Your show has always been number one to me since day one that I first watched it, and it still is,,,,there's been no compare, and I hear that same thing from about anyone else, you're the one and ONLY survivorman !
Thanks for the director's commentary Les , I live in Las Vegas I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I've watched your shows over and over I'm very much into primitive survival I've learned a lot from you I would love to put it to use. Maybe make another fan video .hint hint?? I'm watching this again tonight and just thought that you could have scraped a pile of magnesium off of the side covers of the engine.. to take with you as fire extender. Just a thought
Never apologise for stopping to tell stories. I love that you tell a lot of stories about how the episodes came together. I have wanted these for so many years, even before they started on SMTV, just glad we have more now. Thank you Les
Dude , I was literally about to make the same comment. Please make more of these les , and don't worry about stopping. I love hearing the stories behind your episodes.
Nothing against Bear Grylls, but you were the first and the best. I was working a dead-end job when I discovered Survivorman one evening. I was hooked after ten minutes. It was educational, entertaining and really great escapism when I needed it. I bought my multitool because of your show. Do not apologize for saying how you were the first at something. If that's bragging, you earned the right. The others walk in your footsteps. :)
@@SC2TiMeLorD survivorman outperformed bear grylls show when bear was at his peak and survivorman was at its lowest. Idk where you got your information
@@soccerboss7924 probably because Bear made a lot more money then Les did. Les did things right but Bear got rich.. his attitude is justified and his comments always make me crack a smile also 😁
"It's hard for me to not keep telling stories." That's why we're watching the commentaries, Les. :D Thank you so much for everything you've done and do. You're a legend. If you're ever in Chicagoland, let me know and you should come to the blues jam with my buddies.
This is so great. The Arizona episode was the first episode I ever saw, and it's what got me into Survivorman! My dad showed it to me one night when I was staying over at his place. Lots of cool memories surrounding this episode!
Survivor Man was the first survival show I watched and I was addicted immediately. I have been watching nature survival shows ever since. I'm so glad these Director Commentary's are available. I always knew deep down that Les had a distaste for Bear, and I love that.
Les, there is no shame at all in being honest about your limitations - using a stunt rider for the opening with the bike is completely forgiveable! Cheers from Vancouver BC!
I have been riding for over 15 years. Always loved this episode because it is reminiscent of where I grew up riding in New Mexico. My dad and I used to reference this episode on our rides, in case we were ever to get stranded. Thanks Les.
10:12 I was wondering when you'd finally snap and say it out loud, libel be damned 😅 Love that your bringing back the directors commentaries Les, please keep them coming 🙏
@@AR-zf7wu Les had more confidence in his presentation as the years went on, and the camera technology obviously improved. But like you, I miss the simpler D. I. Y. look and feel of the early episodes.
I’ve probably watched each episode over a dozen times on re-runs when I was home sick from school as a kid. This much more nostalgic and cathartic than I thought it would be. Thanks Les.
I’ve been looking forward to another director’s commentary for the original episodes for a whole year. Please do the Norway episodes. I’d love to hear what you would do over again. A director’s commentary with your son Logan for one of the experiences you did together would be fun too…
Thumbs UP to all the GREAT comments, Your work is great, but the best is being open about things like "It's not me on the Bike" " I got training from" and breaking the 4-WALL. That is what hooked me on the shows, seeing you hike back and get the camera. I showed my kids, and pointed out that's twice the distance traveled. Keeping inspiring people to get out and enjoy the GREAT OUT DOORS-BUT BE SAFE!! From KY, thanks josh.
I live in Tucson AZ. And yes it is beautiful here. People who aren't from here have no idea how diverse the climate and terrain is according to elevations. I spend a lot of time camping, backpacking, and surviving the Sonoran Desert. I especially enjoyed this episode. Les Stroud is a God to some. Thank you Les!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first ever survival show I watched had to have been season 1, and I think I as no older than 6. Not to make you feel old, Les, but you should know that despite being little more than a toddler I have extremely CLEAR memories of watching this show, like photographic memories of sitting on the living room floor watching Les play harmonica against a wrecked plane in what I could only imagine was a winter wonderland since I had yet to see snow in my native California. Anyway, it makes me smile to hear you finally call out the "copycats" by name. You are the OG.
