Limitless: Live Better Now
In addition to the ubiquity of wellness culture, we’ve seen a rise in longevity advocacy in recent years, with the likes of Bryan Johnson making headlines for his vow to stave off the inevitable. The first season of Limitless, National Geographic’s docuseries fronted by Chris Hemsworth, leans heavily on this ideation, with the Australian actor meeting scientists and health gurus in pursuit of extending the human lifespan. With its return, however, there’s a marked shift in theme and tone. Instead, season two is subtitled Live Better Now, with an emphasis on improving one’s wellbeing in the present.
The series opens with a discussion about the effect of ageing on the brain, leading to Hemsworth meeting cognitive scientist Maya Shankar. Her elucidation on the proliferation of mental decline after the age of 40 leaves the 40-something actor visibly perturbed. But this is, after all, a series that champions positivity and proactivity above existential dwelling, and Shankar explains that there is indeed hope. She teaches Hemsworth about cognitive reserve, ie the brain’s ability to delay degeneration through being continually challenged with new tasks and activities.
And thus begins Hemsworth’s first challenge: learning the drum part for Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud – and then performing it in front of 70,000 people. Sheeran himself orders the mission, and has a sporadic presence throughout the episode, encouraging his buddy and would-be bandmate.
Hemsworth is a charming host, willing to show his flaws with humour and grace. He doesn’t walk into his tasks as the Hollywood hero effortlessly mastering every Herculean feat. His friend (and Parkway Drive drummer) Ben Gordon notes that the actor struggles to cope with failure and embarrassment. And though Hemsworth laughs through his fumbling fills, one can’t help but applaud him for exhibiting his vulnerabilities on screen.
But make no mistake: this is light entertainment. It’s not didactic – the science is there fleetingly as exposition, serving as a means to an end as Hemsworth tries to attain his goals. Science-based discussion makes way for celebrity cameos and lighthearted reflections on persistence and wellness. But it’s nicely shot and it’s here that the series excels, capturing the relatable dread that Hemsworth feels before each activity.
For anyone floundering, Limitless is ideal motivational viewing. Hemsworth is unwaveringly affable, making us root for his success – and, by extension, our own potential foray into the unlocked skills and talents that can enrich our lives.
Antonia Georgiou
Limitless: Live Better Now is released on Disney+ on 15th August 2025.
Watch the trailer for Limitless: Live Better Now here:
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