Will Smith’s latest adventure documentary series, Pole to Pole, has sparked curiosity among viewers wondering where they can watch the Oscar-winning actor traverse Earth’s most challenging environments. While Netflix dominates the streaming landscape for celebrity content, this National Geographic production follows a different distribution path that reflects the evolving nature of premium documentary programming.
Streaming Availability and Platform Details
Pole to Pole with Will Smith is not available on Netflix. The seven-episode docuseries streams exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu in the United States, with all episodes becoming available on January 14, 2026. This follows the series premiere on the National Geographic channel, which aired on January 13, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The Disney+ subscription model offers flexibility for viewers, with ad-supported plans starting at $10.99 monthly and ad-free access at $18.99 per month. Bundle options combining Disney+, Hulu, and other services begin at $12.99 monthly, providing cost-effective access to multiple streaming platforms simultaneously.
For viewers preferring traditional television viewing, National Geographic continues to air new episodes weekly on Tuesday evenings, with subsequent episodes scheduled through early February 2026.
The Inspiration Behind Smith’s Journey
The documentary represents a deeply personal mission for Smith, who credits his late mentor, Dr. S. Allen Counter, as the driving force behind the expedition. Counter, a Harvard neurobiologist and explorer whom Smith affectionately called “the Black Indiana Jones,” had repeatedly invited the actor on scientific expeditions throughout their relationship.
Smith never accepted those invitations during Counter’s lifetime, a decision that weighs on him with visible regret in the series. Following Counter’s passing several years ago, Smith felt compelled to honor his mentor’s legacy by visiting some of the remote locations Counter had discussed and exploring the “big questions” about life that fascinated them both.
This marks Smith’s third collaboration with National Geographic, following One Strange Rock and Welcome to Earth, demonstrating his sustained commitment to science communication and environmental storytelling.
Episode Breakdown and Scientific Missions
The 100-day expedition spans seven distinct episodes, each anchoring Smith in extreme environments alongside world-class scientists and local experts.
- The South Pole: Smith confronts -100°F temperatures while working with polar athlete Richard Parks, scaling 300-foot ice walls and meeting Brazilian researchers extracting atmospheric data from ancient ice cores
- The Amazon: Deadly Creatures: Despite lifelong arachnophobia, Smith descends into cave networks with professor Bryan Fry and mountaineer Carla Perez to extract tarantula venom that could advance medical research
- The Amazon: Dark Waters: Working with Waorani elder Penti Baihua, Smith tracks and documents giant green anacondas, collecting scale samples that reveal ecosystem health crucial to indigenous communities
- The Pacific Islands: Smith joins linguist Dr. Mary Walworth on a remote South Pacific island threatened by rising sea levels, helping document a language spoken by only five remaining people
- The Himalayas: In Bhutan, Smith explores cultural approaches to happiness while confronting personal challenges from his past
- The Kalahari Desert: Smith accompanies San people on traditional hunts, learning ancestral survival techniques adapted to one of Earth’s harshest deserts
- The North Pole: The series concludes with Smith’s most dangerous mission—diving beneath Arctic ice with polar ecologist Allison Fong to collect unprecedented scientific samples
Production Quality and Environmental Focus
Developed over five years, Pole to Pole distinguishes itself through National Geographic’s signature cinematic approach to documentary filmmaking. The series integrates breakthrough scientific research with environmental advocacy, highlighting communities directly experiencing climate change impacts.
Smith describes the experience as “the highest experience I’ve ever had in this business,” noting how the journey fundamentally altered his perspectives on both the planet and himself. The series balances Smith’s vulnerability—showing genuine fear during physical challenges and moments of physical struggle—with the gravitas of scientific discovery and cultural preservation.
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