Discovery Channel’s hit investigative series Expedition Files returns for its thrilling second season, taking viewers on a globe-trotting quest to solve history’s most enduring enigmas. Following its explosive first season that uncovered shocking revelations about ancient relics and forgotten civilizations, Season 2 pushes further into the unknown with cutting-edge science, heart-pounding expeditions, and unprecedented access to restricted sites. Host Josh Gates leads an elite team of experts as they risk it all to separate fact from fiction—from testing the Shroud of Turin’s origins with particle accelerators to hunting the Templars’ lost treasures in war-torn regions. This season promises to rewrite history books and challenge everything we thought we knew about the past.
With higher stakes and more dangerous missions, Expedition Files Season 2 combines forensic archaeology with edge-of-your-seat adventure. The team faces their greatest challenges yet—navigating active conflict zones, decrypting medieval ciphers that have baffled scholars for centuries, and confronting powerful institutions guarding historical secrets. New evidence emerges that could finally answer questions surrounding Christianity’s most sacred relics, the true fate of the Knights Templar, and the existence of miraculous phenomena. Whether you’re a history buff or an adrenaline junkie, this season delivers shocking discoveries that will spark global debate and change how we see our past.
Meet the Investigative Team
1. Josh Gates (Host, Adventurer & Explorer)
The charismatic host of Expedition Unknown brings his signature blend of humor and tenacity to this investigative series. As both host and lead investigator, Gates travels to remote locations to uncover hidden truths behind history’s greatest mysteries. This season promises his most dangerous expeditions yet, including a high-altitude trek in the Himalayas and deep-sea dives to explore sunken legends.
Beyond television, Gates continues to executive produce multiple adventure series while maintaining his role as a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Season 2 will showcase his most personal journey yet—retracing his grandfather’s WWII footsteps across Europe.
2. Joe Marino (Shroud of Turin Expert)
The world’s foremost Shroud of Turin researcher returns with groundbreaking forensic techniques. This season, Marino employs cutting-edge technology to analyze newly discovered medieval artifacts that could rewrite the shroud’s controversial history. His heated debates with skeptical historians make for must-see television.
A former Benedictine monk turned scientific investigator, Marino bridges the gap between faith and science. Preview clips show him making an emotional discovery in a sealed Vatican archive that leaves even Josh Gates speechless.
3. Brandon Hodge (Historian)
Specializing in occult artifacts and secret societies, Hodge takes center stage in Season 2’s exploration of the Knights Templar’s lost treasures. His encyclopedic knowledge of medieval codes helps the team decipher a 14th-century cipher that leads to an underground chamber in rural France.
Currently writing The Devil’s Proof about historical witchcraft objects, Hodge’s real-life research directly informs several season storylines. His confrontation with a mysterious collector in Episode 4 reportedly uncovered a previously unknown Da Vinci sketch.
4. Van Smith (Investigative Journalist)
The team’s resident skeptic brings hard-hitting journalism to paranormal claims. This season, Smith goes undercover to expose a thriving black market in fake religious relics, risking danger in Istanbul’s shadowy antiquities trade.
Known for his work on 60 Minutes, Smith’s forensic accounting skills reveal shocking financial ties between modern cults and historical conspiracy theories. His solo investigation into a Romanian “vampire” grave yields unexpected DNA results.
5. Jai Day (Geoffroi de Charny)
The Australian actor embodies the 14th-century knight who allegedly brought the Shroud of Turin to France. Day’s dramatic recreations show de Charny’s desperate attempts to protect the relic during the Hundred Years’ War, including a breathtaking jousting sequence filmed at actual Crusader castles.
A trained stunt performer, Day performed all his own horseback stunts. Behind the scenes, he helped authenticate medieval combat techniques used in the recreations.
6. Danni Vitorino (Knight)
As one of few female knights depicted in the series, Vitorino’s portrayal of a Templar warrior challenges historical stereotypes. Her character’s arc follows the secret journey of women in the order, culminating in a dramatic siege recreation requiring weeks of sword training.
The former MMA fighter turned historical consultant brings unprecedented accuracy to medieval battle scenes. Producers credit her with redesigning the show’s armor for better historical authenticity.
7. Thomas Plunkett (Squire)
The young British actor provides the human perspective on medieval life through his squire character. His storyline reveals how relics were secretly transported across Europe, including a tense river crossing sequence filmed during an actual storm.
A history student at Cambridge when cast, Plunkett’s academic knowledge informs his performance. His character’s diary monologues, adapted from actual 14th-century texts, have become a fan-favorite narrative device.
