Ancient Aliens is an American television series that explores the pseudoscientific ancient astronauts hypothesis, as well as other pseudoscientific and pseudohistoric topics such as advanced ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial contact and ufology, and alleged conspiracy theories, in a non-critical documentary format.[1][2] Episodes begin and end with rhetorical questions which frame the explored topics. The series has aired on History and other A&E Networks since 2010, and has been a target for criticism of History's channel drift, and criticism for promoting unorthodox or unproven hypotheses as fact.[3] All episodes are narrated by Robert Clotworthy. The series is produced by Prometheus Entertainment.
The series is based on and inspired by the works of Erich von Däniken and Zecharia Sitchin, among other writers. The works of Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval, Brinsley Trench, Charles Hapgood, and Edgar Cayce are also referenced in many episodes. Producer Giorgio Tsoukalos and writer David Childress are often featured as guests.
The series began as a two-hour documentary special in 2009 and continued for three seasons as a flagship series on History.[4] Seasons 4 to 7 aired on H2, with frequent re-airings of episodes on History and other A&E services. In 2015, the series returned to History after H2 was relaunched as Vice on TV. Season 15 premiered in 2020.[5] The series continued with its sixteenth season in November 2020.[1][6]
As of September 2024,[update] 260 episodes of Ancient Aliens have aired.
- ^ a b "Ancient Aliens Theory". History. December 25, 2010. Archived from the original on December 29, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
- ^ "Evidence of Ancient Aliens?". History. December 25, 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
- ^ Lockwood, Brad (October 17, 2011). "High Ratings Aside, Where's the History on History?". Forbes. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
- ^ "Ancient Aliens Episode Guide". History. December 25, 2010. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
- ^ "Ancient Aliens Season 15". History. Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
- ^ "Watch Ancient Aliens Season 16 Online – HISTORY". History. March 12, 2021. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.