Johannesburg, 18 August 2026: National Geographic’s new three-part docuseries 9/11 Reunited will premiere on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220), on Tuesday 25 August at 20:30, with a triple bill of three episodes airing back-to-back. The series will also be available on Disney+ in South Africa.

Created in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and from the Emmy ^® Award-winning team at 72 Films, the series revisits the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history through the extraordinary human connections formed amid the chaos, courage, and heartbreak of that day. Across the episodes, survivors, first responders, and witnesses reunite with the strangers, rescuers, and everyday heroes who changed, and in many cases saved, their lives on September 11. Many of these emotional reunions take place for the first time in 25 years, providing a rare opportunity to ask long-held questions, express gratitude, and reflect on how those moments have stayed with them for decades.

9/11 Reunited is executive produced by David Glover and Mark Raphael of 72 Films, along with Academy Award ^® winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin. Louis Lee Ray produces, and Julian Jones directs the series for 72 Films. For National Geographic, Cate Hall and Carolyn Payne serve as executive producers.

Extending the storytelling beyond the docuseries, National Geographic will debut a groundbreaking digital experience in early September featuring an expansive video archive of never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and original source material drawn from its acclaimed catalog of 9/11 documentaries. Available on NatGeo.com, the searchable archive invites audiences to explore eyewitness testimony and the lasting aftermath of September 11 through an immersive, multi-perspective experience that brings together firsthand accounts and historical context. Complementing the interactive archive, National Geographic will also publish a companion digital feature by 9/11 historian Garrett M. Graff examining the pivotal 17 minutes between the first and second plane impacts at the World Trade Center. Through a detailed, minute-by-minute narrative, the feature provides additional context and insight, enriching the broader interactive experience.

Rounding out the digital experience, National Geographic, in conjunction with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, will publish an original reportage on the annual “Tribute in Light” public art installation on September 11. The feature will include exclusive photography of this year’s installation by renowned architectural photographer Christopher Payne.

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Reuniting Hiddleston and ‘Loki’ Executive Producer Kevin R. Wright, the Three-Part Event Series From Plimsoll Productions Premieres on Sunday 26 July 2026

Johannesburg, 14 July 2026:National Geographic has released the official trailer and confirmed the premiere date for Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston. The three-part docudrama debuts on Sunday, 26 July, on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220), with all three episodes airing consecutively before becoming available on Disney+ in South Africa.

Host and “Loki” star Tom Hiddleston and “Loki” executive producer Kevin R. Wright reunite for the series, a fusion of cinematic scripted drama and investigative documentary storytelling that transports audiences to ancient Rome in the hours before and during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Guided by a team of archaeologists, historians, geologists and disaster experts, he uncovers remarkable evidence – and the stories of real people that challenge long-held assumptions about Pompeii and its final hours – not least revealing that many of those caught up in the disaster had the chance to survive.

With a twist of his hand, Golden Globe® and Olivier-winning Hiddleston (“The Night Manager”) journeys back in time, stepping into cinematic, scripted sequences that follow the lives of real Romans caught in Vesuvius’ path.

Following a teenage apprentice, a powerful businesswoman and a mysterious Praetorian Guard, he pieces together how each confronted impossible choices as disaster loomed. As the volcano awakens and the countdown to catastrophe begins, the evidence converges in a gripping race against time to uncover who survived, who perished, and what determined their fate.

“The ancient world has compelled my imagination and curiosity for as long as I can remember: I’ve been fascinated by it all my life,” said Hiddleston. “Classical Antiquity is the foundation and cornerstone of Western and European culture. To visit Pompeii is to feel the distance of the 2,000 years between now and then compressed. The past becomes the present; the past feels so close. Tangible, honest and real. Our relationship with the past is alive – studying who we were in order to understand who we are. Pompeii is a gateway for that conversation. It’s a privilege to host this visually immersive and dynamic series. Pompeii is often remembered for how its story ended. But by looking closer, we can uncover the details of people’s lives, the choices they made, and the moments that came before the city was buried. To revisit the final hours of those ordinary people, caught in an extraordinary moment, and to help bring these remarkable human stories back into the light, is a genuine honor.”

