July 3, 2025

National Geographic announced today that Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller will be returning for a fifth season on July 19. The news comes on the heels of Season 4 becoming the most nominated unscripted series ever with 29 nominations for the 2025 News & Documentary Emmy Awards.

The show features award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller exploring the complex and dangerous inner-workings of the global underworld's black and informal markets. She follows the chain of custody of trafficked goods to understand how contraband is obtained and see the full picture of the trafficking world from the point of view of the smugglers, law enforcement, and those caught in the crossfire.

"This season mirrors the times we're living in," said van Zeller in a statement. "The issues we investigate - from the growing reach of cartels in the United States to the expanding world of scams - don't happen in isolation. These are societal stories, rooted in desperation, exploitation, and the global forces shaping our future. Hidden stories that ultimately affect us all."

Season 5 kicks off with a groundbreaking look into the operations of Mexican cartels inside the United States. From small-town drug cells, van Zeller explores how these criminal groups move drugs, launder billions, and even infiltrate law enforcement. It's a growing influence that's fueling violence and addiction across the country.