Is ‘Expedition Unknown’ Host Josh Gates Really an Archaeologist?
As Expedition Unknown returns for its highly anticipated Season 16 premiere on November 5, host Josh Gates is once again at the center of adventure. The long-running Discovery Channel series follows Gates as he travels the globe investigating “the truth behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating legends.”
But how real is the man behind the mystery? Fans often wonder — is Josh Gates actually an archaeologist, or just playing one on TV? Here’s what we know.
Josh Gates’ Academic Background
Yes — Josh Gates is a trained archaeologist.
He graduated from Tufts University, where he majored in archaeology and drama, combining a love of exploration with storytelling.
Gates is also a licensed scuba diver and has taken part in several underwater archaeological excavations, lending real-world expertise to his on-screen adventures.
Beyond television, Gates serves as a trustee on the Archaeological Institute of America’s governing board and is a member of The Explorers Club, a society that recognizes distinguished explorers and scientists from around the world.
Over the course of his career, Gates has visited more than 100 countries, documenting lost cities, buried relics, and some of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Television Career and Notable Shows
Before Expedition Unknown premiered in 2015, Gates made a name for himself as host of Destination Truth (Syfy, 2007–2012), where he investigated paranormal and cryptid legends across the globe.
He also hosted several Ghost Hunters specials and currently leads Expedition X, a spin-off that blends science with the supernatural.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Gates launched Josh Gates Tonight — a humorous, stay-at-home talk show filmed remotely, which quickly gained popularity among Discovery fans.
Personal Life: Marriage and Divorce
In 2014, Josh married his Destination Truth co-star Hallie Gnatovich. The couple welcomed two children but separated in 2020.
In August 2021, Gnatovich confirmed that their divorce had been finalized the previous month, writing in a since-deleted Instagram post:
“We’ve been separated for about a year and a half now; our divorce was made official July 13, 2021. We are currently figuring out our new lives and learning how to parent our wonderful children, in partnership.”
While she didn’t disclose details behind the split, Gnatovich now describes herself on her website as a “recovering people pleaser.”
Where Does Josh Gates Live?
Gates is based in Los Angeles, though his lifestyle remains anything but stationary. As he jokes on his website, he “spends a lot of time on airport floors,” thanks to a travel schedule that keeps him away from home more than 200 days a year.
Josh Gates’ Weight Loss Journey
During the pandemic, Gates used his unexpected downtime to overhaul his health — losing over 30 pounds by focusing on diet and daily movement.
“I spent a few weeks sitting at home not doing much,” he told Men’s Health. “Then it hit me — I have this time, and it’s important to use it.”
His approach is refreshingly simple: stay active. “I’m not training for a specific goal,” he explained. “I’m at my best when I move every day — jogging, hiking, even just a 30-minute walk can change your day.”
Gates also found success with calorie tracking, which helped him combat stress eating. “For a lot of us who eat mindlessly, it works,” he said. “It’s eye-opening to see what you think you eat in a day compared to what you actually eat.”
A Real Explorer in Every Sense
From deep-sea dives to desert ruins, Josh Gates continues to blend entertainment with authentic exploration. With Season 16 of Expedition Unknown just around the corner, fans can expect more of what Gates does best — uncovering the truth behind the world’s greatest mysteries with curiosity, humor, and genuine expertise.
