The UnXplained (2019– ) User Reviews

Nothing new (mostly), but far more adroitly executed than most.

[jcjohnston1-1 · 8/10 · 14 November 2019]

Shows about the unexplained have been a dime-a-dozen. But this incarnation delivers the facts with just enough fluff to make it interesting, without crossing the line into hyperbole and sensationalism. Often the segments feel TOO short and that it moved on TOO quickly. Laudable restraint by the producers/directors.

Even Shatner is restrained. Another reviewer describes his performance as "tired". I find him wonderfully low-key, which is a refreshing departure from the type of hype typical hosts try to inject into topics that, while interesting, aren't really as jaw-dropping as they pretend them to be. "Tired"? I can only wish I'll be as "tired" at 88.

At the end of the day, would I watch more? You bet! Keep 'em coming.

Dont take it seriously

[nikoskont · 6/10 · 5 January 2021]

Judging by 2 different episodes, they approach each "mystery" in a supernatural/conspiratorial way and not in a what actual happened way.

Lost interest after realizing that.

A standard and cliche show about the unexplained made watchable by Shatner's narration, crisp camerawork, and solid production value.

[tresm87 · 8/10 · 28 July 2019]

We've seen about 30 of these same shows before about unexplained phenomena, but many are very cheesy with subpar presentation and production value. History channel manages to create a decently captivating yet cliche show that rises above most unexplained type shows due to excellent production execution. The narration by Shatner is a comforting aspect and is the foundation of the show. The subject matter is interesting enough and elevated by expert photography and well selected atmospheric settings. With 2 episodes so far I want to see what else they focus this season which is something I can't say about 90% of paranormal unexplained shows. It's all about the presentation.

It's Entertaining and It's Shatner. Don't Expect Real Mysteries Though.

[collectorofsorts · 7/10 · 1 March 2021]

I just found this show online and have watched season one and heading into season 2. To start with, I watch it because Shatner is entertaining and the show entertains me. Beyond that, they're rehashed stories and, more often than not, they've already been solved (Google a few of these 'mysteries' and you'll see). That being said, I enjoy seeing and hearing the story being told by Shatner. He has a voice and way of telling mundane stories that make them enjoyable. Honestly, I think he could keep us entertained doing a show about watching paint dry. He's just that good at it. If you're a fan of his, you'll probably like the show. If you're not, you probably won't.

New to this show

[lookevans · 7/10 · 20 July 2020]

Just started watching recently - I like what I've seen so far. More of the same of what's been done before. I'll watch anything with Shatner in it though to be honest.

Makes for very interesting viewing and the series delivers an intriguing presentation style

[Ed-Shullivan · 8/10 · 20 September 2020]

Please do not pay attention to some of the negative reviews as this series has a lot to offer its viewers. William Shatner may be long in the tooth (age 89) but his delivery is as smooth as a good scotch, and the production value of each short story are always top notch. I especially enjoyed season 2, episode 9, "The Greatest Escapes" which was delivered not as a series of documented facts, but merely speculative on the part of William Shatner which had me (for one viewer) wondering what the real story is, and what actually happened? Shatner discussed the escapes underwater of the Great Harry Houdini, as well as the escape of three convicts who disappeared off of Alcatraz island never to be seen again (which to this day are still unexplained, thus the series title).

If you enjoy real life mysteries, which can lead a family into robust conversations and various opinions, then The UnXplained is a must see.

I give this series a highly rated 8 out 10 IMDB rating.

Good fun

[aarpcats · 7/10 · 25 June 2022]

Actually most of the phenomena, artifacts and mysteries in this series CAN be explained, but it's still good fun to listen to Shatner's faux awe and excitement as he explains them. (Remember, he's the guy who thought it was a good idea to recite the lyrics to "Rocketman" while chain smoking on a variety show.) The episodes are interesting, and the research is good, but there really is nothing astonishing about them.

Give it a look, because you won't regret it.