Bringing a bold cinematic vision shaped by his work on Marvel’s critically acclaimed “Loki,” executive producer Kevin R. Wright helps reimagine how history is presented on screen for modern audiences. Blending cutting-edge archaeological discoveries, expert analysis and deeply personal storytelling, the series reframes Pompeii not as a story of destruction but as a human drama of resilience, sacrifice and survival, revealing the lives, choices and destinies of those who stood in the shadow of Vesuvius.

“National Geographic has spent more than a century bringing the past to life through groundbreaking discoveries, exploration and world-class storytelling,” said Tom McDonald, EVP of Content, National Geographic. “Working with Tom and Kevin, alongside the team at Plimsoll led by showrunner Tom Barbor-Might, has been a process of inventing an entirely new genre of history programming – one which brings evidence and imagination together in a way which feels distinctive.”

On 21 July, natgeo.com will publish a major story on three Roman cities buried by Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, which will be featured in the August issue of National Geographic magazine. Using AI and advanced DNA analysis, researchers are uncovering new insights into ancient Roman life: class and gender dynamics at Oplontis, previously unreadable lost writings from Herculaneum’s carbonized scrolls, and diet and disease from a Pompeii latrine. The findings reveal a society surprisingly preoccupied with inequality, health and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

The original series soundtrack, featuring a score by composer Aisling Brouwer, will be released through Hollywood Records on 24 July 2026. Listen wherever you stream music.

Pompeii: Out of Time is produced by Plimsoll Productions, with Tom Barbor-Might serving as both showrunner and director. The series is written by Jessica Ruston and Mark Ravenhill, with additional writing from Kevin R. Wright and Barbor-Might. Executive producers for Plimsoll include Grant Mansfield, Kevin R. Wright, Helen Flint and Alan Eyres. On behalf of National Geographic, Carolyn Payne serves as executive producer, while Charlie Parsons, Bengt Anderson and Tom McDonald oversee development, unscripted production and content leadership. Tom Hiddleston is represented by Hamilton Hodell in the U.K., Range Media Partners in the U.S., Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole for legal representation, and Prosper PR for publicity.

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Johannesburg, 25 May 2026:Amsterdam Centraal welcomes over 200,000 travelers every single day, including tourists, commuters, day visitors and international train passengers from across Europe. As one of the continent’s most demanding railway hubs and the heart of transport in the Dutch capital, the station relies on dedicated teams working around the clock behind the scenes.

In the first season of Amsterdam Central 24/7, viewers were given an inside look at the dedicated staff who work around the clock to keep everything safe, clean and running on time. In the new season, these heroes take center stage. Familiar faces return, and new team members are introduced, allowing viewers to experience the station through the eyes of the people who keep it operational every single day. For fans of the series, these staff members have become recognizable personalities, faces you might encounter while traveling to, from or through Amsterdam Centraal.

The 135-year-old station building, an architectural masterpiece, is currently undergoing the most extensive renovation in its history. Managing large-scale construction while the station remains fully operational places enormous pressure on staff. The series follows how employees rise to this challenge, ensuring that Amsterdam Centraal continues to function smoothly, day in and day out. Amsterdam Central 24/7 weaves together human stories with large-scale logistics, safety operations and the rich history of a location familiar to nearly every Dutch citizen, yet rarely seen behind closed doors.

The new season of Amsterdam Central 24/7 premieres on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) on Mondays at 18:50 (CAT) from 25 May to 29 June 2026.

Episodes include the following:

• “SAIL Amsterdam”

One of the season’s highlights is SAIL Amsterdam, the world’s largest nautical event, held once every five years. Around 800 historic ships sail past the station along the IJ waterfront. On this day alone, Amsterdam Centraal expects an additional 150,000 travelers. Station Manager René and Social Safety Manager Bas coordinate crowd control and public safety, especially when thousands of visitors leave simultaneously after the fireworks display.

• “International Travelers & the UK Terminal”
  High-speed trains bring passengers from the United Kingdom to Amsterdam Centraal every day. Inside the dedicated UK Terminal, staff work under intense pressure to ensure trains to London depart on time while complying with strict security procedures.

• “Safety, Service and Human Care”
  Safety & Service officers Menno and Baran assist tourists in distress, including an American traveler who falls ill after using soft drugs, while Ticket & Service representative Alexandra connects with international passengers and learns about their journeys.

• “Care for the Homeless”
  The season also sheds light on the station’s role as a refuge for people experiencing homelessness. Outreach workers Marieke and Fikret support approximately 100 individuals daily, helping them find shelter, secure identification documents, or obtain train tickets home, often a complex and emotional process.

