Volcano with Dara Ó Briain | Preview (Channel 5)

For millennia, volcanoes have inspired both awe and fear. In this two-part series comedian and presenter Dara Ó Briain explores the immense power of Italy’s 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, gripping stories, and Dara’s trademark wit, this series uncovers the deadly force of volcanoes and their lasting impact on our planet. Dara Ó Briain begins with a mission to uncover the inner workings of volcanoes. His journey starts in Sicily, home to the mighty Mount Etna - Europe’s largest and most active volcano.

Ascending Etna’s slopes, Dara confronts an alien landscape of hardened lava, still venting hot gases from deep beneath the Earth’s crust. Near the smouldering summit, he meets volcanologist Dr Emanuela De Beni, who’s dedicated her life to understanding this volatile giant.

She explains how seismic sensors, drones, and thermal imaging are used to predict eruptions. A few hours’ warning is all they might get! He also meets Dr Daniele Andronico, who studies the aftermath of each eruption in a bid to keep the nearby city of Catania safe and moving.

On his descent, Dara discovers lava tubes, underground tunnels carved by molten rock. He meets scientist Dr Sonia Calvari, who reveals the hidden dangers these formations pose to communities living above them.

But volcanoes aren’t just destroyers - their power nurtures extraordinary gifts. Dara explores how volcanic soil supports thriving vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Vintners Steph and Ciro demonstrate how their crops benefit from the unique environment, even as ashfall from Etna’s regular eruptions challenges their daily life.

The episode’s climax takes Dara on a voyage across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the island of Stromboli, a volcano so active it has earned the nickname ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’. After a steep climb, Dara reaches a viewing platform to witness Stromboli’s spectacular eruptions, with fiery lava illuminating the night sky.

Dara Ó Briain continues his journey across Italy, to uncover what happens when volcanoes turn from natural wonders into human disasters.

In this episode, he leaves Stromboli and travels to mainland Italy. With volcanologist Dr Dougal Jerram, he learns about a deadly phenomenon known as a pyroclastic flow. This searingly hot cloud of ash and debris can reach speeds of hundreds of miles per hour and will obliterate everything in its path.

In Naples, Dara explores the story of Mount Vesuvius and its 79AD eruption. This disaster buried the Roman town of Herculaneum under layers of ash and rock. He meets Professor Luigi Capasso, who studies the skeletal remains of Herculaneum’s final residents. Luigi’s work reveals how quickly and violently these people died.

Scaling Mount Vesuvius, Dara visits its enormous crater. Layers of rock and ash show the volcano’s explosive history. He then meets cultural expert Dr Elisabetta Moro. She explains how living near an active volcano has shaped the culture and mindset of Naples.

With an active volcano on their doorstep, the people of Naples need protection. At the Vesuvius Observatory, Dara meets Dr Giovanni Macedonio. He explains how technology tracks the volcano 24/7, providing vital warnings to the million people living nearby.

Finally, Dara visits Campi Flegrei—a supervolcano hidden beneath the city. Dr Antonio Costa explains how this massive system threatens 500,000 people living above it. It’s so big its next eruption could not only devastate Naples but disrupt the global climate.

Volcano with Dara Ó Briain begins Tuesday 1st April on Channel 5.