REAL MAGIC. EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE. INCREDIBLE FEATS. DO NOT ATTEMPT. David Blaine Pushes the Limits of Magic and Human Endurance in National Geographic's New Six-Part Series DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT

Associated Press

18-02-2025

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 18, 2025--
Prepare for the ultimate magic adventure as National Geographic reveals the trailer for DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT, premiering March 23 at 9/8c and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's award-winning Imagine Documentaries ('Genius' anthology series, 'Rebuilding Paradise,' 'Jim Henson Idea Man'), this six-part series follows world- renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic. David Blaine takes us on a fascinating cultural exchange and a jaw-dropping journey through extraordinary cultures, where he meets with performers and masters — kindred spirits who inspire and share with him exceptional skills (and secrets) — in Brazil, Southeast Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa and Japan.
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Photo by National Geographic
David is widely recognized for his epic stunts and illusions. Through intimate documentary storytelling, this series also reveals a surprising and more personal side to David, which has rarely been seen before. Traveling through the urban and natural jungles of Brazil to the unforgiving ice of the Arctic Circle, from the spiritual centers of India to the thriving cultural heart of South Africa, David seeks out real feats of magic at the intersection of physical and mental strength performed by extraordinary people. In each episode, David immerses himself in the cultures, histories and hidden rituals that make these astonishing talents possible. He learns and attempts … so you don't have to … while shining a light on a side of magic few have ever seen. The series title provides instructions to viewers for a reason: DO NOT ATTEMPT.
'I'm discovering incredible people with unbelievable talents, pushing the limits of what's possible. It's been a privilege to learn from them,' said Blaine. 'As a magician, I'm in awe of their abilities because, for me, the most magical moments aren't tricks but human potential realized.'
From sword swallowing to surviving venomous creature stings, and from feats of athleticism to kissing king cobras, DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT uncovers the rituals, preparation and strength that take magic beyond mere illusion.
DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT is a celebration of pushing boundaries safely and responsibly, rooted in years of training, preparation and a process of refinement. Viewers are reminded that professionals do all of the feats shown in the series with safety teams to prevent any accidents. None of the activities from the series should ever be practiced.
This series contains content that may be disturbing to some viewers. All acts performed are inherently dangerous and were done under strict supervision. They should not be attempted. Viewer discretion is advised.
Episodes include the following:
'Brazil' – Premieres March 23 at 9/8c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
In Brazil, David Blaine seeks inspiration by immersing himself in his hosts' vibrant energy, passion and spontaneity. The exceptional daredevils, artists, explorers and athletes he encounters unite to help him bring an audacious feat to life that's lingered in his dreams for years.
'Southeast Asia' – Premieres March 23 at 10/9c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
In Southeast Asia, David Blaine explores fascinating relationships with wildlife and how pain endurance can transform fear into magic. He meets practitioners who appear impenetrable by sharp objects and performers who can endure the stings of venomous creatures. David unpacks how people exploit fear in order to create wonder.
'India' – Premieres March 30 at 9/8c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
Growing up, David Blaine was fascinated by images from India of extraordinary physical feats. This evolved into a life-long obsession with real acts that are so extreme they look like magic. Using secrets passed down over hundreds of years, people still perform these acts today. In India, David unearths these modern practitioners to explore how belief and performance intersect to make magic.
'Arctic Circle' – Premieres March 30 at 10/9c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
In the stunning frozen landscape of the Arctic Circle, David Blaine explores humanity's curiously extreme ability to endure freezing temperatures. He meets and learns from people who reach beyond their limits to transform barriers into new frontiers and embody a sense of resilience, perseverance and grit that is unique to the region.
'South Africa' – Premieres April 6 at 9/8c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
In a nation once defined by apartheid, David embarks on an epic adventure in South Africa, uncovering the magic of its diverse cultures and wildlife that is reshaping perceptions and dismantling barriers in this dynamic country.
'Japan' – Premieres April 6 at 10/9c and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu
From perfectly punctual bullet trains to meticulously assembled pieces of sushi, Japan is renowned for its craftsmanship, artistry and commitment to excellence in all endeavors. In Japan, David explores the concept of mastery by meeting with people who spend a lifetime refining a single skill.
DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT is produced by Imagine Documentaries for National Geographic. Executive producers are Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, David Blaine, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Christopher St. John, Matthew Akers, Erica Sashin and Toby Oppenheimer. Abigail Harper is co-executive producer. For National Geographic, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Development, Bengt Anderson is executive producer and senior vice president of Unscripted Production, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.
About David Blaine
David Blaine has an ongoing residency at The Encore Theater at The Wynn. Blaine is a magician who has been on a quixotic quest to bring magic performance into the contemporary age and create emotional experiences on par with all other art forms. He has held his breath for more than 17 minutes, was buried alive for seven days, frozen alive for three days, fasted for 44 days, caught a bullet fired from a gun in his mouth, and so much more. Some argue that Blaine is not just a magician but rather a showman or daredevil. Others are infuriated by the idea that Blaine would actually risk his life to perform real feats that are so unbelievable they look like magic, letting the audience decide whether or not to believe a performance is a trick. When it comes to David Blaine, one thing is certain: He inspires audiences around the world to want to believe in magic.
About Imagine Documentaries
Imagine's documentary division, spearheaded by EMMY and Peabody Award-winning producer Sara Bernstein, has established itself as a powerhouse in the documentary landscape since its inception in 2018. Founded by Imagine Entertainment Co-Chairmen Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, alongside Imagine President Justin Wilkes, the division has redefined the industry with its unwavering commitment to producing impactful, socially conscious, and thought-provoking content. Its critically acclaimed and award-winning documentaries have resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Imagine as a driving force in the art of storytelling. By embracing distinct perspectives in their storytelling, Imagine has expanded its footprint in the documentary genre, exploring a wide array of topics, from the EMMY Award-winning Best Documentary Jim Henson Idea Man (Disney+), and Critics Choice Documentary Award-winning Music by John Williams (Disney+) to pop-culture icons with The Super Models (Apple TV+), the Peabody Award-winning Judy Blume Forever (Prime Video), 2025 Oscars Shortlisted Frida (Prime Video), The Lost Children (Netflix), Churchill at War (Netflix), Stormy, the critically acclaimed portrait of Stormy Daniels (Peacock), , the EMMY-nominated projects We Feed People (Disney+), Lucy and Desi (Prime Video), Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (Netflix); The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (Netflix), to the hit docuseries The Dynasty: New England Patriots (Apple TV+), Choir (Disney+), Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer (Netflix), and I Am Not a Monster (MAX)..
About National Geographic Content
Representing the largest brand on social media with over 777 million followers and 1.1 billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content's award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches over 532 million people worldwide in 172 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo, Oscar-nominated films Sugarcane, Fire of Love and Bobi Wine: The People's President, Emmy® Award-winning franchise 9/11: One Day in America and JFK: One Day in America, Emmy® Award-winning series Animals Up Close, series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Life Below Zero, and Secrets of the Whales, in addition to multiple National Magazine Awards, Pulitzer Prize Finalists and Webby wins. Visit nationalgeographic.com and natgeotv.com or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit.
Nadia Aziz
[email protected] Squier
SOURCE: National Geographic
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PUB: 02/18/2025 12:00 PM/DISC: 02/18/2025 12:00 PM