A Step in the Right Direction from Ancient Aliens and Worthwhile For William Shatner

[By-TorX-1 · 8/10 · 13 January 2020]

At one level, The UnXplained goes over stock supernatural investigation ground that has been seen many times before (in addition to tapping into X Files nostalgia), but William Shatner's wonderfully dramatic and foreboding introductions and narration make the show very enjoyable. More importantly, while the series includes some commentators who have appeared on Ancient Aliens, it is refreshing to see that The UnXplained also features (very plausible) counter arguments based upon scientific rationales to explain away the ghosts, evil forces, Dyatlov Pass creatures, native American burial ground curse theories, bendy trees, angelic carpenters, or the Knights Templar. And so, in addition to the marvellous presence and tones of the iconic William Shatner, we also have a more balanced approach from the History Channel that does not just uncritically espouse the otherworldly and the arcane. Now that is bordering on an uneXplainable mystery.

Good ol Shatner

[darkdementress · 6/10 · 18 April 2021]

You've probably already heard or watched shows about the stuff that's in this show but it has good production value, they make it spooky and mysterious and Shatner always makes me laugh XD I'm glad they got him a chair, poor old guy lol.

Entertaining

[srbennett-80147 · 9/10 · 19 August 2019]

Anything with William Shatner has to be entertaining! Some of the shows documentary info was the same stuff we've seen on Josh Gates shows and whether its truth or fiction its fun to watch and Bill has the best voice to narrate any show

Embarrassing & Ridiculous . . . .

[sundayatdusk-97859 · 1/10 · 4 March 2023]

First off, I'm not the scientific type who screams pseudoscience whenever something paranormal is mentioned. Just the opposite. I'm highly interested in metaphysical topics and have read hundreds of metaphysical books. That's why I had to stop watching this series after watching parts of two episodes. This is an embarrassing and ridiculous show. It takes events that are normal type of events and immediately makes them paranormal.

For example, there is a story about a family owned park opened for decades, closing in the 1960s, where six children died over the years. One unsupervised child, dropped off by his mother, drowned in a pool after being sucked up to a pool pump. Another was involved in a ride/vehicle accident. The other four deaths are not described, probably because they were also typical type deaths at a small park where safety precautions were limited, especially during the years such a park existed.

But, hey, years later they found artifacts from a Native American burial ground on the property! That must mean the deaths of those six children were supernatural in nature, not explainable childhood accident deaths! Hence, this series is strictly for extremely gullible viewers, or those who only want to hear something or everything is paranormal. At least William Shatner came across well. Not being a fan of his, I expected the worst with him being the host. It was just the opposite, though. He was a perfectly fine host with a nice voice.

Dr. Eben Alexander is a fraud.

[georgeclark-97952 · 27 August 2019]

It is so sad again I see Dr. Eben Alexander's fraud hiding the truth to education seekers of the Afterlife. This episode to me, has no integrity until the true "unexplained" is answered to why I have Alexander's account already written and copyrighted in 2005.

Shatner needs a proofreader

[lizzyispink · 6/10 · 21 May 2022]

Some interesting stories but most aren't unexplained. The experts are quite knowledgeable, unlike some other programmes. Someone please tell the man the proper definition of "irony". And FFS Shatner it's try TO find out, not try AND find out.

A good little show boosted by Shatner

[davet-15275 · 10/10 · 25 August 2019]

The show is ok , nothing new but nevertheless entertaining , seen all the shows so far and it's william Shatners creepy stern voice with robotic actions just engros you in to the show and make you smile , he is just like santa !

Watchable But Not Ideal

[jstorm-52594 · 7/10 · 14 September 2022]

This program follows in the footsteps of Shatner's "Weird or What" series with much of the same content and themes. I watched the episode dealing with viruses and only parts of 2 others, so be aware of that when reading this review.

The virus episode stated some very valuable and good information but on at least two occasions, it veered into the 'paranormal' nonsense and that really turned me off. What's different about this show (as opposed to say "Ancient Aliens") is that while they mention unexplained incidents, they do not lend any credence to them necessarily.

I thought they did a good job of explaining the history of viruses and plagues and the origin of vaccines, though they could have gone much more in depth.

In summary, the fact that I watched it beginning to end is a good indication that this is not a show that focuses on paranormal subjects and that is a good thing. I could easily be a much better and more worthwhile program but as it is, it's tolerable and I did enjoy parts of it. 7/10 for me.

Had me watching back to back episodes. Planning on catching more.

