David Blaine continues to amaze in "David Blaine: Do Not Attempt"
- The Real Perspectives
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
The Real Perspectives
March 24, 2025
David Blaine, one of the most renowned magicians of our generation, has captivated audiences with his magic tricks and death defying stunts for over three decades. He's back with an all new six part documentary series titled "David Blaine: Do Not Attempt," which explores the world through the lens of magic. The series premiered on March 23 on National Geographic and features Blaine seeking out incredible people. The prolific magician takes us on a breathtaking journey through some of the world's most extraordinary cultures as he connects with kindred spirits, draws inspiration, and learns exceptional skills along the way.
In 1997, Blaine rose to prominence with his first television special, David Blaine: Street Magic, but it was in 2008 when he gained national recognition for breaking the Guinness World record when he held his breath for 17 minutes and 4 seconds, setting a new world record.
Produced by Imagine Documentaries, the new series was filmed over three years, from 2022 to 2024, across nine different countries. It features Blaine traveling the globe to meet individuals from various cultures who perform remarkable feats of endurance, from eating nails to setting themselves on fire. Among some of the most truly extraordinary spectacles, Blaine covers himself in scorpions, inserts a knife in one nostril, swallows swords, and kisses a king cobra on its head.
The series takes viewers on a cinematic journey in each episode featuring jaw dropping stunts through Brazil, Southeast Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa, and Japan.
Below is the synopsis for each episode:
Episode 1 - "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.
Episode 2 "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.
Episode 3 - "India"
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"
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 unique to the region.
"South Africa"
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"
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.
The first two episodes of David Blaine: Do Not Attempt are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. New episodes will be released every Thursday on National Geographic Channel.
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