Smithsonian Channel Gears Up for Humboldt: Epic Explorer

Smithsonian Channel is set to bow Humboldt: Epic Explorer, a docudrama that chronicles German scientist Alexander von Humboldt’s exploration of Latin America, next month.

Humboldt spent five years traveling across the South American continent, making revolutionary discoveries about the workings of the natural world. Now, in Smithsonian Channel’s Humboldt: Epic Explorer, historian and best-selling author Andrea Wulf follows in his footsteps, delving into Humboldt’s landmark insights into human-induced climate change, evolution and continental drift. The documentary will take viewers from Humboldt’s fraught childhood near Berlin through his legendary South American expedition—from the Orinoco River to the Andes Mountains—and his one visit to the U.S. It premieres Wednesday, March 25, at 8 p.m.

Humboldt: Epic Explorer is a collaboration with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The museum has organized the exhibition “Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature and Culture,” which will be on view at the museum’s flagship building in Washington, D.C. from March 20 to August 16.

The docu-drama is produced by Spiegel TV for Smithsonian Networks, ZDF and ZDF Enterprises in association with Arte. Linda Goldman and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.