Broadcasting live from the edge of one of the world's most active volcanoes over four days will offer a completely new and unique way of experiencing this powerful and unpredictable natural phenomenon.

[4] A writer for the BBC's Media Centre said "As Kate embarks on a journey of discovery, geologist Iain provides context and insight and together they guide viewers through the science of volcanology.

[9] Ahead of the first episode airing, John Robinson from The Guardian stated "It's interesting, then, that the BBC's next live nature step should be this: wherein Kate Humble and geologist Iain Stewart attempt to sex-up vulcanology at Kilauea, Hawaii.

Kate Humble and Prof Iain Stewart are the pair risking the red-hot lava as they broadcast from the edge of the crater, while comedian Ed Byrne randomly pops up to explain more about the science.

"[13] Writing for the Radio Times Paul Jones commented Humble was "just the job" for a show like Volcano Live, while Stewart "had Professor Brian Cox's knack of making rocks seem exciting, as well as his habit of using everyday items as props".

[14] A reporter for the Shropshire Star gave the show a negative review, saying "as we sat back and anticipated the biggest and best pyrotechnic displays that nature has to offer, we were instead given a comedian armed with Mentos and diet Coke trying to figure out the difference between spurting and seepage.

But unless Humble and Stewart had been propelled into the stratosphere atop a lava fountain, then there was nothing unique about this live experience that I hadn't seen before on a GCSE geography programme.