Sky History 2 TV Guide — Monday, 31 August 2026

Ancient Astronaut theorists examine the creation myth of the 'Cosmic Egg', and look at why the concept is so pervasive throughout the world

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and MiG-29 Fulcrum, two iconic fourth-generation fighters with different strengths. The F-16 is known for advanced avionics, multirole capability and a proven combat record, while the MiG-29 is regarded as superior in close-quarters dogfighting due to its high thrust-to-weight ratio and exceptional agility

The classified mission to rescue an American hostage and the manhunt for a dictator that led to the boldest US military strike since Vietnam - the surprise invasion of Panama in December 1989

Documentary series exploring the role of trains in the major conflicts of the past 150 years. This instalment considers the Second World War of 1939 to 1944

In May 2012, six children aged between five and 13 died at the hands of their parents Mick and Mairead Philpott in a house fire in Derby. The blaze was started as an attempt to frame the former mistress of father-of-17 Mick, and despite tearful appearances in front of the TV cameras, the couple were convicted of manslaughter months later. This documentary features interviews with eyewitnesses and neighbours who tried to save the children

Unexpected things revealed by catastrophic disasters, featuring a submerged funerary complex in Greece, ancient mammal footprints preserved by a Turkish volcanic eruption and North American fossils from the post-dinosaur era

A look at the accounts of modern-day alien abductees. Plus, the possibility that bizarre Paracas skulls discovered by Julio Tello could be of extraterrestrial origin

Theorists explore world mythology as they investigate whether extraterrestrials could be responsible for mankind's existence, having visited from other planets with Earth-like characteristics

The actor reveals how undercover agents endured severe psychological strain while living double lives infiltrating dangerous worlds. Secret ops have showcased their sacrifices

The troubled beginnings and amazing exploits of legendary British heavy bomber the Lancaster. Featuring a close look at a replica

On July 1, 2000, eight-year-old Sarah Payne went missing while playing in a field near her grandparents' home in West Sussex, and her disappearance prompted a nationwide search. On July 17, her body was found near Pulborough, and soon after convicted paedophile Roy Whiting was charged with her abduction and murder. In this documentary, Sara Payne relives the day her daughter went missing and recounts the horror and agonising days that unfolded in its wake. She also speaks about her fight to change the system in the UK so parents could find out if a child sex offender was living in their area

A look at the accounts of modern-day alien abductees. Plus, the possibility that bizarre Paracas skulls discovered by Julio Tello could be of extraterrestrial origin

Theorists explore world mythology as they investigate whether extraterrestrials could be responsible for mankind's existence, having visited from other planets with Earth-like characteristics

Alice Roberts and Matt Williams visit the Dorset Country Museum, where they explore finds from archaeological digs across the west of Britain. The presenters examine objects found at a Bronze Age burial site in Barrowclump, a Roman army site called Durotriges and the site of an early hospital at Winchester, Hampshire. Plus, a hoard found by metal detectors revealing hidden secrets of childhood 1,000 years ago, and a Roman settlement at Ipplepen in Devon

Alice Roberts and Matt Williams explore finds from archaeological digs across the north of Britain, and begin at the Ness of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, where they view a 5,000-year-old temple. The presenters witness the unearthing of a Roman altar in Maryport, Cumbria, examine discoveries from Flixton in North Yorkshire that are around 11,000 years old, and travel to a cemetery in Ardnamurchan in the Highlands. Plus, a Tudor-era feasting hall, and a hoard of Pictish treasures

Alice Roberts and Matt Williams visit archaeological digs across the country, beginning with a look at the work being carried out in the west of Britain. The presenters visit Salisbury Museum, finding out about developments at sites including the enormous lost Welsh city of Trellech and Kent's Cavern, a prehistoric cave where Britain's earliest human remains have been found

Alice Roberts explores exciting archaeological finds across the east of Britain. A team unearths a mass grave, divers search the Thames for clues to a 17th-century tragedy and a metal detectorist makes the find of a lifetime. Presented by Alice Roberts

Alice Roberts explores archaeological finds across the North of Britain. A team discovers clues to Scotland's first kingdoms, metal detectorists unearth a hoard of Viking treasure and a new housing development reveals a graveyard of Iron Age warriors