The core members of the original Finding Bigfoot cast—Matt Moneymaker, Cliff Barackman, Bobo Fay, and Ranae Holland—have remained active in various capacities related to cryptozoology, media appearances, research, and independent projects since the television series concluded its run on Animal Planet.
As one of the most successful and enduring reality television programs dedicated to the search for unknown hominids, Finding Bigfoot captivated audiences for nine seasons between 2011 and 2017. Following the final regular episode and subsequent specials, the four principal investigators forged distinct paths. Some have continued intense field research and public outreach, while others have pivoted toward academic pursuits, specialized consulting, or public speaking engagements within the broader paranormal and cryptozoological communities.
The Legacy of Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot
Before examining the current whereabouts and activities of individual cast members, it is essential to understand the cultural footprint of the show itself. Produced by Pioneer Productions, Finding Bigfoot followed the investigative team of the Finding Bigfoot Research Organization (BFRO) as they traveled across the United States and internationally. Their methodology typically involved interviewing eyewitnesses, examining alleged physical evidence such as footprints and hair samples, conducting nighttime vocalization calls, and setting up thermal-imaging equipment during organized town hall meetings and field expeditions.
The show relied heavily on dynamic interpersonal chemistry. The cast members represented distinct archetypes: Matt Moneymaker served as the outspoken founder and definitive voice of the expedition; Cliff Barackman brought meticulous footprint analysis and archival knowledge; James "Bobo" Fay contributed folksy charm, woodcraft skills, and a willingness to investigate the most remote terrain; and Ranae Holland acted as the skeptical scientist who consistently demanded empirical evidence over circumstantial claims. This balance of credulity and skepticism generated high ratings and built a dedicated global fan base that continues to track the cast members' post-show endeavors.
Matt Moneymaker: Continuing the Mission and the BFRO
Matt Moneymaker remains one of the most polarizing and visible figures in contemporary Bigfoot research. As the founder of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), established in 1995, Moneymaker utilized Finding Bigfoot as a primary platform to institutionalize online reporting for alleged sasquatch encounters.
Following the conclusion of the television series, Moneymaker did not step away from field investigations. Instead, he has continued to host private and public expeditions through the BFRO network, charging participants fees to join weekend-long searches in known hotspot areas across North America. He remains active on social media and internet forums, frequently defending his theories regarding sasquatch vocalizations, nocturnal behavior, and government non-disclosure.
Moneymaker also frequently interacts with fans through specialized podcasts, public speaking events, and convention appearances. Despite criticisms from skeptics and scientific institutions regarding the lack of physical type specimens, Moneymaker maintains that conclusive proof has been documented by the BFRO archive, and he continues to advocate for formal scientific recognition of the creature.
Cliff Barackman: Museum Curator and Specialized Researcher
Cliff Barackman emerged during the run of Finding Bigfoot as the cast's resident expert on footprint cast analysis and physical evidence collection. Unlike some of his colleagues who leaned heavily into experiential encounters, Barackman grounded much of his television persona in tangible data, accumulating one of the largest private collections of cast footprints in North America.
After the show ended, Barackman permanently relocated his life and research focus to Oregon, recognizing the Pacific Northwest as the epicenter of historical sasquatch activity. In 2021, Barackman realized a long-term professional goal by opening the North America Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon. This physical museum houses his extensive collection of cast footprints, hair samples, audio recordings, and historical documents related to the cryptid.
In addition to running the museum, Barackman co-hosts a weekly podcast titled Apes Among Us, where he breaks down historical reports, analyzes new pieces of evidence, and interviews other researchers. Barackman has successfully transitioned from a television personality to a recognized curator and educator within the niche community of cryptozoology, emphasizing public education and scientific methodology in evidence collection.
James "Bobo" Fay: Woodcraft, Conventions, and Media Appearances
James "Bobo" Fay quickly became a fan-favorite cast member due to his jovial demeanor, signature wool caps, deep knowledge of woodcraft, and willingness to embrace unconventional field tactics. Fay’s approach to the search was characterized by a combination of easygoing humor and absolute dedication to tracking wild animals in deep timber environments.
