National Geographic’s documentary series starring Will Smith, Pole to Pole, will premiere on Disney+ on January 14, 2026. The show blends daring adventures with scientific insights, taking viewers on an extraordinary journey from the Earth’s extremes.
Produced by National Geographic, Pole to Pole with Will Smith is an ambitious documentary series led by Will Smith, who also serves as an executive producer. Consisting of seven 30-minute episodes, this American production will be available exclusively and in full on Disney+ starting January 14, 2026, before premiering on National Geographic from January 19. The series is produced by Westbrook Studios, Nutopia, and Protozoa.
Built over more than five years of preparation, the series follows Will Smith on a 100-day journey through the planet’s most extreme environments, from the South Pole to the North Pole, navigating regions such as the Amazon, the Himalayas, the South Pacific, and the Kalahari Desert. This adventure, both physical and introspective, continues the trend of the actor’s previous collaborations with National Geographic, following One Strange Rock and Welcome to Earth.
Inspired by a mentor who has since passed away, Will Smith takes on an extraordinary series of challenges: skiing to the South Pole, diving beneath Arctic ice, capturing a gigantic anaconda, extracting venom from a tarantula, and climbing Himalayan peaks. Every expedition is carried out alongside scientists, explorers, and local experts, blending human adventure with scientific research and environmental issues.
The trailer for Pole to Pole with Will Smith
Each episode delves into a specific region and theme. From the icy extremes of Antarctica to the lush jungles of the Equator, the series highlights groundbreaking scientific discoveries and cultures boldly facing the impacts of climate change. Encounters with the Waorani people in the Amazon or the San in the Kalahari are central to the storytelling, emphasizing the vital role of ancestral knowledge in confronting today’s challenges.
stylistically, Pole to Pole with Will Smith embraces a cinematic scope that aligns with National Geographic’s signature style: breathtaking visuals, immersive on-location filming, and compelling storytelling. Will Smith serves as a relatable guide, blending curiosity, humor, and vulnerability, as he explores his own relationship with the world and the boundaries of human nature.
Pole to Pole with Will Smith
Documentary Series | 2026
1 season – 7 episodes
Available on Disney+ starting January 14, 2026
Premieres on National Geographic on January 19, 2026
Documentary, Exploration
Starring Will Smith
Original title: Pole to Pole
Country: United States
Will Smith’s Journey from One Pole to the Other
Across this global journey, Pole to Pole with Will Smith stands out as a documentary series that blends extreme adventure, field science, and environmental storytelling. It reflects National Geographic and Disney+’s commitment to delivering stunning content while raising awareness about the urgent issues facing our planet.
For those looking to explore even more, check out our curated list of Disney+ highlights for January, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top pick in our “What to Watch Today” in streaming selection.
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