• “Behind the Scenes: Bikes & Construction”
  Facilities Manager Mike takes viewers inside the world’s largest underground bicycle parking facility. On the day abandoned bicycles are removed, his team must work at full speed, while construction beneath the tracks continues on yet another new bike parking structure.

In this new season, the human story remains at the heart of the series. Familiar faces return, new colleagues join the team, and together they face the station’s greatest logistical, safety and operational challenges, keeping the beating heart of Amsterdam running 24/7.

Amsterdam Central 24/7 is a locally produced National Geographic Series, created in collaboration with Goya Productions, ProRail and Nederlandse Spoorwegen.

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Johannesburg, 6 May 2026: National Geographic will take viewers inside one of the world’s most secretive intelligence agencies with the new series Inside the CIA. The eight-part series provides a rare and revealing look into the high-stakes world of espionage, told through the voices of those who have operated within it.

Now showing on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) on Wednesdays at 20:30 (CAT), with new episodes airing weekly, the series is built around first-hand accounts from former CIA operatives. Through their stories, viewers are introduced to a collection of missions that have shaped global events, revealing what it takes to operate in environments defined by risk, pressure and uncertainty.

Inside the World of Espionage

Each episode is driven by real accounts from intelligence officers, offering access to the individuals behind some of the most complex and consequential operations in modern history. From covert missions conducted behind enemy lines to the global hunt for Osama bin Laden, the series explores the hidden manoeuvres, split-second decisions and personal risks that define intelligence work at the highest level.

The series places a strong focus on the human dimension of espionage, revealing not only how operations unfold but the realities faced by those tasked with carrying them out.

The Human Cost Behind the Mission

Structured as a mission-led docuseries, Inside the CIA unfolds with a steady narrative pace, moving from one high-pressure situation to the next. Through a combination of personal testimony and carefully reconstructed moments, the series draws viewers into the emotional and psychological complexities of life inside the agency. It also debates the moral questions, constant danger and personal sacrifices that come with living a double life, offering insight into a world that is rarely seen and even less understood.

With access to elite intelligence officers and the defining missions of their careers, Inside the CIA delivers an immersive viewing experience that brings audiences closer to the realities of espionage and the people behind it.

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Johannesburg, 16 April 2026: The wait for Stanley Tucci’s acclaimed culinary journey is almost over. TUCCI IN ITALY returns to National Geographic for Season 2 this May, bringing five new episodes that dive into the heart of Italy’s most debated gastronomic traditions. The series is set to air across the African continent on Wednesdays at 18:50 (CAT) beginning 13 May 2026. Viewers can find it on DStv channel 181 or StarTimes channel 220, with South African audiences also able to stream the entire season on Disney+.

Revealing a deeper, more personal journey, the Academy Award^® nominee, Emmy^®– and Golden Globe^®-winning actor Stanley Tucci returns to his beloved Italy, visiting five new regions – Naples and Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto – to trace the link between Italy’s historical landscape and its culinary traditions, where the ritual of the shared meal remains the ultimate expression of its people.

“In Italy, food is never just food. It’s memory, identity and, sometimes, a full-blown argument,” said Tucci. “This season, we explore how the past continues to shape the present, one region and one extraordinary meal at a time. I’m so pleased to share these captivating stories and these wonderful people with you.”

In Season 2, Tucci visits new regions, including Le Marche, a lesser-known destination he’s never featured before. Located in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, the region’s rich culinary delights have largely escaped the attention of international tourists. In Campania and its famed capital, Naples, he celebrates a once-forgotten vine grape, and in Veneto, he deliciously wades into the passionate culinary debate over the origins of tiramisu.

Stanley also explores two very different Islands: Sardinia, where he looks into the relationship between food and longevity, and Sicily, where multicultural history has left a delicious mark on its food.

TUCCI IN ITALY is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios. For SALT Productions, Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham are executive producers. For BBC Studios, Amanda Lyon is executive producer, Ben Jessop is co-executive producer, and Alan Holland is head of Specialist Factual Productions. For National Geographic, Yari Lorenzo is executive producer, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of production, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Global Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president, National Geographic Content.

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The Two-Part Series, From National Geographic Explorer at Large and Academy Award^® – Winner James Cameron, Premieres on 4 April 2026

Johannesburg, 2 April 2026: The Emmy-winning “Secrets of” franchise returns with Secrets of the Bees! It premieres this Saturday, April 4 at 18:00 (CAT) on Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / Starsat 221) and will also be available on Disney+ in SA.