Since the final season of Finding Bigfoot, Fay has remained a ubiquitous presence on the convention circuit. He regularly appears as a headline guest at cryptozoology festivals, paranormal conferences, and fan conventions across the United States and Canada. Fans frequently encounter Fay speaking on panels, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his television days, and recounting his decades of personal field research prior to his time on Animal Planet.
Fay has also collaborated frequently with his former castmate Cliff Barackman, making regular guest appearances on podcasts and media projects. While he maintains a lower profile regarding formal institutional research compared to his early BFRO days, Fay remains an active and beloved ambassador for the sasquatch research community, continuing to participate in private field investigations when opportunities arise.
Ranae Holland: Scientific Skepticism and Environmental Advocacy
Ranae Holland held a unique position on Finding Bigfoot as the field biologist and vocal skeptic who regularly challenged her colleagues' interpretations of ambiguous environmental phenomena. With a formal background in environmental science and resource management, Holland often provided alternative explanations for sounds, tree breaks, and alleged visual sightings, attributing them to known wildlife, terrain shifts, or pareidolia.
Following the conclusion of the series, Holland returned to her primary roots in environmental science, field research, and wildlife conservation. She has maintained an active career working on ecological preservation projects in the Pacific Northwest, applying her scientific training to real-world habitat management and conservation efforts.
While Holland occasionally participates in retrospective interviews, documentary projects, or nostalgic panel discussions alongside her former castmates, she generally operates outside the daily spotlight of commercial cryptozoology. Her post-show trajectory underscores her original television persona: an analytical professional who respects the wilderness and scientific rigor above unverified claims.
Summary of Post-Show Activities
The cast members have pursued diverse paths since their time on Animal Planet, ranging from dedicated museum curation to continued field expeditions and professional scientific work.
| Cast Member | Primary Role on Show | Post-Show Endeavors & Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Moneymaker | Founder / Lead Investigator | Continues BFRO expeditions, online archiving, public speaking, and podcast appearances. |
| Cliff Barackman | Evidence Analyst / Investigator | Opened the North America Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon; co-hosts Apes Among Us. |
| James "Bobo" Fay | Field Researcher / Woodcraft Expert | Active on the convention circuit, guest podcast appearances, and private field research. |
| Ranae Holland | Field Biologist / Skeptic | Returned to professional environmental science, wildlife conservation, and ecological management. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the cast members of Finding Bigfoot still friends?
Yes, the original four cast members maintain positive professional and personal relationships despite their differing viewpoints on evidence. They frequently reunite for special convention panels, retrospective media interviews, and anniversary broadcasts.
Will Finding Bigfoot ever return for a new season?
While Animal Planet and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery have produced occasional reunion specials and anniversary retrospectives—such as limited return episodes in recent years—there has been no official announcement regarding a permanent, full-scale series reboot.
Where is the North America Bigfoot Center located?
Operated by cast member Cliff Barackman, the museum is located in Boring, Oregon. It features exhibits containing footprint casts, audio recordings, historical reports, and interactive displays open to the public.
How did the cast members originally get involved in the show?
Most of the original cast members were affiliated with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) founded by Matt Moneymaker in the 1990s. Television producers recruited the core team based on their active fieldwork, research archives, and distinct interpersonal dynamics.
Did the cast ever find definitive proof of Bigfoot?
During the course of nine seasons and numerous international specials, the cast documented numerous compelling audio recordings, footprint impressions, and eyewitness accounts, but they never captured or presented definitive, scientifically accepted physical type specimens (such as DNA proof or a body) to validate the existence of sasquatch.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts
For readers wishing to dive deeper into the legacy of the program or pursue independent research, exploring the official archives of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) provides access to thousands of historical eyewitness reports organized by county and state. Additionally, visiting physical repositories like Cliff Barackman’s museum in Oregon offers hands-on examination of historical cast evidence used during the production of the television series.