Survivorman was one of my favorite shows when I had cable TV back in 2007. I had no idea you were on UA-cam! This is awesome. I'm indulging in quite the marathon which has been a welcome entertainment I rarely indulge in these days for reasons that so much is propaganda. It's nice to see honest entertainment with true educational value. You have every right to boast and take credit for your innovations. An Olympian isn't sheepish about the gold they worked hard to score, & you shouldn't be shy about owning your scorpion.
38:51 My dad and I have been fans of your show since it first aired. I bought one of these sets for myself. It’s such a nice set that I bought one for my old man as a Christmas present. He absolutely loved it.
Watching these episodes as a teenager taught me self reliance and so many skills that I use often. It’s been wonderful rewatching them over and over. Pure Nostalgia for me. Thank you for all the joy you have given me and so many others Les. I hope to shake your hand one day and thank you in person.
“That’s me on bass”…then rips some wicked ‘Air Bass”…HELL YES! I still remember watching this the 1st time thinking…Less was in my state, wish he had a meet up. I love him calling out Bear…love it!!!
This is honestly my favorite way to watch your show. It’s more immersive listening to you talk about the areas or techniques during an episode. Keep the Directors Commentary coming.
You know Les, I've often gone back to this grass roots Survivorman Desert video because it was kinda psychedelic and SO REAL. Just driving up the395 out of Barstow to Mammoth I've spent a lot of time in the desert foothills, fishing wild trout. It's truly Magic. Thanks P.j.
I really loved this one because I'm always out bush on my bikes. I'm actually surprised Les never really got into motorbikes because they are so handy for bush bashing. Now I'm getting older I prefer the quads coz I can carry a bit more gear (beer) and be a bit more comfortable (drunk) when I camp. I'm usually solo so I always tell the missus roughly where I'm going and when I'll be back just in case something goes wrong.
With the killer bees comment you made in this episode it made me think there might be ONE man vs wild episode you wouldn’t mind watching, Les. Lol. Joking aside, you were the first and the best in my opinion. You imparted a lot of wisdom on so many people. Very happy to see these commentaries and I’m excited to check out Wild Harvest. Thanks so much for everything you’ve done and continue to do!
on the subject of bear grills... les you are the only true legend in my book! your the only one that I ever watched growing up, and here i am rewatching everything... LOVE IT!!!
LES, growing up in northern Michigan i loved watching Survivorman. I think I love all your films more and more as I watch. you my friend are the OG or all OGs. thank you
I have seen every episode on TV..... Own all the DVDs..... And I still stop what I'm doing to watch these shows. Thank You Les.... You're awesome guy.....thank you for the art.
From the first episode i watched on Discovery channel, I was a fan. Les has always been 100% genuine and that's what makes his show so much fun to watch and learn from. Trapped out in the wild and gotta survive? Remember What Would Les Do? Then do That!
Holy Moly...I remember seeing this show back when, time does fly by. Les you were revolutionary in a lot of ways. I just remember the funky soundtrack and quirky sounds and music in your shows. Great work!
For what it's worth, being able to see the cameras in the shots as well as the scenes that showed Les going back to pick up a camera that was just used to catch the previous shot you just watched is what made the show so fantastically compelling. So I'm glad Les won that battle.
This desert episode was always one of my favorite.I have watched every episode many many times.I just want to say that when i worked every day monday to friday I would wake up an hour early before having to leave for work and watch a survivorman episode with my cup of coffee. It somehow made the thought of having to go to work bearable because I could really enjoy myself every morning before having to leave.I absolutely treasure these episodes and when things get me down,I at least can watch survivorman and have some kind of peace in my life.
10:35 I remember when Bear Grylls' show first aired, 15 year old me was very impressed at first. Here was this action figure type character doing wild stuff out in the wilderness but it didn't take long before the stuff he said and did made even an inexperienced teenager stop and scratch his head for a sec. You're telling me you're trying to survive the arctic by diving into the icy cold sea with no way to dry yourself off, with no spare clothes to change into and no way to make a fire?" Or the time he rappelled down a waterfall in the jungle he made a big show talking about how dangerous it was out there in the jungle and how it was a race against the clock or something. Like really, you're so desperate to survive out there and you're in such a hurry that you had to stop at the top of the water fall, begin stringing together vines as makeshift rope to rappell down a freaking waterfall. Gathering that much vine and stringing it together must surely have taken at least 30 minutes, but you didn't have the time to investigate the surrounding area for 10-15 minutes to find someplace else to climb down. You just had to go directly down the waterfall, no other way, no other alternatives? Of course in reality he had a real rope and some pulleys all along, and a crew on site assisting him while he rappelled down the waterfall, and multiple camera angles shot from below, conveniently shot with a backlight so the audience doesn't see that he's not actually using vines but a nylon climber's rope. All the while he tried to pass it off as him surviving all alone out in the big bad wilderness. There was another episode I remember he scavenged some tiny bird eggs and he made a big point talking about eating the egg shells to get some additional calcium. For one developing a calcium deficiency takes years, and secondly the actual amount of calcium that your body absorbs from a couple of tiny quail egg shells is minimal at best but this is your super secret survival advice that you have for us?