Hosted and narrated by BAFTA and Emmy-winning National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory, SECRETS OF THE BEES uses groundbreaking filming technology to reveal the extraordinary world of bees. With the expertise of entomologist and fellow National Geographic Explorer Dr. Samuel Ramsey, the series uncovers their astonishing architecture and intelligence, unlocking their secrets and featuring never-before-filmed moments.

“For its fifth anniversary, ‘Secrets of’ turns its lens to one of Earth’s smallest yet most vital heroes: bees,” says executive producer James Cameron. “Far more than pollinators, bees are socially complex, fast-thinking individuals and the most important insects on our planet. Their impact on the natural world and humanity is immeasurable, and we’re only just beginning to see how extraordinary they truly are.”

SECRETS OF THE BEES is produced by Silverback Films for National Geographic. Emmy Award-winners James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm for Lightstorm Earth are executive producers. For Silverback Films, Alastair Fothergill and Huw Cordey serve as series producers, and Nadége Laici serves as producer and director. Pam Caragol is executive producer for National Geographic.

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Series hosted, narrated and executive produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

Johannesburg, 25 March 2026:National Geographic welcomes audiences to experience the remarkable lives of history’s most celebrated saints in Martin Scorsese Presents The Saints. Guided by the insights, narration, and vision of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese, this seven-part series offers a fresh and compelling look at the stories that have influenced faith, culture, and history for generations.

Premiering on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) on Sunday, 5 April at 21:00 (CAT), with new episodes airing weekly, the series blends historical insight with cinematic storytelling to explore the lives of these extraordinary figures whose stories continue to inspire fascination across the world.

Stories of Gaith and Conviction

Each episode focuses on a singular saint whose life left a lasting mark on history. The series explores Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, Maximilian Kolbe, Moses the Black and Sebastian. Through these stories, the series reflects on moments of courage, sacrifice and unwavering belief that shaped religious and cultural history.

The documentary elements are guided by leading scholars who unpack the historical and geopolitical context surrounding each saint’s life. Their insights help reveal how these individuals lived, the challenges they faced and why their stories continue to carry meaning across generations.

Bringing History Vividly to Life

The Saints combines expert interviews, dramatic recreations and archival material to create a rich visual narrative. Carefully crafted reenactments allow viewers to experience pivotal moments from their lives in ways that paintings, manuscripts and sculptures alone cannot capture.

Throughout the series, Scorsese’s narration provides context and reflection, shaped by a career-long fascination with the complex relationship between humanity and faith. Known for blockbuster films such as Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Aviator, Scorsese brings a considered and cinematic lens to stories that have endured for centuries. With its mix of scholarship, storytelling and striking visuals, The Saints offers viewers a chance to rediscover the human stories behind figures often portrayed only through legend and tradition.

Series Rollout:

Episode 1: John the Baptist: The Patron Saint of Converts

Sunday 5 April 2026

In the 1st-Century Galilee, John baptized new followers as he awaited the coming of the Messiah. When he refused to baptize the sinful and insincere Princess of Galilee, Salome, John was imprisoned by her stepfather, King Herod. On the King’s birthday, he required Salome to perform naked, per tradition, but offered her anything she wanted in return. Salome requested the head of John the Baptist, who met the executioner at peace, knowing that he had spread God’s word and paved the path for the Messiah.

Episode 2: Mary Magdalene: The Patron Saint of Women

12 April 2026

Mary’s life began with mental instability until she met Jesus, who exorcised her of her demons. From that day forward, Mary remained devoted to Jesus, even staying to witness his crucifixion while Jesus’ other disciples fled in fear of Roman retribution. Mary followed Jesus’ body to the tomb and witnessed his resurrection before announcing it, cementing her place as the “apostle of apostles”.

Episode 3: Joan of Arc: The Patron Saint of Soldiers

19 April 2026

On a divinely inspired mission to drive the English out of France, Joan was instrumental in lifting the siege of Orleans, a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War. Captured, Joan was turned over to the English. Although Joan knew her visions were divinely inspired, her captors attributed them to the devil, citing the Old Testament prohibition against women wearing men’s clothing when they captured Joan in men’s armour. Even as Joan was burned at the stake, she refused to recant, making her a martyr before achieving sainthood 500 years later.

