Dara Ó Briain returns to Channel 5 for Volcano series

Dara Ó Briain, comedian and presenter, now turned explorer, is setting off on a new adventure for Channel 5 in a two-part series, Volcano with Dara Ó Briain. In each hour long documentary Dara embarks on another journey of discovery, exploring the immense power of volcanoes.

Dara Ó Briain:

“What an adventure! I got to clamber up the side of live volcanoes, and watch plumes of lava explode into the air; I learned how close we live to these magnificent, unstoppable monsters and saw how real their threat is. Then we drank wine from volcanic soil, ate the best pizza in the world and learned how to love life, under the shadow of destruction. Who said Geology was just rocks!”

For millennia, volcanoes have inspired both awe and fear. In this two-part series, comedian Dara Ó Briain heads to Italy to explore the immense power of its most active volcanoes. There’s Stromboli, whose constant eruptions have earned its nickname ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’.

Mount Etna, where volcanic soils produce some of the best wines in the world. And Vesuvius, where a devastating eruption thousands of years ago, buried a city and boiled the brains of its inhabitants. With stunning visuals, compelling stories, and Dara’s trademark wit, this series uncovers the deadly force of volcanoes and their lasting impact on our planet.

Denise Seneviratne, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5:

“Volcanoes have always captivated me. How insignificant we are in the face of the power of nature – I think this will really resonate with our viewers and who better to bring this to life than Dara Ó Briain with his enthusiasm and fresh outlook. Working with BBC Studios once again, who bring their expertise and creativity to the series, has been a real pleasure.”

Volcano with Dara O Briain is co-produced by BBC Studios Science Unit and Krempelwood. Dara is back on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2025/2026 with his brand new live stand-up show ‘Re:Creation’.