The rumors started flying the second people realized a certain face was missing from the Season 8 trailer of Expedition X. If you’re a fan of the show, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Jessica Chobot, the skeptical yet adventurous heart of the series for seven straight seasons, was suddenly nowhere to be found.
Instead, we saw Heather Amaro stepping into the fray. Naturally, the internet did what the internet does. People started whispering about "creative differences" and secret feuds with Josh Gates. But if you look at the actual facts, the story is a lot more professional—and frankly, a lot more interesting—than the "backstabbing" narrative some corners of Reddit want to believe.
Why Jessica Chobot Left Expedition X
Let’s be real for a second. In the world of reality TV, Seven seasons is a lifetime. Chobot joined the spinoff in 2020, and by the time 2024 rolled around, she had spent years trekking through damp forests and haunted asylums.
She wasn't fired. She didn't storm off set.
Basically, it came down to new opportunities. Chobot herself took to Instagram to clear the air, telling fans she was working on "something new with Discovery." That something turned out to be projects like the three-part limited series Bigfoot Took Her, which aired in late 2025. She wanted to dive deeper into specific mysteries rather than the "case-of-the-week" format that Expedition X often followed.
Josh Gates, who serves as an executive producer and the "team leader" of the franchise, has always been vocal about supporting his crew's independent ventures. While Chobot notably didn't give him a specific shout-out in her public farewell—focusing instead on Phil Torres and the new host—there's no concrete evidence of a "war" between them. It’s more likely a case of a professional partnership reaching its natural conclusion.
The Josh Gates Connection: Producers and Partners
It's easy to forget that Josh Gates isn't just the guy in the scarf who shows up at the beginning of the episodes to hand out assignments. He's the architect.
Through his production company, Ping Pong Productions, Gates has a massive say in the casting and direction of the Expedition Unknown universe. When Chobot left, the vacancy wasn't filled by another "clone" of her personality. They brought in Heather Amaro, a third-generation paranormal investigator with a totally different vibe.
Some fans hated it.
Some loved it.
But the "Josh Gates and Jessica Chobot" dynamic was always one of mutual respect for the brand. Chobot brought the "boots-on-the-ground" paranormal research, while Gates provided the historical context and the platform. Even now, with Chobot hosting her own podcast, Occulture Shock, she’s still operating in the same "weird" orbit that Gates helped popularize on Discovery.
Addressing the "Did They Date?" Rumors
Honesty time: whenever a man and a woman work together on TV, people get weird. You’ve probably seen the forum threads asking if Jessica Chobot and Josh Gates were a couple.
The answer is a flat no.
Josh Gates was married to Hallie Gnatovich for years (they divorced in 2021), and Chobot has her own family life. Their relationship was always that of a boss/producer and a lead investigator. In fact, many viewers noted that Chobot actually had much stronger "sibling energy" with her on-screen partner Phil Torres. They were the ones in the trenches while Josh was often off filming the main Expedition Unknown series.
Where They Stand in 2026
As of early 2026, the two have moved into different phases of their careers. Josh Gates is still the king of Discovery's adventure block, with Expedition Unknown hitting Season 16 and Expedition X continuing with its new lineup.
Jessica Chobot, meanwhile, has successfully rebranded. She isn't just "the girl from the ghost show" anymore. By launching her own investigative specials and leaning into the podcasting world, she’s gained more creative control over her content.
If you’re looking for a dramatic ending where they never speak again, you’re probably going to be disappointed. They are two of the biggest names in the "mystery-adventure" genre. In an industry this small, bridges are rarely burned for no reason.
How to Follow Their Current Work
If you miss the duo's collaboration, you can still find them in these spots:
- Watch the Backlog: Discovery+ and Max still host all seven seasons of Expedition X featuring the original trio.
- Check Out Occulture Shock: This is Chobot's current playground for all things strange.
- Bigfoot Special: Look for Bigfoot Took Her on Discovery's streaming platforms to see Chobot's latest investigative style.
- The Gates Hub: Josh continues to produce under Ping Pong Productions, so his fingerprints are still on most of the paranormal content you see on cable.
The transition was jarring for long-time viewers, but it’s clear both have landed on their feet. Chobot got the creative freedom she wanted, and Gates kept the Expedition X brand alive for a new era.
Keep an eye on Discovery's upcoming "Ghosttober" schedules. While they aren't co-hosting right now, the network loves a good crossover event, and a reunion special is never entirely off the table in the world of TV.