Episode 4: Francis of Assisi: Patron Saint of the Environment, Animals, and Birds

26 April 2026

Abandoning his life of luxury to live as a friar, Francis travelled to Egypt during the height of the Fifth Crusade in hopes of converting Muslims to Christianity and ending the conflict. During a battle between the Crusaders and Saracens, Francis was captured and brought before the Saracen ruler. To Francis’s surprise, the Saracen ruler was open-minded, and, as they engaged in an open dialogue about their concept of God, Francis realized they ultimately served the same God. When Francis returned to the Crusaders, he told them that the Saracen ruler was a man of God, and, until they saw him as such, there would never be peace in the Middle East.

Episode 5: Moses the Black: The Patron Saint of Nonviolence

3 May 2026

After an unsuccessful attack on a Roman tax barge, Moses sought refuge in a monastery. As the Abbot became an unexpected mentor to Moses, he committed his life to peace and piety, transforming from a feared bandit to a revered monk. In the wake of his mentor’s death, Moses became the new Abbot. Years later, Moses sent his fellow monks away from the monastery when he learned that Berbers were robbing monasteries, knowing that if they stayed, they would die. But Moses and four of his fellow bandits-turned-monks stayed behind and, when confronted by the robbers, Moses had a moment of clarity and ordered his monks to drop their weapons before he was killed.

Episode 6: Sebastian: The Patron Saint of Athletes and Archers

10 May 2026

A soldier in the Roman Empire, Sebastian was promoted to Centurion when his efforts impressed Emperor Diocles. Little did Diocles know that Sebastian was secretly a devout Christian during a time when believers were being persecuted by the Emperor’s pagan regime. After a group of Christians were rounded up to be executed, Sebastian intervened, revealing his Christian identity. Diocles gave Sebastian a choice: denounce his faith or die. Sebastian held firm and Roman archers tied him to an olive tree and fired crossbows at him. Sebastian’s wife cut him down and found that he was still alive. After regaining his strength, Sebastian confronted Diocles, who ordered his men to kill Sebastian, whose final words were “Jesus Christ is Lord”.

Episode 7: Maximilian Kolbe: Patron Saint of Prisoners

17 May 2026

Patron Saint of Prisoners. A Polish priest who led a small friary outside Warsaw during World War II, Maximilian was captured by German soldiers and sent to Auschwitz. When a man in his barracks escaped, the soldiers picked 10 random men to starve to death as punishment. Maximilian offered himself in place of a stranger and, while imprisoned in a windowless cell, offered support and encouragement to his fellow prisoners. At the end of the second week, everyone had died except for Maximilian. Baffled, the guards prepared to deliver a lethal injection. Instructed to hold Maximilian down, he instead offered his arm for the injection with the last bit of his strength.

Martin Scorsese Presents The Saints is produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television and Pilgrim Media Group for National Geographic. Martin Scorsese serves as host, narrator and executive producer. Executive producers include Scorsese, Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Chris Donnelly, Yoshi Stone, Craig Piligian and Matt Loze. The series is written by Kent Jones and directed by Elizabeth Chomko.

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Johannesburg, 16 March 2026: National Geographic Explorers are exceptional individuals in their fields who receive funding and support from the National Geographic Society to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Now, a new online initiative by National Geographic Africa titled “Explorers Xplored” will showcase the research, exploration, science, storytelling and courageous work being done by both young and longstanding Explorers across Africa.

Explorers are driven by something bigger than themselves. They see the difference between the world as it is and as it could be, and they make a choice to do something about it with courage and conviction. In the depths of the ocean, Explorers reveal underwater worlds that sustain life on Earth. In subterranean caves, they investigate our ancient past and the very roots of humanity. At the edge of extinction, they courageously work to end wildlife trafficking and protect species at risk. On the frontlines of conservation, they help safeguard fragile ecosystems for future generations. They are driving cutting-edge technology and pushing the limits of what is possible.

Explorers Xplored Content Series

The new online short form video series titled Explorers Xplored will shine a spotlight on the work of African Explorers, both emerging and established, aiming to profile the people behind the impact, providing a platform for African voices and perspectives to be seen and heard. Featuring stories from across the continent, the series reveals how locally-rooted insights are informing global conversations around conservation, science, history and education.

