David Blaine Pushes Limits in New National Geographic Series

NEW YORK, March 23, 2025 — Renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine takes viewers on an electrifying journey in his new six-part docuseries, “David Blaine: Do Not Attempt,” which premieres on National Geographic tonight and will stream tomorrow on Disney+ and Hulu.

Over the course of three years, Blaine traveled to nine countries, immersing himself in diverse cultures and learning from extraordinary individuals known for their remarkable feats. From catching a bullet in his teeth to fasting for days, Blaine’s stunts are infamous, but this series showcases a more vulnerable side of the performer as he interacts with international daredevils, athletes, and illusionists.

In one episode, viewers meet practitioners of Debus, an Indonesian martial art, who demonstrate their ability to manipulate razor blades and eat nails. Blaine, despite the pain it caused him, attempted to eat nails himself, highlighting the incredible human endurance involved. “There’s no trick to this,” Blaine said. “It’s just conditioned endurance to pain.”

The series emphasizes Blaine’s training and preparation leading up to each stunt, giving audiences insight into the significant effort behind his performances. “I’ve always kept that part hidden,” Blaine told Ars Technica. “But in this scenario, it was so many places and people to learn from quickly that I felt awkward and uncomfortable. As a magician, I try to be very monotone, but in ‘Do Not Attempt’ I was the spectator to the magic.”

Safety is a primary concern for Blaine and his production crew, overseen by expert Sebastian Pot, who jokingly refers to himself as a “Glorified Nanny.” He ensures that every safety precaution is taken while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. “What people forget about guys like David is that they’re very calculated,” Pot said. “There’s a lot that he does that I wouldn’t do.”

In one gripping scene, Blaine attempts a Viking “death dive,” training under Ken Stornes in Norway. The harrowing endeavor involved leaping from great heights into snowdrifts, alongside a skydiving instructor, showcasing not only his physical prowess but also his willingness to face fears. “This entire series is about the thousands of hours of work and training that make incredible feats seem magical,” Blaine reflected. “Looking at it now, it’s almost like being in outer space.”

Another episode sees Blaine engage with local performers in Brazil, where he takes on a dare that involves setting himself on fire while diving off a high bridge. While the act may seem reckless, Blaine meticulously prepares and follows instructions to ensure safety. “It was an incredible experience,” he said, commenting on the joy and beauty of watching others perform. “Nobody’s thinking about messages or bills; everyone is right there in that moment.”

As Blaine continues to explore the limits of human endurance, he also highlights the dedication and passion of those he meets along the way. From snake charmers in Thailand to fire-eaters in Indonesia, the series encapsulates a variety of cultural practices that challenge the boundaries of what’s possible.

Blaine’s ultimate goal is to foster admiration for the human spirit. “I discovered this unification of people from different parts of the world who had that theme in common—pushing through pain and failure,” he noted. “Even as I push my limits, I’m grateful for the gifts that each performer has shared with me.”

“David Blaine: Do Not Attempt” is a compelling blend of adventure and exploration, inviting viewers to witness the extraordinary in the ordinary. It serves as a reminder of the immense potential of the human body, and Blaine’s journey through different cultures shows that magic often lies in real, human experiences.