### Buck Jacob Lowe Reveals Why *Mountain Monsters* Won’t Return

For years, *Mountain Monsters* captivated audiences with its thrilling hunts for strange creatures and the charismatic personalities of its cast. However, after eight seasons, the show abruptly disappeared, leaving fans with unanswered questions. Now, at 30 years old, Buck Jacob Lowe is breaking his silence, revealing the emotional and complex reasons behind the show’s cancellation.

#### The End of an Era

In September 2024, Buck stood on his West Virginia property, reflecting on the years he spent chasing legends and documenting the mysteries of Appalachia. The announcement that *Mountain Monsters* would not return for a ninth season had already been made, citing that the team had completed its mission. However, Buck felt it was time to share the deeper truth behind the decision.

The heart of the team, John “Trapper” Tice, had passed away, and with his loss came increased pressure from network executives for more drama and staged moments.

Buck and his fellow cast members, including Huckleberry, Wild Bill, Jeff, and Willy, felt uneasy about compromising the show’s authenticity. They had witnessed other paranormal shows sacrifice integrity for ratings, and they were determined not to follow that path. Ultimately, they chose to walk away rather than dishonor Trapper’s memory and the legacy they had built.

#### Personal Struggles

The toll of the show extended beyond just the professional realm; it affected Buck’s health and family life. The demanding travel schedule, dangerous conditions, and constant pressure took a significant emotional and physical toll. What once felt like an adventure had transformed into a grueling job, and Buck found himself questioning the direction of the show.

*Mountain Monsters* was meant to be a celebration of Appalachian folklore, but as it became more commercialized, it strayed from that mission. The cliffhanger at the end of season eight was never intended to be the series’ finale; it was meant to set up new adventures. However, when the team decided to prioritize their integrity over ratings, that unresolved moment became their final goodbye.

#### Behind the Scenes Challenges

The production of *Mountain Monsters* had always been intense, but by season eight, it had become nearly unbearable. Buck described working 18-hour days, often in remote locations, performing dangerous stunts. The crew faced logistical challenges that turned each episode into a massive operation, requiring a significant number of personnel and equipment.

As Buck reviewed early cuts of the eighth season, he was disheartened to see how the show was being edited into something unrecognizable. Conversations were cut down to dramatic sound bites, and the focus shifted from genuine investigations to manufactured suspense and staged encounters. The atmosphere among the crew changed as well, with longtime collaborators being replaced by newcomers focused solely on boosting ratings.

#### Trapper’s Legacy

Three months before Trapper’s passing, he shared his concerns with Buck about the potential exploitation of Appalachian culture and the importance of maintaining integrity. He warned Buck about the temptation to create drama for entertainment, emphasizing the need to honor the real stories they were uncovering. This conversation weighed heavily on Buck as he witnessed the show’s transformation.

When Trapper passed away, Buck felt an even stronger obligation to uphold the values they had established together. The decision to end *Mountain Monsters* was not made lightly; it was a commitment to preserving the authenticity and respect for the communities they had represented.

#### Moving Forward

Though *Mountain Monsters* may no longer air, Buck and the team have not given up on their mission. They are exploring new projects that honor Trapper’s legacy and continue to celebrate Appalachian culture. Buck’s journey reflects a profound respect for the roots of the show and a dedication to authenticity, ensuring that the spirit of *Mountain Monsters* lives on in new forms.