The first three episodes are now available to view. In the first one, from Cameroon’s coast to the heart of the ocean, we meet Ghofrane Labyedh, a Nat Geo Explorer fighting to protect sharks and rays through science, community, and unstoppable passion:

 

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Next we see  Moreangels Mbizah a conservation biologist, Nat Geo Explorer, and fierce protector of Africa’s big cats. From her pioneering research on lions to her community-led approach to conservation,  Moreangels is proving that saving wildlife starts with empowering people.

 

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In the latest episode, we spotlight Tumeletso Setlabosha, a legendary wilderness guide and master poler from Botswana who has spent decades navigating the waterways of the Okavango Delta. His deep connection to the Delta has given him an extraordinary understanding of its wildlife, ecosystems, and ancient navigation routes:

 

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National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organisation that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, it has provided more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, and its educational initiatives reach more than 3 million students annually.

Visit the National Geographic Society to learn more, or for regular updates on the African Explorers, the ‘Explorers Xplored’ series, and National Geographic channels and projects in Africa, follow @natgeo_africa.

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The Seven-Part Docuseries Premieres on 14 January 2026 on National Geographic Across Africa, Then Streams on Disney+ in South Africa, Produced By Westbrook Studios, Nutopia and Protozoa

From the South Pole to the North Pole, Will Smith Joins Seven Extraordinary Expeditions To Discover the Secrets of Earth’s Most Extreme Environments, Pushing His Mental and Physical Resilience to the Limits.

Johannesburg, 12 January 2026: This January, Will Smith takes audiences on the ultimate journey of discovery in the new National Geographic original series POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH. The seven-part docuseries will premiere on Wednesdays, at 20:30 (CAT) from 14 January 2026 on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) across Africa, with the first six episodes double-billed, and stream on Disney+ in South Africa. Five years in the making, the series follows Will across all seven continents, taking him from the icefields of Antarctica to the jungles of the Amazon, the mountains of the Himalayas, the deserts of Africa, the islands of the Pacific and the icebergs of the Arctic.

Inspired by his late mentor to explore life’s big questions, Will throws himself into incredible challenges for 100 days: skiing to the South Pole, catching a giant anaconda, milking a venomous tarantula, climbing mountains, and diving under the ice of the North Pole. He will venture from pole to pole in the company of scientists, explorers and local experts.

Told with a cinematic scale, access, and authenticity only National Geographic can deliver, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure blends cutting-edge science, environmental storytelling, and bold exploration. Guided by experts, scientists and explorers, Will helps make world-first scientific discoveries and forges profound human connections – from the Amazon’s Waorani community to the Kalahari’s San people, whose knowledge and resilience offer powerful lessons about our future on the planet. POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH is an epic global undertaking defined by endurance, wonder and hope.

“This journey was unlike anything I’ve ever done – at times I feared I might not make it home! It’s an exploration not just of the planet’s edges, but of some of the most extraordinary people living there,” said Smith. “From the coldest ice to the deepest jungles, the beauty of our world inspired my every step with awe and hope.”

“With POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH, we’re inviting audiences to see our planet through Will’s eyes – with all the wonder, humor, and humanity he brings to every experience,” said Tom McDonald, EVP, Content, National Geographic. “It’s a thrilling adventure that embodies what National Geographic does best: combining jaw-dropping cinematography, powerful storytelling and a deeper understanding of how our world works – and why it matters.”

Episodes include the following:

The South Pole

Will heads to the South Pole, where temperatures can drop below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit. He skis and treks across giant icefields, and, faced with a giant cliff of ice in bone-chilling winds, struggles to climb to the top. Only with the support of one of the world’s best polar athletes, Richard Parks, does he succeed. In one of the planet’s most isolated research stations, scientists take ice cores deep under the surface and make incredible sacrifices to pursue their research.

The Kalahari Desert

Will travels deep into the Kalahari Desert to meet the San people, one of the oldest hunter-gatherer groups on Earth. To discover the secret to their enduring success, he must join them on a hunt in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. Led by local San guide Kane Motswana, it’s not long before he realizes he’s entirely unsuited to this adventure.

The Amazon: Deadly Creatures

Will, a man scared of spiders his whole life, ventures deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon on an expedition in search of deadly creatures. Joined by professor Bryan Fry and local mountaineer Carla Perez, they abseil 200 feet into a cave network known as the “womb of the Earth,” where they discover a giant tarantula. Using cutting-edge techniques, they extract its venom, which could hold the key to saving millions of lives.

