Ancient Apocalypse

Synopsis

Hancock argues that an advanced civilization existed during the last ice age and was destroyed around 12,000 years ago by sudden climate change during the Younger Dryas cool period. He claims its survivors taught agriculture, monumental architecture, and astronomy to hunter-gatherers worldwide, rejecting the idea that early civilizations arose independently. The series incorporates the controversial Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, which has been comprehensively refuted, and alleges that archaeologists are ignoring or covering up evidence.

Production and release

The series, produced by ITN Productions, debuted on Netflix on November 10, 2022. Hancock’s son Sean, a Netflix manager for unscripted originals, was involved. It ranked as Netflix’s second most-watched series during its debut week.

Two archaeologists from the first season claimed their interviews were manipulated and taken out of context. A second season arrived on Netflix on October 16, 2024, featuring Keanu Reeves alongside Hancock. Plans for filming parts of this season in the United States were dropped after Indigenous groups objected to Hancock’s portrayal of their history and culture.

Reception

Archaeologists and other experts heavily criticized the show for its pseudoscientific theories, lack of evidence, and many easily disproven claims. The Society for American Archaeology objected to its classification as a documentary and requested Netflix reclassify it as science fiction. Archaeologist Flint Dibble stated the show is lacking in evidence to support Hancock's theory, while there is a plethora of evidence contradicting the dates he gives.

John Hoopes noted the series fails to present alternative interpretations or contradictory evidence. David Connolly said Hancock's work relies on cherry-picked evidence. Colin Elder remarked that Hancock finds one person who agrees with him and does not look at counterarguments. Julien Riel-Salvatore argued it is simple to demonstrate the main theses are wrong and that the series undermines critical thinking.

Archaeologists stated they would be thrilled to uncover an ice age civilization if real evidence existed. Courrier International noted Hancock's claims are never questioned on screen. The Guardian opined that Netflix had courted conspiracy theorists with the series, speculating that Hancock's son's role may explain why it was commissioned.

Did You Know?

• Two archaeologists featured in the first season, Katya Stroud and Necmi Karul, said their interviews were manipulated and presented out of context.
• Plans to film parts of the second season in the USA were cancelled following opposition from Indigenous groups over Hancock's depiction of their history and culture.