Almost three years ago, National Geographic and Disney+ released the first season of Limitless with Chris Hemsworth where the famous actor learned to push his body to the limits. This series was a global sensation and ranks as National Geographic’s No. 2 most-watched streaming series ever, drawing nearly half its audience from international viewers. Now, the famous actor who has played many different roles, including Thor the God of Thunder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, returns in National Geographic’s Limitless: Live Better Now on Disney+.
What Is Limitless: Live Better Now?
Limitless:Live Better Now is the second season of a documentary series that follows Chris Hemsworth has he puts his body through the paces to take it further than he thought possible. This time, Chris returns with a bold new mission: discovering how we can all live better—starting today. Filmed across six countries over two years, Chris draws from cutting-edge science and the wisdom of elders to push himself further than ever—both physically and mentally—as he confronts some of life’s most universal challenges: pain, fear and cognitive decline. With no prior experience, he learns to play the drums for a live performance with GRAMMY Award-winner Ed Sheeran. Then, he scales a dizzying 600 foot climbing wall in the Swiss Alps to embrace risk. Finally, he joins the South Korean Special Forces, enduring electrocution and pepper spray, to confront his long struggle with chronic pain and reconfigure his response to it. In each episode, what Chris discovers can help us all change our lives.
The season consists of 3 unique episodes, all of which premiere on Disney+ starting Friday, August 15th. Limitless:Live Better Now is produced by Nutopia and Protozoa for National Geographic. Executive producers are Darren Aronofsky (Protozoa), Jane Root (Nutopia), Ari Handel (Protozoa), Arif Nurmohamed (Nutopia), Chris Hemsworth (Wild State), and Benjamin Grayson (Wild State). Let’s take a look at each episode:
‘Brain Power’
Inspired by the benefits of learning a new skill, which aids memory and cognitive function, Chris Hemsworth takes up drumming. When he is invited to join Ed Sheeran onstage at a stadium concert, Chris has just months to master the instrument and conquer his nerves to perform in front of 70,000 fans. It’s a challenge that pushes him beyond his limits.
‘Pain’
Chris Hemsworth sets out to confront his chronic pain in a bold, immersive journey through South Korea. Guided by pain expert Dr. BJ Miller, he explores ancient healing traditions and cutting-edge science. Chris faces “pain valley” in the final test, a brutal gauntlet of Special Forces trials that will push him to his limits.
‘Risk’
Chris Hemsworth pushes his limits by attempting to climb a 600-foot Alpine dam in the Swiss Alps. Inspired by his children’s carefree risk-taking, Chris learns from experts how exposure therapy and Flow — a state of hyperfocus — can improve mental and physical health, showing how taking risks as adults can lead to a happier, healthier life.
Why You Should See Limitless: Live Better Now
Not only have I enjoyed the work of Chris Hemsworth both on the big screen as well as on television as well as the first season of Limitless, I enjoyed his National Geographic special, Shark Beach which also is currently streaming on Disney+. Over the past few years, National Geographic has been creating some incredible shows and series for Disney+ and Limitless: Live Better Now is another great example. Unlike most documentary series where the viewer is just watching and learning interesting facts, this show pulls the viewer in since the episodes focus on topics that apply to everyone. Previously I have shown portions of the first season to my high school Life Science class and look forward to using the second season in class as we learn about the human body. I highly recommend Limitless: Live Better Now even if you usually don’t watch National Geographic shows with its combination of entertainment and education.
Be sure to watch Limitless: Live Better Now when it begins streaming on Disney+ on Friday August 15th. Here is a trailer for the series.