The Amazon: Dark Waters

Will, Bryan and Carla join local Waorani elder Penti Baihua in the Amazon, in search of the world’s biggest snake: the giant green anaconda. They carefully remove just one scale from the 17-foot snake’s skin. Will’s fear turns into relief, then joy. The single scale can reveal the health of the entire ecosystem — crucial for the future of both wildlife and the Waorani.

The Himalayas

Will travels to the kingdom of Bhutan on a deeply intimate journey in search of the secret to happiness. Guided by happiness expert Professor Dacher Keltner and local writer Tshering Denkar, Will treks to one of the highest and happiest villages in the Himalayas, at 13,000-foot altitude. While there, he confronts some of the most challenging moments of his extraordinary life and career.

The Pacific Islands

Joined by linguist Dr. Mary Walworth and local marine ecologist John Aini, Will travels to the South Pacific on an expedition to a remote island threatened by rising seas. What begins as an exploration into an incredible marine paradise transforms into a truly revelatory journey for Will about his own history as they record a lost language spoken by only five people.

The North Pole

The final leg of Will’s 100-day adventure is his most dangerous mission yet: an expedition to dive under the ice at the North Pole to help polar ecologist Allison Fong capture world-first scientific samples. But when a snowstorm and mechanical failure put the mission in crisis, Will learns what it takes to be a hero in real life.

POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH is produced by Westbrook Studios, Nutopia, and Protozoa for National Geographic. Will Smith is the host and executive producer. For Westbrook, Terence Carter and Miguel Melendez are executive producers. For Nutopia, Jane Root and Peter Lovering are executive producers, and Tom Williams is co-executive producer. For Protozoa, Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel are executive producers. For National Geographic, Sean D. Johnson and Bengt Anderson are executive producers, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Content. Following “One Strange Rock” and “Welcome to Earth,” POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH is Will’s third project with National Geographic.

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Johannesburg, 3 November 2025: Professor Hannah Fry sets off on an epic global adventure, not just to see the world but to decode it, in the brand-new six-part series THE INFINITE EXPLORER WITH HANNAH FRY, premiering on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) across Africa on Wednesdays at 20:30 (CAT), from 12 November 2025. The series will also be available on Disney+ in South Africa.

Blending travel, science and storytelling to uncover the hidden threads that shape our world, the series takes viewers to six extraordinary destinations, South Korea, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Vietnam and Spain, following Hannah’s quest to reveal the forces that define culture and the connections that make a nation what it is.

This series is much more than a travelogue – it’s a journey into the character of nations and the influences that shape them. With curiosity, wit and insight, she peels back the layers of each location. Through stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and hidden treasures, Hannah seeks out extraordinary voices and surprising quirks of history and geography that reveal what makes each place truly unique.

Always searching for patterns and hidden connections, she shows how Spain’s destiny was shaped by mountains, analyses traffic etiquette in Ho Chi Minh City, reveals secrets embedded in the Parthenon’s geometry and explores how Irish syntax builds a worldview.

Discussing the new series, Hannah Fry says: “I’ve always been fascinated by the patterns that lie beneath everyday life. This series gave me the chance to explore them on a global scale, from the way landscapes shape history to the traditions and quirks that define culture. It’s been a joy to meet people around the world who bring these stories to life, and I think audiences will be amazed at how much the hidden details reveal about us all.”

Each episode bursts with character and discovery. Hannah’s South Korean journey spans the billion-dollar world of esports, the traditions of Taekwondo, the artistry of a kimchi grandmaster and the bravery of Jeju’s legendary female divers, revealing a nation that fuses heritage with high-tech innovation.

Turning to Greece, Hannah sails ancient trade routes, marvels at the optical illusions hidden in the Parthenon, joins olive farmers in Crete and is swept up in Galaxidi’s exuberant flour-throwing festival. Across Ireland, she discovers a surprising surf scene, explores the horse-racing culture of Punchestown, traces her own Irish DNA and embraces the art of storytelling.

While in Iceland, Hannah meets scientists who diverted lava to save the Blue Lagoon, entrepreneurs harnessing geothermal energy and modern-day Vikings keeping sagas alive on black-sand plains. Her travels through Vietnam take her from the moped mayhem of Ho Chi Minh City to the misty hilltops of Sapa, celebrating Tet with a local family and uncovering the story of pho as a symbol of national identity. Finally, in Spain, Hannah dives into the fiery rhythms of flamenco, traces the origins of paella, explores Barcelona’s strict urban geometry and witnesses the extraordinary human towers of Tarragona.

