Finding Bigfoot vs. Expedition Bigfoot: A Direct Comparison
Both shows are reality TV series centered on searching for Sasquatch, produced for Animal Planet/Travel Channel/Discovery. Finding Bigfoot (2011–2018) ran longer and became campy entertainment, while Expedition Bigfoot (2019–present) aims for a more "serious" and tech-heavy approach. Community opinions (Reddit, forums, reviews) often favor Expedition as "better" or more credible, but both face heavy skepticism for lacking definitive proof and dramatic editing.
Key Differences
- Finding Bigfoot (2011–2018)
- Expedition Bigfoot (2019–present)
Seasons/Episodes
- Finding Bigfoot - 11 seasons (including specials), ~100 episodes
- Expedition Bigfoot - 6 seasons (as of 2025), ~50–60 episodes
Format
- Finding Bigfoot - Town halls with locals, recreations, short 1–2 night investigations per location; frequent travel
- Expedition Bigfoot - Extended stays (weeks/season) in one remote area; deeper backcountry camping
Cast
- Finding Bigfoot - Matt Moneymaker (leader, often criticized as arrogant), Bobo Fay (enthusiast), Cliff Barackman (skeptic/analyst), Ranae Holland (biologist/skeptic)
- Expedition Bigfoot - Bryce Johnson (host), Dr. Mireya Mayor (primatologist), Russell Acord (survivalist), Ronny LeBlanc (early seasons), Biko Wright (later)
Approach/Style
- Finding Bigfoot - Campy, enthusiastic; heavy on howls/wood knocks, town meetings; every sound = "Squatch!"
- Expedition Bigfoot - More "scientific": Drones, thermals, data mapping, nests/prints focus; less howling
Evidence Found
- Finding Bigfoot - Mostly vocalizations, knocks, blurry thermals; no major visuals/traces
- Expedition Bigfoot - Frequent nests, prints, thermals (e.g., "shimmers," figures); more visuals but still inconclusive
Criticisms
- Finding Bigfoot - Cheesy/goofy, repetitive ("Not Finding Bigfoot"), producer trickery alleged (cast threatened quit over fakes early on)
- Expedition Bigfoot - "Too much evidence too fast" (suspicious convenience), staging claims (e.g., planted prints/sounds)
Community View
- Finding Bigfoot - Entertaining but harmed credibility (spread ineffective methods like constant howling)
- Expedition Bigfoot - Preferred as "grounded" and serious, but accused of over-dramatization/hoaxing for ratings
Legacy
- Finding Bigfoot - Iconic, popularized Bigfoot TV; criticized for 10 seasons of nothing conclusive
- Expedition Bigfoot - Seen as upgrade (better tech/cast), but same core issue: No body/DNA proof
Shared Elements and Overall Controversies
Both are entertainment-first: Dramatic music, cliffhangers, and "evidence" that's exciting but rarely peer-reviewed or conclusive. No proven hoaxes (e.g., no lawsuits/exposé), but allegations persist—producers enhancing sounds/thermals, scripting reactions. Cast members (e.g., Bobo/Cliff from Finding) have admitted early producer trickery on Finding, while Expedition's Mireya Mayor defends it as genuine exploration.
Fans enjoy both for fun/wonder, but serious researchers dismiss them as harming the field by sensationalizing. Expedition often wins comparisons for deeper expeditions and a primatologist, but the "finds too much" critique mirrors Finding's "finds nothing."
If you're choosing, Expedition feels more modern/immersive; Finding is nostalgic/campy. Neither "proves" Bigfoot—approach as TV, not science!