I grew up in Northern Ontario. Elliot Lake and Manitoulin Island. I spent lots of time in the bush. I remember back in 2005 first watching this show. Good stuff. Thanks for the commentary.
I live in Tucson and I loved this episode. The commentary was excellent and I’m glad you appreciate our desert. Many people don’t or can’t see the beauty.
I've lived in AZ my entire life and I remember as a 12 year old boy falling in love with Survivorman because of this episode. Since then, I've enjoyed all your content and got the 20th anniversary for my brother's 30th b-day. Thank you for the educational and yet entertaining material. Quick question, have you ever considered revisiting the southwest of the US for more content? You mentioned how AZ would be a great Wild Harvest episode, that would be fantastic to see.
U did a great job in a totally different time where social media and things weren’t around so to fathom u going to these places alone. That constant reassurance that u were alone always kept me a huge fan of u.
Love your content Les, from a fellow Canadian who has loved your show since the early 2000's, you have inspired me to find myself in the wilderness as a result, although I tend to bring as much supplies as I can carry on my back, I thank you for showing the world that surviving off the land, even in dire straits, is not impossible, especially if you prepare. I am constantly filling my water bottle straight out of rocky mountain rivers and drinking it with zero issues. Never stop sharing your knowledge, in 20 years I feel you still have things to teach me.
Used to watch your show with my dad back in the day. It was easily one of our favorites, because of just how informative and entertaining it was. We never cared for any of the other "srvivor experts" that were doing a lot of things purely for show. He passed away unexpectedly a couple years ago, but watching your show with him will always be a fond memory. So glad I can now revisit some of my favorite episodes (and ones I never caught) here on UA-cam. So, thanks for the information, the entertainment, and of course the memories Les. Keep being awesome!
One more thing Les. I grew up as a Surfer. Mother nature at her best. I learned from Hawaiian elders how to fish throw net ,and surrounding schools of fish. It made me a complete waterman. In surfing, people ride waves a certain way for years.and then some kid comes along and shows how to fly in the air and land back on the wave. Breaking down those barriers in our minds. This is what you did with surviving. And camera angles and so much more. You broke down the wall of Fake! Great job bro.
I like these commentaries for any extra info that you don't get from just watching it; I think it's really fun/neat. My friend that I'm getting started on your content enjoys this from a filmmakers perspective. He's a photographer/filmmaker that wants to learn why I enjoy your style compared to network tv vs films etc.
Thank you so much Les. I really enjoy your content please keep making more. I never say thank you to people I watch but this is special for me I guess.
Les, your show is the only survival show I will watch. All the others are ridiculous (or at least the ones I’m aware of). 15 years later I’m still watching and re watching your stuff. It stood the test of time for sure.
The first survival show I saw was man vs. wild. basically entertaining, but you see things that you don't do in a situation where it's about survival. e.g. enter a cave or mine. I also like to look on the map where people are and I quickly noticed that to get from point A to point B, Bear Grills had to cross a freeway. So actually would have been saved. Then I saw Survivorman and I love it. It's just real, just because you're traveling alone, filming yourself and you can see that in certain film scenes. I like your comments on this series.
Your show has always been number one to me since day one that I first watched it, and it still is,,,,there's been no compare, and I hear that same thing from about anyone else, you're the one and ONLY survivorman !
abosulutely bloody smack on mate.
Yeah I find it funny that he says sorry for telling a story. It's like, broski, this is the perfect time to tell your stories about your survival.
Thanks for the director's commentary Les , I live in Las Vegas I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I've watched your shows over and over I'm very much into primitive survival I've learned a lot from you I would love to put it to use. Maybe make another fan video .hint hint?? I'm watching this again tonight and just thought that you could have scraped a pile of magnesium off of the side covers of the engine.. to take with you as fire extender. Just a thought
Never apologise for stopping to tell stories. I love that you tell a lot of stories about how the episodes came together. I have wanted these for so many years, even before they started on SMTV, just glad we have more now. Thank you Les
100% agreed, the stories are the best part!
