Josh Gates on Emmy Win, Ancient Mysteries, and His Biggest Adventures Yet

The globe-trotting host of Discovery’s Expedition Unknown returns with new mysteries, ancient secrets, and a brand-new spin-off — Expedition Files.

From Emmy Win to Expedition Wins

Adventurer, storyteller, and newly crowned Emmy winner Josh Gates is back — and his appetite for discovery is stronger than ever. Known for leading audiences through the world’s most mysterious places on Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Unknown, Gates has spent years uncovering legends, artifacts, and history’s deepest secrets.

Fresh off the show’s Emmy win, Gates sat down to discuss his journey, his team, and what fans can expect from the new season — as well as his latest spin-off, Expedition Files.

“It was incredibly exciting for us,” Gates said. “The recognition really belongs to the whole team. These are timeless stories — adventures that people have loved for generations — and we’re lucky to bring them to life.”

Into the Heart of Egypt: The Great Pyramid Expedition

The new season of Expedition Unknown begins with a two-part special set inside Egypt’s Great Pyramid, one of the last surviving wonders of the ancient world.

“The Great Pyramid is the oldest and only remaining of the Seven Wonders,” Gates explained. “It stood as the tallest structure on Earth for nearly 4,000 years — and it still fascinates us.”

Armed with cameras, curiosity, and courage, Gates and his crew explore every corner of the pyramid, following long-whispered rumors of hidden chambers and secret passages that may still lie undiscovered.

A Season of Unforgettable Adventures

Gates calls this year “one of our biggest seasons ever.” Beyond the Egyptian desert, his team heads to Nicaragua’s jungles in search of a lost 19th-century steamship buried deep within the rainforest.

They also dive into the icy waters of the Baltic Sea to locate a missing Nazi submarine — and for fans of The Goonies, Gates has something extra special planned.

“To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Goonies, we went to Oregon to investigate the real story behind it,” he revealed. “An actual Spanish galleon wrecked off the coast, and that episode might be my favorite this year.”

Expedition Files: History’s Greatest Mysteries Reopened

Following Expedition Unknown each week is Gates’ brand-new series, Expedition Files, a deep-dive companion show that reexamines some of the world’s most famous mysteries with fresh eyes and new discoveries.

From the Salem Witch Trials and the search for the Holy Grail to King Solomon’s Mines and the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, the spin-off digs into legendary cases that still capture global fascination.

“There are new leads and new findings in many of these stories,” Gates said. “We’re meeting authors, experts, and historians who are pushing these mysteries forward — and that’s incredibly exciting.”

The Spirit of Exploration Lives On

After years of braving jungles, oceans, caves, and pyramids, what keeps Gates going?

“Honestly, it’s the stories,” he said. “How can you not get excited about crawling through an ancient tomb or searching for a lost submarine? Every trip feels like being a kid again — running through the dark with a flashlight, chasing the unknown.”

Where to Watch

Fans won’t have to wait long. The new season of Expedition Unknown premieres Wednesday, November 5 at 9 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel, followed by the debut of Expedition Files at 10 p.m. ET.

“Adventure is waiting,” Gates smiled. “And we’re just getting started.”