Sky History 2 TV Guide — Friday, 17 July 2026

For thousands of years, people have held the belief that everyday objects can possess hidden energy. Talismans are seen as providing protection, good fortune and some are even thought to embody a higher power. Could it be that what fuels our faith in talismans is not superstition, but a real connection to something beyond our world?

The Hudson Valley area of upstate New York, where more than 7,000 UFO sightings have been reported. This edition speculates whether the area is home to one of the many extra-terrestrial gateways that are believed to be spread all over the world

Discovering the fate of the holiday industry in a post-apocalyptic world, with luxury resorts and cruise ships falling apart

The skies of a post-apocalyptic world, as Air Force One suffers an explosive malfunction, and a swarm of locusts invades the American Midwest

The fate of homes in a world without people, where suburbs turn into mass infernos, and a famous castle topples, owing to a hidden flaw

In 1996, two girls and their mother enjoying a walk in the Kent countryside were the victims of a frenzied hammer attack by Michael Stone, who left them for dead. Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter Megan died from their injuries, but nine-year-old Josie survived and made a remarkable recovery. This film examines the events surrounding the murders and features interviews with Shaun Russell - Lin's widower and the girls' father - Josie's close friend Lucy Gregson, her former primary school teacher Lynda Roberts and police family liaison officer Pauline Smith

Giorgio Tsoukalos looks at mysterious teachers who have appeared throughout history, including a biblical patriarch, a race of fish-people and Egypt's most controversial pharoah

For 10 seasons, this series has collected dozens of reports of encounters with strange and mysterious beasts. Now, ancient astronaut theorist Giorgio Tsoukalos selects his top 10 extraordinary creatures

Predicting what could happen to religious symbols and artefacts after the disappearance of man, including the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro and St Peter's Basilica in Rome

Auschwitz survivors explore the railways' part in the Nazis' plans to commit murder. Documentary exploring the role of trains in major conflicts of the past 150 years

The story of nurse Beverley Allitt, who was thought to be a caring and astute worker, until it was revealed she killed four children and tried to murder 11 others

Giorgio Tsoukalos looks at mysterious teachers who have appeared throughout history, including a biblical patriarch, a race of fish-people and Egypt's most controversial pharoah

For 10 seasons, this series has collected dozens of reports of encounters with strange and mysterious beasts. Now, ancient astronaut theorist Giorgio Tsoukalos selects his top 10 extraordinary creatures

Drama-documentary telling the story of the Roman Empire. Scientist Galen of Pergamon makes a name for himself as a physician for gladiators in the arena. A devastating plague sweeps through the city and Galen catches the attention of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Narrated by Campbell Scott

All Roman rulers put great value on spectacles and games, but only one, the son of Marcus Aurelius, steps out of the Imperial Box and onto the sands of the arena. As Emperor Commodus makes enemies amongst the ruling Senate, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues

By the 4th century AD, a divided Roman Empire is rocked by devastating earthquakes, fires, barbarian invasions and deep religious divides. As Rome declines, the Colosseum, which once stood as a proud symbol of the Empire's glory, lies empty. To restore Rome, one man, a devout worshipper of the Rome's old gods, turns to the arena

Drama-documentary using the Colosseum to tell the thrilling story of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, through the lens of the men and women who fought and died there. In AD80, the Colosseum is open for business. Roman emperor Titus plans 100 days of games to commemorate, including an epic battle to the death between gladiators Priscus and Verus

When master builder Haterius constructs the Colosseum from the ashes of Nero's Golden House, his work is far from over. New Emperor Domitian tasks him with adding in a complex network of underground tunnels - the hypogeum