[dfish-36086 · 9/10 · 1 January 2020]

Came across this while trying to find something interesting (now that's subjective). I watched enough to see William Shatner narrating the mysteries and then remained tuned in. This just seems to be right up his alley. For me he's a natural and perfect fit. Like another reviewer said, he bumps the rating up. I also don't believe he'd be a part of a series if it weren't done quite well and it is. They cover a number of angles. I appreciate that they don't try to sensationalize the unexplained or push me to think a certain way. Makes me feel like they know their audience and they respect our ability to think for ourselves. The network had the show run back to back episodes New Year's eve day and I never changed the channel. I hope they create many more. The stories and Shatner have me hooked. He also makes me laugh. Something about him hanging on his final line. Like what more does he really want to say? Then I picture him popping a cigar in that open mouth of his.

Heir Apparent To Unsolved Mysteries?

[AudioFileZ · 7/10 · 27 June 2022]

While the latest iteration of Unsolved Mysteries may have some of the DNA of the original it's so re-vamped it seems like a wholly different show. Here we have William Shatner as host/narrator and he's a good later-day Robert Stack bedrock from which, like Unsolved Mysteries, guides the viewer through a wide variety of mysterious and strange stories. More of the usual current crop of talking heads, some unique story specific experiencers, and, perhaps, fewer criminals make up the average episode. Still, it seems like the best current heir-apparent to the original beloved Unsolved Mysteries. A more serious and restrained Shatner and good production values (i.e. Tight editing reeling in the hovering paranormal aspect) make the show fairly interesting and entertaining.

The powers of the unknown

[danielleshaffi · 8/10 · 22 January 2024]

I absolutely love this show. I'd watch it while getting ready for the day, its such an easy watch. You can just listen while doing other things at the same time.

As a person who loves to know things this show really hit the spot. Its so educational and I actually learnt things that I never even knew about (like the supernova asteroid). There wasn't a single episode I didn't find interesting and I'm a little gutted I've watched all that's available. I do hope they plan on making more.

I didn't quite get why William Shatner was the host but the more I watched the more I realised his voice fits perfect with being a narrator.

Andrew Collins has got to go!

[msfit1139 · 7/10 · 16 June 2023]

I really enjoy this exciting and very informative show. Their coverage of ancient sites, prehistoric ruins and exotic locales is always fascinating and enlightening - EXCEPT for the commentary of Andrew Collins. I find his accent very, very annoying, distracting and possibly pretentious. This is true to the point where I sometimes have a difficult time even understanding what it is he is trying to say! William Shatner, Lynn Picknett , Travis Taylor, Rabbi Ariel Bar Tzadok, Nick pope, Paul Bahn and all of the other commentators are excellent and add a great deal to this excellent program, but Andrew Collins has got to go!

Exceptionally crafted

[placerhugo · 9/10 · 30 June 2022]

Nothing new. . .however, the feel of the show and the manner in which the various presentations are delivered is done in captivating and intriguing methodologies.

The secret to this show is...

[NinaCu · 1/10 · 22 June 2022]

Imagine a dark room with a pensive reviewer typing away. Does she have the answers? Will we ever know? Or, is the truth so incredible that it cannot even be stated for fear of personal sanity?

Are you sure you really want to know the mysterious answers to all the questions about this show? The truth may not set you free, but haunt you forever. Can any answers ever quench human curiousity? It is more paradoxical than the Arabian Nights.

Can you accept and surrender to reality, under the immense weight of your preconceptions and hope for information? For there is only one answer ever presented in 53 episodes -- UnXplained.

Thought provoking junk food for the mind.

[jesselukecox · 10/10 · 23 April 2020]

I mean exactly what I said in the title, but in the most positive ways. I should have said comfort food, for the mind but I find this one more catchy.

It's so cool to see Shatner still doing something that interests him, it shows. I've seen them on talk shows, watched him do speeches about Star Trek and he had no love for the show, he was so bored of it. When he's talking about things that he's interested in and not just things to pay the bills you won't find a better host.

The subject matter of the show may seem inconsequential and irrelevant but if it's the kind of thing that interests you, this quote-unquote pseudoscience maybe of the most important nature.. I've never been bored watching The unexplained and I'd recommend it to anybody who has half an hour to kill and wants to watch something different, thought provoking and certainly interesting.

Love it

[tigerlilyrose-69868 · 10/10 · 21 September 2019]

So much of the show resonates with me, and I hope it continues for more seasons. Love it, very entertaining.