Sky History 2 TV Guide — Thursday, 16 July 2026

More than 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks credited their most monumental achievements to gods like Zeus, Apollo and Poseidon. This programme considers whether it is possible that these powerful beings from Mount Olympus were, in fact, extraterrestrial visitors to Earth

The team examines a declassified US Department of Defence report which analyses an alleged encounter between a fighter pilot and a UFO in May 1980

Giorgio Tsoukalos examines the notion that extraterrestrials could have left clues to the universe's mysteries. Experts investigate cryptic puzzles that might have been placed by ancient aliens

Investigators find evidence suggesting that ancient aliens saved humanity from great floods, and contemplate whether mankind may one day need to rely on the intervention of extra-terrestrials again

Experts explore the disappearance of civilisations throughout time and across the globe, wondering if clues left in their wake point to an otherwordly explanation

The circumstances surrounding the murder of 23-year-old Rachel Nickell in July 1992, when she was attacked and killed in front of her two-year-old son Alex on Wimbledon Common. Colin Stagg was originally charged with the murder, but was eventually acquitted in September 1994 before the case went cold. With more advanced and refined forensic techniques available, Scotland Yard later reopened the investigation and in December 2008 Robert Napper - already serving time in prison for another killing - pleaded guilty to Nickell's manslaughter

In the 21st century, UFOs have gone from fringe science to mainstream obsession. This programme examines society's proximity to understanding the strange events in the sky

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?

Geologists, climatologists and archaeologists give their ideas about what would happen to cars, planes and roads in a world without humans, and the potential disasters created by unmanned oil refineries

A look at some of maritime history's most effective lightning strikes. These include how the French frigate Nivôse set a trap to lure Somali pirates, how the HMS Illustrious captured a well-defended Mediterranean harbor in the Second World War and a surprise attack on Tokyo in 1942

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

In the 21st century, UFOs have gone from fringe science to mainstream obsession. This programme examines society's proximity to understanding the strange events in the sky

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?

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

The underground world undergoes devastating changes, with a power plant wrecked by superheated steam, and the US nuclear command centre Norad coming under attack

Documentary exploring the fate of sacred buildings, famous artworks, wildlife, power plants and more. The buildings of the world's leaders come under attack on a post-apocalyptic planet, and the US President's dog must quickly learn the ways of the wild