"Josh Gates Tonight": Anybody else liking this twist on "Expedition Unknown"?

Cafe Society
1

Josh Gates is perhaps best known as the host and explorer of “Expedition Unknown,” where he goes to look for lost treasure, the truth behind legends, and so on. He most often fails to find what he’s looking for, but he has a lot of fun looking; and in doing so introduces viewers to exotic places and cultures. It’s an entertaining show, not least because he, with his friendly personality and ability to roll with the blows in any situation in any location, is a great host.

The Coronavirus, and various travel limitations, has curtailed his exploring activities; so he is now hosting “Josh Gates Tonight,” which can best be described as a talk show. He hosts from his office, and interviews guests who appear via Zoom. Each episode centers on a theme (tonight’s is “Games”). There is often one segment that takes place outside the office, but safely, with Josh masked and keeping his distance. The show kicks off with Josh mixing tonight’s cocktail (always alcoholic), and ends with him taking e-mailed/tweeted questions from viewers.

In spite of the fact that Josh is not digging for treasure in Asia or Africa, or scuba diving in the Caribbean, or similar; I’m finding that it doesn’t really matter–“Josh Gates Tonight” is just as entertaining as “Expedition Unknown.” Anybody else finding the same?

2

I like it. One of the “bits” I like is the opening where Josh does a takeoff on something related to that week’s theme; for example, the show about the 80s had him doing “Ferris Bueller”. Last week, when the show had a British theme, the opening was him doing Alistaire Cooke from the early Masterpiece Theater.

3

Josh and his adventures are a mixed bag for me. Some of his quests are incredibly cheesy, others really work and take me on a pretty amazing journey (like the recent search for Shangri - La).

I did enjoy his response to the fan email that complained about his spider in a box. “It’s dead, and it’s in a box. It’s not gonna hurt you.”

Josh’s show certainly pivoted much better with the pandemic restrictions than Jeremy Wade, whose latest effort reduces him to a lame talking head role “explaining” tired , worn out “mysteries”. Ugh.

4

I actually dislike his “normal” show, but really enjoy his “covid” format. The jokes are way better for one thing.

5

Is this a Youtube thing or on TV?

6

I would have liked it better if he’d thrust it toward the camera lens. (And if he could edit it so that he was dressed as a clown…)

7

It’s on TV (on Discovery, I believe).