The more stories the better in a commentary. Even if it runs 2 hours.
well said!
Dude , I was literally about to make the same comment. Please make more of these les , and don't worry about stopping. I love hearing the stories behind your episodes.
Yup if we just wanted to watch the episode without the stories we wouldn't watch the commentary.
Nothing against Bear Grylls, but you were the first and the best.
I was working a dead-end job when I discovered Survivorman one evening.
I was hooked after ten minutes. It was educational, entertaining and really great escapism when I needed it. I bought my multitool because of your show.
Do not apologize for saying how you were the first at something. If that's bragging, you earned the right. The others walk in your footsteps. :)
Really love all the shade you throw at Bear Grylls. Makes me crack a smile every time.
Same 😂
ya the jealousy is strong haha
@@SC2TiMeLorD No.
@@SC2TiMeLorD survivorman outperformed bear grylls show when bear was at his peak and survivorman was at its lowest. Idk where you got your information
@@soccerboss7924 probably because Bear made a lot more money then Les did. Les did things right but Bear got rich.. his attitude is justified and his comments always make me crack a smile also 😁
"It's hard for me to not keep telling stories." That's why we're watching the commentaries, Les. :D
Thank you so much for everything you've done and do. You're a legend. If you're ever in Chicagoland, let me know and you should come to the blues jam with my buddies.
Brag as much as you want. UA-camrs do literally everything you do, down to the editing. You are a true pioneer in many ways.
I absolutely love the Directors Commentary, thanks Les!
best thing on youtube.
@@primitivearthtech Agreed!
This is so great. The Arizona episode was the first episode I ever saw, and it's what got me into Survivorman! My dad showed it to me one night when I was staying over at his place. Lots of cool memories surrounding this episode!
Love that he sits through the credits and tells stories about the people involved.
The ultimate way to watch an old SurvivorMan episode! Thanks again Les
Les, my dude. Your stories are why we're here. Never stop telling those stories, sir.
I know it’s a lot to ask but please keep making these directors commentary videos cause they are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining.
Survivor Man was the first survival show I watched and I was addicted immediately. I have been watching nature survival shows ever since. I'm so glad these Director Commentary's are available. I always knew deep down that Les had a distaste for Bear, and I love that.
Les, there is no shame at all in being honest about your limitations - using a stunt rider for the opening with the bike is completely forgiveable! Cheers from Vancouver BC!
I have been riding for over 15 years. Always loved this episode because it is reminiscent of where I grew up riding in New Mexico. My dad and I used to reference this episode on our rides, in case we were ever to get stranded. Thanks Les.
Les Stroud the inventor of short teasers at the beginning of of videos, so that's how it all started
10:12 I was wondering when you'd finally snap and say it out loud, libel be damned 😅
Love that your bringing back the directors commentaries Les, please keep them coming 🙏
Les isn't just The Original Survivor Man, but his music is outstanding (and a wicked bass guitar tone). Humble people are the best.
Les...PLEASE do a commentary on "Lost At Sea" soon. It's the best remaining episode that you haven't released a commentary on yet.
And India too! I need the lowdown on Les’s time spent in tiger, elephant, leopard and sloth bear territory
My favorite episode to fall asleep to; it’s academy award worthy! (They all are)
I love that episode I have watched it at least 8 times and would love to see Les commentary on it
Would love to see that one as well. The old school season 1 & 2s are the best in my opinion
@@AR-zf7wu Les had more confidence in his presentation as the years went on, and the camera technology obviously improved. But like you, I miss the simpler D. I. Y. look and feel of the early episodes.
My Canadian brother! Love this man and his swag.
Survivorman was my favorite show in high school. Worth it everytime.
I’ve probably watched each episode over a dozen times on re-runs when I was home sick from school as a kid. This much more nostalgic and cathartic than I thought it would be. Thanks Les.
I’ve been looking forward to another director’s commentary for the original episodes for a whole year.
Please do the Norway episodes. I’d love to hear what you would do over again. A director’s commentary with your son Logan for one of the experiences you did together would be fun too…
We also need a Beyond Survival director's commentary!
Norway episodes is one of my favorites
@@missy48116 mine too. It's rare you see a survival expert lose his cool like that.
