Life (2016)
* Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge (2014)
* Joe Rogan Questions Everything (2013)
* Killer Contact (2013)
* Killjoys (2015–19)
* Krypton (2018–19)
* Legend Quest (2011)
* Lost Girl (2012–16)
* The Magicians (2015–20)
* Marcel's Quantum Kitchen (2011)
* Mary Knows Best (2010)
* Merlin (2010–13)
* Métal Hurlant Chronicles (2014)
* Monster Man (2012)
* Naked Vegas (2013)
* Nightflyers (2018)
* Olympus (2015)
* Opposite Worlds (2014)
* Paranormal Witness (2011–16)
* Primeval: New World (2013)
* Reactor (2015)
* Robot Combat League (2013)
* School Spirits (2012)
* Sinbad (2013)
* Stranded (2013)
* Superstition (2017–18)
* Total Blackout (2012–13)
* Troy: Street Magic (2015)
* Van Helsing (2016–21)
* Viral Video Showdown (2012)
* Weird or What? (2013–14)
* The Wil Wheaton Project (2014)
* Wizard Wars (2014–15)
* WWE NXT (2010; 21–22)
* WWE SmackDown (2010–15)
* Wynonna Earp (2016–21)
* Z Nation (2014–18)

2020s debuts|

* Astrid & Lilly Save the World (2022)
* Chucky (2021–24)
* Day of the Dead (2021)
* Devil May Care (2021)
* Dr. Havoc's Diary (2020)
* The Great Debate (2020)
* Hell Den (2020)
* Magical Girl Friendship Squad (2020)
* The Movie Show (2020–21)
* The Pole (2021)
* Reginald the Vampire (2022–24)
* The Summoner (2021)
* Vagrant Queen (2020)
* Wild Life (2020)

Miniseries|

* 5ive Days to Midnight (2004)
* Alice (2009)
* Ascension (2014)
* Battlestar Galactica (2003)
* Beast Legends (2010)
* Childhood's End (2015)
* Dark Kingdom: The Dragon King (2004)
* Earthsea (2004)
* Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars (2004)
* Firestarter: Rekindled (2002)
* Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003)
* Frank Herbert's Dune (2000)
* Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2006)
* Knights of Bloodsteel (2009)
* The Lost Room (2006)
* Neverland (2011)
* The Phantom (2009)
* Riverworld (2010)
* Taken (2002)
* Tin Man (2007)
* Town of the Living Dead (2014)
* Treasure Island (2012)
* The Triangle (2005)

* v
* t
* e

Cryptozoology

Core topics|

* Cryptozoology
* List of cryptids

Cryptozoologists|

* Henry H. Bauer
* Jon-Erik Beckjord
* John Bindernagel
* Peter C. Byrne
* David Hatcher Childress
* Loren Coleman
* William R. Corliss
* Peter Costello
* Tim Dinsdale
* Richard Ellis
* Richard Freeman
* Charles Gould
* Rupert Gould
* John Willison Green
* Richard Greenwell
* Bernard Heuvelmans
* Ralph Izzard
* John Keel
* Aleksandr Kondratov
* Grover Krantz
* Willy Ley
* Roy Mackal
* Vladimir Markotic
* Jeffrey Meldrum
* John R. Napier
* Michael Newton
* Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans
* David Paulides
* Boris Porshnev
* Ivan T. Sanderson
* Karl Shuker
* Gardner Soule
* Roderick Sprague
* Odette Tchernine

Books and
television|

* Animalia Paradoxa
* Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World
* Beast Hunter
* Beast Legends
* Destination Truth
* Exotic Zoology
* Extinct or Alive
* Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files
* Fortean TV
* In Search of...
* Is It Real?
* Lost Tapes
* MonsterQuest
* Monsters and Mysteries in America
* On the Track of Unknown Animals
* Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science
* Strange Abominable Snowmen
* The Hunt for the Buru
* The Sasquatch and Other Unknown Hominoids
* The X Creatures
* The Secret Saturdays
* Weird Travels

Critics|

* Joshua Blu Buhs
* Robert Todd Carroll
* Steuart Campbell
* Peter Dendle
* Brian Dunning
* Sharon A. Hill
* Henry Lee
* Daniel Loxton
* Sherrie Lynne Lyons
* Darren Naish
* Joe Nickell
* Donald Prothero
* Benjamin Radford
* Brian Regal
* Michael Shermer
* George Gaylord Simpson

See also|

* Biology
* Fearsome critters
* Folklore studies
* Hypothetical species
* Pseudoscience
* Young Earth creationism
* Zoology

* Commons
* Category

* v
* t
* e

Ghost Hunters

* The Atlantic Paranormal Society

* Jason Hawes
* Grant Wilson

TV series|

* Ghost Hunters (episodes; 2004–2023)
* Ghost Hunters International (episodes; 2008–12)
* Ghost Hunters Academy (2009–10)

Production|

* Pilgrim Studios

Related series|

* Ghost Nation (2019–2021)
* Kindred Spirits (2016–present)
* Haunted Discoveries (2023-present)

Other|

* Barry Fitzgerald
* Destination Truth
* Josh Gates

Category
*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template