The Deadliest Catch
Elements of Danger: High
Network: Discovery Channel
There is a reason it's not called The Safest Catch. There's no taming Mother Nature, and these fishermen risk their lives on the Bering Sea to bring home the goods.
Man vs. Wild
Element of Danger: High
Network: Discovery Channel
Bear Grylls is one crazy dude. Seriously, who willingly gets dropped off in the Moab Desert to see if he can survive? Yes, that's right, Mr. Crazy.
Ice Road Truckers
Element of Danger: High
Network: History Channel
Since when is a frozen lake considered a road? Under a time limit, these drivers race monstrous trucks over treacherous ice roads while combating mechanical trouble, hairpin turns and the occasional avalanche. Plus, frostbite. Can't forget the frostbite.
Storm Chasers
Element of Danger: High
Network: Discovery Channel
Any show that combines competitive attitudes and tornadoes spells danger. We get close enough to twisters watching Wizard of Oz, thank you very much.
American Loggers
Element of Danger: High
Network: Discovery Channel
Snow + the biggest trucks you've ever seen times 10 + Christmas trees on steroids + human error = danger. 'Nuff said.
Ax Men
Element of Danger: High
Network: History Channel
Need proof it's hazardous? Take one look at logger Jay Browning's prosthetic hand.
Black Gold
Element of Danger: High
Network: TruTV
One wrong move with the oil-rigging equipment and these guys end up blind in one eye, brain damaged or worse...
Alaska State Troopers
Element of Danger: Medium
Network: National Geographic Channel
A lot of Alaskans are armed, although the majority use their weapons for hunting, rather than crime. Plus, these tough public officials have to battle the state's intense elements.
Ghost Adventures
Element of Danger: Medium
Network: Travel Channel
These adventurers have had bricks thrown at them by an unhappy ghost, yet they still insist on having sleepovers in notoriously spooky haunts all over the world.
Police Women of Broward County
Element of Danger: Medium
Network: TLC
These brave ladies of the law never know what perils they may face each day as they attempt to clean up the streets of a well-populated southern-Florida county. From drug rings to domestic scuffles, these fierce officers are up to the challenge.
American Chopper
Element of Danger: Low
Network: TLC
Even though our parents instilled within us a solid fear of bikes with motors, this long-running show takes place primarily in the shop. Thus, we deem it less dangerous than feasting on dead zebra in the middle of the desert (see Man vs. Wild).
Ghost Hunters
Element of Danger: Low
Network: Syfy
Even though this isn't the most life-threatening show we've seen, you couldn't pay us to crawl through haunted houses and research the undead. Creep. Us. Out.
Rescue Ink
Element of Danger: Low
Network: National Geographic
Don't let appearances fool you. These men may look like Sons of Anarchy extras, but they spend their time rescuing helpless, abused and neglected animals. Think of them as big ol' tattooed teddy bears with hearts of gold.
Verminators
Element of Danger: Low
Network: Discovery Channel
This show gives us the heebie-jeebies. They say cockroaches will basically be the last things left on Earth. If that's the case, we don't want to be here anyway!
Can't get enough dangerous reality? Check out our intense Survivor: Samoa Gallery!