Thumbs UP to all the GREAT comments, Your work is great, but the best is being open about things like "It's not me on the Bike" " I got training from" and breaking the 4-WALL. That is what hooked me on the shows, seeing you hike back and get the camera. I showed my kids, and pointed out that's twice the distance traveled. Keeping inspiring people to get out and enjoy the GREAT OUT DOORS-BUT BE SAFE!! From KY, thanks josh.
I live in Tucson AZ. And yes it is beautiful here. People who aren't from here have no idea how diverse the climate and terrain is according to elevations. I spend a lot of time camping, backpacking, and surviving the Sonoran Desert. I especially enjoyed this episode. Les Stroud is a God to some. Thank you Les!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first ever survival show I watched had to have been season 1, and I think I as no older than 6. Not to make you feel old, Les, but you should know that despite being little more than a toddler I have extremely CLEAR memories of watching this show, like photographic memories of sitting on the living room floor watching Les play harmonica against a wrecked plane in what I could only imagine was a winter wonderland since I had yet to see snow in my native California. Anyway, it makes me smile to hear you finally call out the "copycats" by name. You are the OG.
These commentaries are my favorite videos on your channel.
Survivorman was one of my favorite shows when I had cable TV back in 2007. I had no idea you were on UA-cam! This is awesome. I'm indulging in quite the marathon which has been a welcome entertainment I rarely indulge in these days for reasons that so much is propaganda. It's nice to see honest entertainment with true educational value. You have every right to boast and take credit for your innovations. An Olympian isn't sheepish about the gold they worked hard to score, & you shouldn't be shy about owning your scorpion.
Thank you Les Stroud. You are a hero.
THANK YOU!!! Directors Commentary is my favorite !!!!!
This was one of favorite episodes
38:51 My dad and I have been fans of your show since it first aired. I bought one of these sets for myself. It’s such a nice set that I bought one for my old man as a Christmas present. He absolutely loved it.
Absolutely love the commentary on the survivorman episodes! Keep it up Les. This is awesome!
It’s not bragging if it’s true. Love the inside info.
Watching these episodes as a teenager taught me self reliance and so many skills that I use often. It’s been wonderful rewatching them over and over. Pure Nostalgia for me. Thank you for all the joy you have given me and so many others Les. I hope to shake your hand one day and thank you in person.
“That’s me on bass”…then rips some wicked ‘Air Bass”…HELL YES!
I still remember watching this the 1st time thinking…Less was in my state, wish he had a meet up.
I love him calling out Bear…love it!!!
Love all the back stories. The more the merrier, the longer the better. Thanks for these
Thanks for all the great content. Your awesome bro
This is honestly my favorite way to watch your show. It’s more immersive listening to you talk about the areas or techniques during an episode. Keep the Directors Commentary coming.
You know Les, I've often gone back to this grass roots Survivorman Desert video because it was kinda psychedelic and SO REAL.
Just driving up the395 out of Barstow to Mammoth I've spent a lot of time in the desert foothills, fishing wild trout. It's truly Magic.
Thanks P.j.
I could listen to this man speak all day ! total legend !
I really loved this one because I'm always out bush on my bikes.
I'm actually surprised Les never really got into motorbikes because they are so handy for bush bashing.
Now I'm getting older I prefer the quads coz I can carry a bit more gear (beer) and be a bit more comfortable (drunk) when I camp.
I'm usually solo so I always tell the missus roughly where I'm going and when I'll be back just in case something goes wrong.
With the killer bees comment you made in this episode it made me think there might be ONE man vs wild episode you wouldn’t mind watching, Les. Lol.
Joking aside, you were the first and the best in my opinion. You imparted a lot of wisdom on so many people. Very happy to see these commentaries and I’m excited to check out Wild Harvest. Thanks so much for everything you’ve done and continue to do!
Love this episode, it is one of my favorites, especially since I lived there off and on for 25 years.
on the subject of bear grills... les you are the only true legend in my book! your the only one that I ever watched growing up, and here i am rewatching everything... LOVE IT!!!
I love these commentaries Les!
Thanks for this one, Les! Tucson is my home, & I think this desert is beautiful! So many people have no idea how pretty it is. ❤✌
LES, growing up in northern Michigan i loved watching Survivorman. I think I love all your films more and more as I watch. you my friend are the OG or all OGs. thank you
I have seen every episode on TV..... Own all the DVDs..... And I still stop what I'm doing to watch these shows. Thank You Les.... You're awesome guy.....thank you for the art.