The series is produced by Atomic Television, part of Zinc Media, for National Geographic and Bloomberg Originals.

Episodes include:

South Korea

Hannah Fry visits South Korea to uncover how a nation once defined by war and division became a global force in culture, business and technology. She explores the billion-dollar world of esports, learns Taekwondo from a blackbelt, meets a kimchi grandmaster and Jeju’s legendary female divers. Along the way, she discovers how South Korea blends tradition with innovation, from family-run business empires to cutting-edge everyday tech. With curiosity and humour, Hannah reveals how the country’s unique mix of ancient values and future-focused thinking turned it into a cultural superpower that continues to shape our lives.

Greece

Hannah Fry journeys across islands, mountains and olive groves to reveal why ancient Greece was the birthplace of so many big ideas. From sailing old trade routes through the Aegean to marvelling at the optical illusions hidden in the Parthenon, she explores how ideas were shaped by the dramatic landscape and how a mastery of maths, architecture and navigation fuelled a golden age of progress and innovation. Exploring the threads between ancient and modern Greece, she joins a family of olive farmers in Crete, preserving centuries-old traditions and visits the mountaintop monasteries in Meteora, where nuns safeguard classical texts. In the coastal town of Galaxidi, she’s swept up in a riotous flour-throwing festival that blends ancient myth with modern identity.

Ireland

Ireland doesn’t take up much room on the map, but few places have such a celebrated identity; more than 70 million people around the world claim Irish heritage. Hannah digs beneath the surface to discover what it really means to be Irish today. Along the windswept coast of Donegal Bay, she dives into Ireland’s surprising surfing scene, where dramatic geology is forging a new bond with the sea. She places a bet at the Punchestown races, exploring how a connection to the land became a multibillion-euro industry. In a moment of personal discovery, Hannah uncovers her own Irish DNA and how her family history holds clues to Irish identity. As her journey ends, Hannah steps into the spotlight to try her hand at one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions: storytelling.

Iceland

Hannah Fry visits Iceland to discover how this stark, treeless island became a global success story. On the geologically active Reykjanes Peninsula, she meets scientists whose lava-flow predictions saved the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa from destruction.  In Hengill, she sees how a futuristic algae farm is fuelled by geothermal power and imagination. A dip in the country’s oldest swimming pool reveals how Iceland’s unusually small gene pool is helping advance global health, while a horseback ride across a black sand landscape immortalised in the Icelandic sagas shows how Viking heritage continues to inspire creativity. The Icelanders Hannah encounters don’t just live on the land; they negotiate with it. Their collective determination and adaptability have forged an island of ideas – and a tourist magnet the world cannot resist.

Vietnam

Hannah Fry travels to Vietnam, a land of staggering natural beauty, ancient traditions and some of the fastest-growing skylines on earth. Over 1,600 km from the vibrant South to the historic North, Vietnam reveals a remarkable story of post-war transformation.  Hannah immerses herself in the moped chaos in Ho Chi Minh City, helps with a muddy prawn harvest in the Mekong Delta and takes a restorative spa bath in the misty hilltops of Sapa. She ushers in the Lunar New Year with a local family celebrating the Tet festival and learns how the beloved dish pho tells a story of national identity. In each place she visits, Hannah meets characters whose lives have been shaped by both war and renewal. What emerges is a nation embracing change, where striking contrasts are balanced by a spirit of cooperation and strong family bonds.

Spain

Hannah Fry decodes Spain’s cultural contradictions. Starting in Madrid, she tries to learn flamenco and discovers how the art form combines both technical discipline and freedom of improvisation. In Valencia, she uncovers the origins of paella, the fiercely regional dish that owes its existence to an irrigation system built over 700 years ago. In the Canary Islands, where Christopher Columbus first set sail for the Americas, she discovers an ancient whistling language which endured as Spanish conquered the world. Back on the mainland, she indulges her love of urban planning in Barcelona, revealing how much of the city’s easy charm is built on strict geometric discipline. And in a heart-stopping finale in Tarragona, she witnesses the strong community bonds at the core of gravity-defying human pyramids.

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