Watch Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife
- 2018
- 1 Season
Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife is a thrilling documentary series by Discovery Channel that delves into the mysteries of life after death. Hosted by renowned explorer and adventurer, Josh Gates, the show follows his journey around the world in search of evidence of the afterlife. Through his travels, Gates explores the myths, legends, and religious beliefs that have shaped our understanding of what happens when we die.
Each episode of Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife takes viewers on a new adventure. Critically evaluating popular beliefs such as reincarnation, the journey also investigates lesser-known aspects of the afterlife, including ancient practices like mummification, and embalming. Gates ventures to exotic locations such as the catacombs in Paris, the underworld of Istanbul, and the Mayan ruins of Belize to explore these topics in-depth.
The series begins with Gates visiting a medical center in the United States, where he undergoes a series of tests measuring brainwave activity and other physiological functions. The tests aim to help uncover any evidence of an afterlife experience, giving Gates a baseline understanding of what happens to the body during near-death experiences. The medical experiments allow Gates to uncover interesting findings, such as an increase in brainwave activity and relaxation response, which were taken as proof of life after death.
As the series progresses, Gates travels across the world, meeting with scholars, historians, and religious figures to dive deep into the topics related to the afterlife. Along the way, the series explores the impact of death on different cultures, from the Egyptian's mummification process, which they believed would preserve the body for the afterlife, to the ancient Greeks, who saw Hades as the final resting place for the dead.
In one episode, the team travels to Japan to meet with Shoji Onaka, a Buddhist monk who is an expert on rituals surrounding death. Gates is invited to attend a traditional Buddhist funeral and witness firsthand the rituals that occur. Onaka takes Gates through the many steps that Buddhists believe can help the soul find its way into the afterlife, including meditation and chanting.
Another notable episode takes place in Egypt, where Gates explores the famed pyramids and tombs of the pharaohs. The episode dives into the process of mummification and why it was considered essential in ancient times. This trip also marks the discovery of several newly unearthed tombs and other hidden secrets that unravel more mysteries of the afterlife in Egypt.
Episodes of Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife aren't just restricted to religion and historical theory, but also touch on the concept of the paranormal. In an episode titled "Haunted Hospice," Gates travels to a small town in California to investigate the presence of ghosts that are said to haunt the abandoned hospice. He teams up with a paranormal investigator and a clairvoyant to investigate how the hospice's spirits may indicate pathways to the afterlife.
The tone of the documentary series is a significant stand-out since it manages to strike a balance between investigative journalism and adventure travelogue. The fascinating journeys are incredibly intriguing, with an exciting blend of historical exploration and scientific experimentations. Josh Gates' charismatic and witty style adds a new dimension to the series, making it more accessible and entertaining across all audiences.
Overall, Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife is a remarkable documentary series that offers a fresh and unique take on the subject of an afterlife. The show enlightens its audiences with detailed and well-researched perspectives of different cultures and beliefs, which facilitates a deep understanding of death's impact across the globe. Overall, this exciting and thought-provoking series will stimulate questions and profound reflection on life and its ultimate conclusion.
Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 7, 2018 and on Discovery Channel