Bruce Campbell: 3 reasons why we are obsessed with Ripley’s
In this week’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! episode, Bruce Campbell introduces us to people and a canine who are obsessed with being the best at their particular pursuits. So, for our preview we decided to list why we are obsessed with this Travel Channel series.
The Quest to Be the Best
Bruce Campbell is nearing the end of his first season as host of the new incarnation of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “Great Obsessions” deals with people and a canine who are constantly striving to take their particular obsessions to the next level.
We are introduced to Michael Uy and his dog, Abbie. In order to help his pet, overcome her social anxieties, he would take her everywhere he went. Since he was a surfer, the pair would go to the beach on a regular basis. One day, on a lark, he put Abbie on his surfboard and the rest is history. She became so adept at her new pursuit the she is the world record holder for the longest wave surfed by a canine!
John Collins is another interesting individual. Ever since he was a kid, he was obsessed with making paper airplanes. That pursuit led him to study origami. From there, he learned about aerodynamics. Now, he has created an entire fleet of planes. Currently, he is known for the longest paper airplane flight coming in at a distance of 226 feet and 10 inches.
These two segments from Episode 8 are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak when it comes to what fans can expect from the show this week. But then again, this series excels at showcasing the extraordinary. Here are our top 3 reasons why we are obsessed with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at 1428 Elm.
Top 3 Reasons Why We Are Obsessed with Ripley’s
3. Host
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Bruce Campbell of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” poses for a portrait in the Pizza Hut Lounge at 2019 Comic-Con International: San Diego on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Aaron Richter/Contour by Getty Images for Pizza Hut )
Bruce Campbell is the perfect choice to host Ripley’s. Eclectic, intelligent and witty, you pay attention when he is onscreen. Plus, his forty years in the entertainment business make him the consummate professional.
He understands the importance of good storytelling and has keen instincts as a producer. With his built-in fan base and his innate showmanship, he is the perfect ambassador to grow the Ripley’s brand in the 21st century. Fingers crossed that we get a Season 2. You hear that Travel Channel?
2. Stories
Angel Guiffra nocks an arrow.
Each week, the research team on Ripley’s delivers the best stories to pique viewer interest. We love the direction that Bruce Campbell is taking the show as executive producer where it is about tone and overcoming obstacles. Like Angel Giuffria who celebrates having a bionic arm so much so that she even has a Star Wars light saber attachment!
Interspersed with the life affirming segments, long time fans of Robert Ripley’s also get their dose of the unusual and in some cases bizarre. Where else can we learn about the horned lizard and its ability to shoot toxic blood from its eyes?
Another winning point about the series is the fact that science is very integral to quite a few profiles. Joseph’s Machines (which are really extensions of Rube Goldberg’s creations) have their very roots in conquering physics. In order to serve a slice of cake, Joseph must align certain tasks with the precision of a Swiss watch to obtain the result that he is chasing.
1. People
Ted Richards is committed to life as a bird. His nickname is Ted Parrotman.
The people that Ripley’s spotlights are definitely one of a kind individuals. Ted Richards a.k.a. Ted Parrotman is a fascinating fellow who is interested in creating a parrot sanctuary. To some, he might seem off-beat and eccentric but he teaches us that we only get one go around in this life so why not take chances?
He marches to the beat of his own drum and it is encouraging to see someone who is living life on their terms and not letting others dictate what they should be like. This series encourages and welcomes the diverse and the unique. This all inclusion makes us wish society could do the same.
"Great Obsessions | Ripley’s Believe It or Not!Bruce Campbell showcases five awesome people — and one amazing dog — who strive daily for new highs and new records."
Catch Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with Bruce Campbell this Sunday at 9 p.m. on the Travel Channel.
Do you have a favorite episode or segment? Let us know in the comments.