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Man vs. Wild

Man vs. Wild returns tonight with disclaimers, behind-the-scenes footage

by Andy Dehnart 9 Nov. 2007 | 7:15 am

The Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild returns for a second reason tonight at 8 p.m. ET, and as a result of revelations that the show misrepresented what star Bear Grylls actually did in the wilderness, the new season includes “more behind-the-scenes footage and text explaining off-camera elements,” USA TODAY reports. (The first season’s episodes were re-edited.)

“Looking back, the mistake was not telling viewers more from the outset. The more they see, the more they realize how full-on a lot of the stuff is,” Bear tells the paper. Perhaps to prove that, he says that for this season, “We raised the bar considerably. The aim was to go to more extremes, to more remote places.”

Earlier this week, Bear told the AP that “the new shows will reassure them. Everything is strong and double-checked. Discovery is so cautious of everything. If I so much as break wind on these shows, it’s acknowledged now.”

He says, “I think a lot of the controversy was fueled by people wanting to know more. They wanted to know how we did stuff behind the scenes. … I think the irony is that people are going to enjoy seeing more behind the scenes. It’s going to make the whole program better.”

‘Wild’ man Bear Grylls keeps his cool [USA TODAY]
Bear Grylls Returning in ‘Man Vs. Wild’ [Washington Post]

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about Andy Dehnart

Andy Dehnart’s writing and criticism about television, culture, and media has appeared on NPR and in Vulture, Pacific Standard, The Los Angeles Times, and other publications. He has covered reality television for more than 18 years, and created reality blurred in 2000.

A member of the Television Critics Association who serves on its board of directors, Andy, 41, also directs the journalism program at Stetson University in Florida, where he teaches creative nonfiction and journalism. He has an M.F.A. in nonfiction writing and literature from Bennington College. Learn more about reality blurred and Andy.

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reality blurred is your guide to the world of reality TV and unscripted entertainment, with reality show reviews, news, and analysis. It was created in 2000 by Andy Dehnart. He's still writing and publishing it today.

reality blurred is regularly updated with highlights from the world of reality TV: news and analysis; behind-the-scenes reports; interviews with reality TV show cast members and producers; and recaps and reviews of these reality TV shows, including Survivor, Big Brother, The Great British Baking Show, Shark Tank, The Amazing Race, The Bachelor, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars, Top Chef, and many more.

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