Destination Truth (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Destination Truth is a weekly 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. Season three concluded on April 21, 2010, and currently 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. The fifth season began July 10, 2012.
Format
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
The season three premiere of Destination Truth hit a series high with 2.1 million viewers, the largest amount of viewers ever for an episode of the series and the first episode to be watched by over two million viewers. 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. 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.
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.
Current (season 5)
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
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
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.