Sky History 2 TV Guide — Saturday, 18 July 2026

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

Nasa footage of reported UFOs and alien presence, with comment from former Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell, and ex-Nasa contractor Donna Hare

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

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

Investigations into whether ancient tales of beings with super-human powers could be inspired by extra- terrestrials who came to Earth in the past

Investigations into inventor Nikola Tesla's claims of communication with extraterrestrials on other planets and whether the scientist could have been a human 'receiver'

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

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

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

The Heraklion Operation, carried out in June 1942. Major Georges Bergé's team landed in Crete and moved across land, intending destroy Luftwaffe planes at Heraklion airfield. They destroyed about 20 Ju 88s, but despite escaping from the airfield found their retreat betrayed

Operation Frankton, of December 1942. The mission was for Royal Marines to place limpet mines on German ships in the occupied Bordeaux Harbour, 62 miles along the Gironde River. Five cockleshell canoes set off from submarine HMS Tuna at the mouth of the river. Only two reached the harbour and carried out the raid, escaping with the aid of the French Resistance. The damage to the ships and the resulting disruption to German supply lines had a significant impact on the war effort

Strategic catastrophes and doomed military decisions, beginning by looking at those in charge whose rampant egos and misguided belief in their own abilities led to their country making fatal mistakes in the war.

Investigations into whether ancient tales of beings with super-human powers could be inspired by extra- terrestrials who came to Earth in the past

Investigations into inventor Nikola Tesla's claims of communication with extraterrestrials on other planets and whether the scientist could have been a human 'receiver'

How, in Gold Rush California, Mexican immigrant Joaquin Murrieta formed a gang of outlaws that spread terror across the newly formed state. His legend as a hero to the downtrodden endured despite being hunted down by the California Rangers

How Kansas became a battleground in the US national debate over slavery. Settlers on both sides of the issue poured into the territory to determine its future as a free or slave state in its eventual admission to the Union