I was brought up with Survivorman. Thank you, Les!
everything i know about survival, i owe to Less. Thank you and rock on!!!!
You’re like the Bob Ross of survival love ya Les!! Keep up the good work can’t wait to see your new harvest series!
I just was in Flagstaff Arizona. Living homeless. It's almost like what you do man. You are an idol to me Les
Seeing Les Stroud relaxing at a nice looking house while commentating his old adventures creates a wonderful juxtaposition. Lovely content!
I moved to Tucson twelve years ago and fell in love with the mountains and the desert. The perfect place for a country boy and a 4Runner. 😀
Les Stroud is a man of focus. Commitment. Sheer will.
One of my favorite episodes. Commentary is icing on the cake. Thanks, Les!
From the first episode i watched on Discovery channel, I was a fan. Les has always been 100% genuine and that's what makes his show so much fun to watch and learn from. Trapped out in the wild and gotta survive? Remember What Would Les Do? Then do That!
This brings me back to my mind teen years… the year is 2006 and I just came home stoned, looking for something to watch., Survivorman cam in clutch
lol nice
Les dont worry about any other survival show. I have grown up watching your films and love them, absolute best! Thank You
Holy Moly...I remember seeing this show back when, time does fly by. Les you were revolutionary in a lot of ways. I just remember the funky soundtrack and quirky sounds and music in your shows. Great work!
Thank u Les. I could watch these all day. Keep doing what u do. We love it.
I love these commentaries! Thank you so much Les. These always make my day. Been watching for over a decade.
These commentaries are one of my favorite things on the internet. Thanks Les!!
These director commentaries add such an awesome flavour to the show! Really love the backstories and insight into the episodes! Thank you so much.
Love Arizona episode! Classic! Can’t even count how many times I’ve watched it.
That thin bandana can do a lot of protection from thin material for your noggin from the sun and bumps and scrapes . I’ve always wore one at work
les, you're unlike any other tv star and i just wanna say thanks. you're one of the good ones.
I always liked that original theme, Im so impressed that Survivorman actually wrote and produced it, thats why it went so well with the show.
For what it's worth, being able to see the cameras in the shots as well as the scenes that showed Les going back to pick up a camera that was just used to catch the previous shot you just watched is what made the show so fantastically compelling. So I'm glad Les won that battle.
Thanks Les, i love these and the stories.
This desert episode was always one of my favorite.I have watched every episode many many times.I just want to say that when i worked every day monday to friday I would wake up an hour early before having to leave for work and watch a survivorman episode with my cup of coffee.
It somehow made the thought of having to go to work bearable because I could really enjoy myself every morning before having to leave.I absolutely treasure these episodes and when things get me down,I at least can watch survivorman and have some kind of peace in my life.
This is my favorite commentary!! The whole episode is very educational and with him explaining his experience is epic!! Yeah Lester you go buddy👍👍🍀🍀
I could watch you do these for every episode you have. Love them. Thanks
Love these “Director’s Cut” videos. Brings me back. Thank you
I love all of these. The Survivorman Bigfoot commentaries are fascinating, too. Thank you for doing these!
This is my favorite episode. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it for all the desert plants I grew up around. I wish I knew all this back then.
i like revisiting these. Really like the "Les on Les" perspective.
Les just except the fact you paved the way. The first and best! 🐐🐐🐐
10:35
I remember when Bear Grylls' show first aired, 15 year old me was very impressed at first. Here was this action figure type character doing wild stuff out in the wilderness but it didn't take long before the stuff he said and did made even an inexperienced teenager stop and scratch his head for a sec. You're telling me you're trying to survive the arctic by diving into the icy cold sea with no way to dry yourself off, with no spare clothes to change into and no way to make a fire?"
Or the time he rappelled down a waterfall in the jungle he made a big show talking about how dangerous it was out there in the jungle and how it was a race against the clock or something.
Like really, you're so desperate to survive out there and you're in such a hurry that you had to stop at the top of the water fall, begin stringing together vines as makeshift rope to rappell down a freaking waterfall. Gathering that much vine and stringing it together must surely have taken at least 30 minutes, but you didn't have the time to investigate the surrounding area for 10-15 minutes to find someplace else to climb down. You just had to go directly down the waterfall, no other way, no other alternatives?
