Steven Rinella Explores America’s Greatest Outdoor Mysteries in New History Channel Series

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Steven Rinella, the renowned outdoorsman and host of the popular Netflix series *MeatEater*, is set to embark on a new adventure with the History Channel. His upcoming eight-part series, *Hunting History*, premiering Jan. 28, 2025, will delve into some of America’s most enduring outdoor mysteries while blending survival skills, historical research, and storytelling.

“In the life I’ve spent in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling, I’ve become aware of not only really interesting aspects of American history but also outdoor mysteries,” Rinella said in an interview. The series will explore unsolved historical events, such as the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony and the fate of the 17th-century ship *Le Griffon*, through the lens of outdoor adventure.

Rinella, a native of Michigan, emphasized that the show goes beyond traditional historical documentaries. “We wanted to do a show that lets you dive into some of these burning questions that come up in the world of the outdoors,” he said. “It’s about exploration from someone who has developed a level of competency in wilderness travel.”

Each episode will feature Rinella and a team of archaeologists, historians, and outdoor experts as they investigate historical events in the very locations where they occurred. For example, Rinella and his team recreated the experience of the Donner Party, who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847. “We slept in the same type of structures they had to make,” Rinella said. “I came out of it with more of a sense of reverence for the sacrifices they made.”

The series also aims to humanize historical events. “You start to realize the personal element of it,” Rinella explained, referencing the Roanoke Colony. “One of the primary people trying to find that colony was looking for his daughter and granddaughter. There’s a different level of something much more at stake when you start talking about these parts of history.”

Rinella’s storytelling approach focuses on setting the atmosphere of the time. “Where was the country at the time this occurred? What was the national dialogue around these events?” he said. “We lay that all out so people understand the history and what you’re talking about.”

With its blend of stunning natural landscapes, historical intrigue, and Rinella’s signature outdoor expertise, *Hunting History* promises to captivate both his existing fan base and new viewers. “Every episode we do, we go to a place of stunning natural beauty,” Rinella said. “Nature is showcased in a way that really offers it up beautifully.”