When Discovery Channel’s hit paranormal series Expedition X returned for its eighth season, fans immediately noticed a massive change. Longtime co-host Jessica Chobot, who had been a staple of the show since its inception in 2020, was noticeably absent. Stepping into her shoes alongside field biologist Phil Torres and host Josh Gates is Heather Amaro, a new paranormal investigator bringing her own unique style and background to the global mysteries the team explores.
The sudden cast shakeup left many viewers asking the same question: who exactly is Heather Amaro?
A Deep Dive Into Heather’s Background
While Amaro might be a fresh face to the Expedition X audience, she is no stranger to the world of the supernatural. Billed on the show as a “third-generation paranormal investigator,” her passion for the unexplained runs deep.
Paranormal Experience: Hailing from Arkansas, Amaro spent 12 years hosting the Arkansas Paranormal Expo, a prominent event where attendees and experts shared stories of hauntings, Bigfoot, and other cryptid legends.
Personal Life & Modeling: Before stepping into the television spotlight, Amaro (whose maiden name is Heather Ann Burton) worked as a model associated with The Agency. She is currently married to Joel Amaro.
Investigative Style: On the show, she brings an enthusiastic, open-minded approach, frequently leaning into her vast knowledge of high-tech gear and local lore to dissect paranormal hot zones.
The Transition From Jessica Chobot
Replacing a beloved host like Jessica Chobot—who brought years of television experience and a grounded, often skeptical approach to the investigations—has sparked widespread debate across fan forums. Some viewers miss Chobot’s tempered dynamic with Torres, while others have quickly warmed up to Amaro’s intense, highly expressive reactions and her deep roots in the paranormal community.
As Expedition X continues to travel to some of the world’s most terrifying locations—from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to the haunted castles of Europe—Amaro is proving that she isn’t afraid to dive headfirst into the darkness. Whether fans are still missing the original lineup or fully embracing the new era, Heather Amaro has officially cemented her place in the Expedition X legacy.