Of course in reality he had a real rope and some pulleys all along, and a crew on site assisting him while he rappelled down the waterfall, and multiple camera angles shot from below, conveniently shot with a backlight so the audience doesn't see that he's not actually using vines but a nylon climber's rope. All the while he tried to pass it off as him surviving all alone out in the big bad wilderness.
There was another episode I remember he scavenged some tiny bird eggs and he made a big point talking about eating the egg shells to get some additional calcium. For one developing a calcium deficiency takes years, and secondly the actual amount of calcium that your body absorbs from a couple of tiny quail egg shells is minimal at best but this is your super secret survival advice that you have for us?
I grew up in Northern Ontario. Elliot Lake and Manitoulin Island. I spent lots of time in the bush. I remember back in 2005 first watching this show. Good stuff. Thanks for the commentary.
Thank you, Les. Still providing us with good entertainment for all these years.
I live in Tucson and I loved this episode. The commentary was excellent and I’m glad you appreciate our desert. Many people don’t or can’t see the beauty.
I've lived in AZ my entire life and I remember as a 12 year old boy falling in love with Survivorman because of this episode. Since then, I've enjoyed all your content and got the 20th anniversary for my brother's 30th b-day. Thank you for the educational and yet entertaining material. Quick question, have you ever considered revisiting the southwest of the US for more content? You mentioned how AZ would be a great Wild Harvest episode, that would be fantastic to see.
Harvest in Tucsons desert and going up Mount Lemmon pine forests also the mixed-conifer forest in between them . Just an idea
I am so glad you also air-play the bass in the opening!
Les we been thirsting for more of these.
I was impressed knowing he did all these trips, for years watching him. But the fact he wrote the intro is MIND BLOWING! I loveeee it. So catchy.
Again... I LOVE the honesty in these commentaries
U did a great job in a totally different time where social media and things weren’t around so to fathom u going to these places alone. That constant reassurance that u were alone always kept me a huge fan of u.
Love your content Les, from a fellow Canadian who has loved your show since the early 2000's, you have inspired me to find myself in the wilderness as a result, although I tend to bring as much supplies as I can carry on my back, I thank you for showing the world that surviving off the land, even in dire straits, is not impossible, especially if you prepare. I am constantly filling my water bottle straight out of rocky mountain rivers and drinking it with zero issues. Never stop sharing your knowledge, in 20 years I feel you still have things to teach me.
Used to watch your show with my dad back in the day. It was easily one of our favorites, because of just how informative and entertaining it was. We never cared for any of the other "srvivor experts" that were doing a lot of things purely for show. He passed away unexpectedly a couple years ago, but watching your show with him will always be a fond memory. So glad I can now revisit some of my favorite episodes (and ones I never caught) here on UA-cam. So, thanks for the information, the entertainment, and of course the memories Les. Keep being awesome!
Can't wait for the Norway Director's Commentary. Hope I'll get to see that soon.
One more thing Les.
I grew up as a Surfer. Mother nature at her best.
I learned from Hawaiian elders how to fish throw net ,and surrounding schools of fish. It made me a complete waterman.
In surfing, people ride waves a certain way for years.and then some kid comes along and shows how to fly in the air and land back on the wave.
Breaking down those barriers in our minds.
This is what you did with surviving. And camera angles and so much more.
You broke down the wall of Fake!
Great job bro.
I love these, not just for the throwback but for all your insight! Thanks for continuing to make these!
I like these commentaries for any extra info that you don't get from just watching it; I think it's really fun/neat. My friend that I'm getting started on your content enjoys this from a filmmakers perspective. He's a photographer/filmmaker that wants to learn why I enjoy your style compared to network tv vs films etc.
I've been itching for one of these. Thanks Les!
Everything you do is awesome! Please keep doing more directors commentaries!
Thank you so much Les. I really enjoy your content please keep making more. I never say thank you to people I watch but this is special for me I guess.
Les, your show is the only survival show I will watch. All the others are ridiculous (or at least the ones I’m aware of). 15 years later I’m still watching and re watching your stuff. It stood the test of time for sure.
The first survival show I saw was man vs. wild. basically entertaining, but you see things that you don't do in a situation where it's about survival. e.g. enter a cave or mine. I also like to look on the map where people are and I quickly noticed that to get from point A to point B, Bear Grills had to cross a freeway. So actually would have been saved.
Then I saw Survivorman and I love it. It's just real, just because you're traveling alone, filming yourself and you can see that in certain film scenes.
I like your comments on this series.