Hollywood superstar Will Smith has embarked on an epic televised journey, trading the glare of the spotlight for the awe-inspiring vistas of the planet's most remote corners. His new National Geographic series, 'Pole to Pole With Will Smith', is a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant travelogue spanning seven continents over 100 days.
A Journey of Discovery and Reflection
The series arrives at a pivotal moment for the actor, following the 2022 Oscars incident and subsequent legal allegations, which he denies. Framed as a tribute to his late mentor, the noted explorer and Harvard professor Dr Allen Counter, the show sees Smith immersing himself in environments far removed from Hollywood. The production carries National Geographic's signature visual polish, with every scene crafted to highlight either breathtaking natural beauty or heart-pounding adventure.
Across seven episodes, Smith is guided by a roster of experts and athletes. In the first three instalments, he is joined by former Welsh rugby star and polar athlete Richard Parks, who cautions him against dancing on a perilous Antarctic ice sheet. He also meets dedicated Brazilian climate scientists in a remote West Antarctic research station and renowned toxicologist Professor Bryan Fry.
Thrills, Fears, and Genuine Fascination
The series does not shy away from placing its A-list presenter in challenging situations. Professor Fry leads Smith 60 metres up a spindly tree in the Amazon for a spectacular view, prompting the actor to quip about the notable absence of hospitals. Later, they descend 60 metres below ground into caves likely teeming with undiscovered species, a prospect that tests Smith's confessed aversion to bugs and spiders.
Despite the grand scale, the show's strength often lies in quieter, more human moments. Smith proves to be a charismatic and unexpectedly attentive listener. Parks movingly discusses the profound depression he faced after a career-ending rugby injury and how the polar regions aided his recovery. Fry shares his motivation, rooted in survivor's guilt after a serious bout of meningitis.
More Than a Celebrity Vehicle
While the series features moments of personal reflection from Smith, it avoids becoming a purely self-indulgent redemption tour. The focus remains firmly on the remarkable people and places he encounters. The result is a celebrity-fronted documentary that rises above the usual fare, successfully blending adventure, science, and genuine human connection. 'Pole to Pole With Will Smith' stands as a compelling testament to exploration and resilience, offering audiences a stunning armchair tour of the world's wonders.
The complete series, 'Pole to Pole With Will Smith', is available to stream now on Disney+.
