Award-winning journalist and explorer Bob Woodruff is back with the second season of his critically acclaimed docuseries “Last Lands.” The show takes viewers on a raw and emotional journey through some of the planet’s most fragile and threatened ecosystems, offering a gripping look at the people and places on the frontlines of conservation.
The two-part special premieres on Thursday, October 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET, and will stream across ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. The second episode is set to release the following week, on October 23, continuing the exploration of nature’s last frontiers and the struggle to protect them.
Exploring the World’s Most Fragile Ecosystems
Season 2 of Last Lands takes viewers deep into Central America, where Woodruff travels to El Mirador in Guatemala and Coiba National Park in Panama. These two breathtaking locations are not only natural wonders but also serve as vital sanctuaries for the planet’s biodiversity.
In El Mirador, Woodruff explores what was once a thriving ancient Mayan city, now concealed within a dense, nearly impenetrable rainforest. There, he meets the park rangers and local conservationists who are fighting daily to protect both their natural environment and their ancestral heritage.
The rainforest of El Mirador is under constant threat from illegal logging, poaching, and land clearing — challenges that endanger not only wildlife but also invaluable archaeological treasures. Through Woodruff’s lens, audiences witness the courage of those who dedicate their lives to preserving this irreplaceable landscape.
The journey continues in Coiba National Park, located about 15 miles off Panama’s coast. Known as a sanctuary for marine life, Coiba is one of the world’s most biologically rich marine reserves. It sits along a migratory corridor often described as the “superhighway” for sharks, humpback whales, and countless ocean species.
But as Woodruff reveals, even this paradise is not immune to danger. The park’s remoteness has made it a target for illegal trafficking routes, where criminal organizations use the surrounding waters to smuggle illicit goods northward. Through gripping interviews and on-the-ground footage, the series exposes the stark reality of these challenges while celebrating the resilience of those working to protect Coiba’s fragile ecosystem.
“The Time to Act Is Now”
Speaking about the motivation behind the new season, Bob Woodruff emphasized the urgency of conservation.
“It’s crucial to witness what’s happening to the world’s greatest parks; the threats to their land, forests, and seas are real,” Woodruff said. “If we don’t act now, our children may never experience what we’ve long taken for granted. Last Lands isn’t just about exploring these remarkable places; it’s about telling the stories of the people fighting to save them.”
This statement reflects the heart of Last Lands — not just showcasing the beauty of Earth’s remaining wild spaces, but amplifying the voices of the rangers, scientists, and communities risking everything to defend them.
Award-Winning Storytelling
The success of Last Lands’ first season set a high bar. The debut season received two Emmy Award nominations and even won a Webby Award in the Sustainability & Environment category — recognition that speaks volumes about its impact and storytelling power.
The series is produced in collaboration with Global Conservation, a non-profit organization that supports the preservation of world heritage parks and endangered habitats. The group’s work aligns closely with the show’s mission: to inspire awareness, encourage responsible tourism, and highlight the urgent need for collective environmental action.
Behind the camera, Seni Tienabeso serves as the executive producer, continuing the show’s commitment to powerful journalism and cinematic quality.
Season 2: A Call for Awareness
The new season takes the audience beyond travel documentary territory — it’s a wake-up call. Every location featured in Last Lands faces unique environmental pressures, from deforestation and wildlife trafficking to the devastating effects of climate change.
Through Woodruff’s immersive reporting, viewers gain a firsthand understanding of how these global issues intersect. Each story reveals not only what’s at stake but also the profound impact that local conservationists have in the global effort to protect nature.
In Guatemala, ancient Mayan ruins buried beneath lush rainforest illustrate how history and ecology are intertwined. In Panama, underwater life tells a parallel story — one of connection, migration, and the delicate balance between humans and nature.
Beyond Borders: The Universal Fight to Protect Nature
One of the show’s most striking themes is the interconnectedness of ecosystems across the planet. The threats faced by a rainforest in Guatemala are deeply linked to what happens in oceans thousands of miles away. Deforestation, illegal trade, and pollution are not confined to one nation — they’re global challenges demanding global solutions.
By highlighting these connections, Last Lands underscores a simple but powerful truth: the health of our planet depends on collective responsibility. The rangers in Guatemala and the marine wardens in Panama may seem worlds apart, but they share the same mission — protecting life for future generations.
Cinematic Exploration Meets Investigative Journalism
Visually stunning and emotionally charged, Last Lands stands out for its fusion of cinematic storytelling and hard-hitting journalism. Each episode balances breathtaking natural imagery with deep human stories, making it as informative as it is visually mesmerizing.
The show’s cinematography captures everything from the dense green canopy of El Mirador’s rainforest to the deep blue waters of Coiba’s marine reserve. But the true power lies in its human element — the passion and persistence of those who refuse to give up on the planet.
Why You Should Watch
If you care about the environment, wildlife, or simply want to see some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, Last Lands is a must-watch. It doesn’t just inform — it challenges viewers to think, act, and appreciate the fragile balance that sustains life on our planet.
Season 2 promises a mix of wonder and urgency, reminding us that protecting nature is not only about saving landscapes but also about safeguarding humanity’s shared future.
Watch the Trailer
A new trailer for Last Lands Season 2 offers a glimpse of the stunning visuals and high-stakes moments to come. Expect heart-pounding sequences, intimate encounters with wildlife, and emotional storytelling that captures the beauty — and fragility — of our world.
Last Lands Season 2 premieres October 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC News Live, with episodes also available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.