Expedition X vs Expedition Unknown: What's the Difference and Which Should You Watch First?

If you are a fan of Josh Gates, you have probably noticed two Discovery shows that seem similar at first.

Expedition Unknown and Expedition X.

Both investigate mysteries.

Both travel to unusual locations.

And both feature Josh Gates.

But they are actually quite different.

One is mainly about history, archaeology and lost discoveries.

The other goes much deeper into paranormal claims, cryptids and unexplained phenomena.

So which one should you watch first?

What Is Expedition Unknown?

Expedition Unknown is Josh Gates' main exploration series.

Discovery describes the show as a global investigation into legendary mysteries, lost cities, buried treasures and unexplained historical stories.

Recent episodes show just how broad the series can be.

Gates has investigated World War II shipwrecks, ancient burial sites, pirate history, Inca tunnels and lost Confederate gold. Discovery's 2026 season includes a major investigation into the wreck of the Japanese Hellship Hōfuku Maru and other archaeological adventures.

So if you enjoy history, archaeology, treasure hunting and real historical mysteries, Expedition Unknown is probably the better starting point.

What Is Expedition X?

Expedition X explores a different side of the unknown.

Discovery describes it as a series investigating the stranger side of unexplained phenomena. Its cases include paranormal activity, mysterious creatures, UFO related reports and other unusual legends.

The current team includes Josh Gates, scientist Phil Torres and paranormal researcher Heather Amaro.

That combination gives the show a different feel.

Torres approaches cases from a scientific perspective, while Amaro brings experience in paranormal investigation.

The result is a show that constantly asks whether a strange story has a natural explanation or something more mysterious behind it.
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The Biggest Difference

The easiest way to remember the difference is this:

Expedition Unknown asks: What happened?

Expedition X asks: Is something unexplained actually happening?

That is not an absolute rule, but it captures the general style of each series.

If Gates is searching for a lost ship, ancient civilization or buried treasure, you are probably watching Expedition Unknown.

If the investigation involves ghosts, cryptids, strange creatures or paranormal reports, you are probably watching Expedition X.

Which Show Is More Historical?

Definitely Expedition Unknown.

The series frequently connects modern exploration with historical evidence, archaeology and documented events.

For example, Discovery's current season includes investigations into World War II history, ancient civilizations and legendary treasure.

That makes it particularly appealing if you enjoy documentaries about ancient Egypt, lost civilizations, explorers, shipwrecks and historical mysteries.

Which Show Is More Paranormal?

That would be Expedition X.

The show has investigated haunted locations, mysterious creatures and paranormal legends.

Its current Season 12 includes investigations involving the ghosts associated with Robin Hood, Skinwalker reports, Guam hauntings and Revolutionary War ghosts.

So if your favorite topics are Bigfoot, ghosts, UFOs and unexplained encounters, Expedition X is likely to be your choice.

Which One Should You Watch First?

If you are completely new to Josh Gates, I would recommend starting with Expedition Unknown.

Why?

Because it gives you a broader introduction to Gates as an explorer.

You get history.

Archaeology.

Treasure hunting.

Underwater exploration.

Lost civilizations.

And plenty of mysteries.

Once you understand Gates' style, move on to Expedition X if you want something darker and more paranormal.

What If You Love Both?

Then there is no reason to choose only one.

In fact, watching both shows gives you two very different sides of Josh Gates.

Expedition Unknown takes you into the world's historical and archaeological mysteries.

Expedition X takes you into the stranger side of unexplained phenomena.

Discovery has even programmed the two shows together in the past as part of its adventure focused lineup, highlighting how naturally they complement each other.

Final Verdict

There is no real winner between Expedition X and Expedition Unknown.

They are designed for different kinds of curiosity.

Choose Expedition Unknown if you love archaeology, history, treasure, lost civilizations and real world exploration.

Choose Expedition X if you prefer ghosts, cryptids, UFO reports, paranormal investigations and unexplained encounters.

And if you love all of those things, watch both.

Because the biggest difference is simple.

Expedition Unknown explores the mysteries history left behind. Expedition X explores the mysteries that still refuse to be explained.
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