Watch The Last Explorers

The Last Explorers is a fascinating documentary series that premiered on discovery+ in 2011. It follows the journeys of six adventurers who each embark on a perilous and life-changing expedition across some of the most treacherous and remote terrain on the planet. Guiding viewers every step of the way is leading Scottish archaeologist, historian, and broadcaster, Neil Oliver, who serves as the narrator and host of the series.

The show is divided into six episodes, with each episode dedicated to one of the six explorers and their journey. From the mountains of South America to the depths of the Arctic, from the jungles of Africa to the deserts of Australia, The Last Explorers takes viewers on a thrilling adventure around the world, offering a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of modern-day exploration.

In the first episode, we meet American adventurer, Pasquale Scaturro, who sets out to conquer the mightiest river on earth, the Amazon. Scaturro has spent more than a decade exploring this vast and untamed wilderness, and now he's determined to paddle his way from the source of the river in the Peruvian Andes to its mouth 4,200 miles away in Brazil. Along the way, he faces countless dangers, from treacherous rapids and deadly waterfalls to ferocious animals and hostile tribes.

In episode two, we join Canadian explorer, George Kourounis, as he ventures deep into the heart of the world's hottest desert, the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. Kourounis is a seasoned adventurer who has tackled some of the most extreme environments on earth, but nothing could have prepared him for the scorching temperatures, poisonous gases, and treacherous terrain he encounters in the ethereal landscape of the Danakil.

Episode three sees British mountaineer, Leo Houlding, attempt to climb one of the most spectacular peaks in the world, the imposing Torres del Paine in Patagonia. Houlding is a world-famous climber who has set records on some of the toughest routes on the planet, but as he scales the sheer granite walls of the Torres, he must confront his deepest fears and push himself to the limit.

The fourth episode takes us to the frozen north, where Scottish explorer, Jock Wishart, leads a team of adventurers across the treacherous Arctic Ocean from Canada to the magnetic North Pole. Wishart is a seasoned polar explorer who has already set records on previous expeditions, but as he and his team battle against ice floes, blizzards, and freezing temperatures, they face their toughest challenge yet.

In episode five, we meet Australian archaeologist, Tim Flannery, who travels deep into the heart of the South American rainforest in search of ancient civilizations. Flannery is a renowned expert on the history and biology of the continent, but as he navigates the dense jungle, he discovers himself surrounded by deadly snakes and spiders, as well as uncovering fascinating new insights into the cultures that once thrived in this enigmatic landscape.

Finally, in the last episode of the series, we join American adventure photographer, Cory Richards, as he travels to Antarctica to capture the most stunning images of the continent ever seen. Richards is a celebrated photographer and climber who has chronicled some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, but as he battles against blizzards, frostbite, and the darkness of the long Antarctic winter, he finds himself challenged in ways he never could have imagined.

Overall, The Last Explorers is a riveting and awe-inspiring series that showcases the best of modern-day exploration. With stunning cinematography, expert commentary, and compelling storytelling, it offers a unique window into the world of adventure and discovery, and is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the natural world and the human spirit.