Is it just 2021 or does every year have months and/or seasons with themes? Lately, I’ve noticed announcements for a lot of UFO documentaries releasing in August. But it started at the beginning of the year. (Not with the UFO documentaries, but with noticing themes.)
For instance, I mistakenly started off thinking 2021 was going to be the year of the Cecil Hotel and Richard Ramirez. Nope.
But here’s why I initially thought that. Discovery+ and Netflix released documentaries involving both the Cecil Hotel and Richard Ramirez at the same time.
However, February shaped up to be a month of true crime docs and drama, while early summer started off being all about the Conjuring house, including the next installment in the franchise (The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It), the case that inspired it, and a documentary investigation of the house (The Sleepless Unrest.)
But summer 2021 has also shaped up to be all about UFOs, starting with the release of the UFO report, which happened around the same time as discovery+ released Roswell: The Final Verdict.
Well, the summer 2021 UFO documentaries invasion will continue in August with three more releases. Let’s check them out.
1. Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified
Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified is a six-part docuseries that started streaming on Netflix on August 3. It examines some of the most famous UFO incidents, possible government coverups, and why “many believe the existence of UFOs is not just likely, but a certainty.”
However, if you’re wondering whether to stream it or skip it, Decider warns, “If you’re expecting a well-considered docuseries that takes a look at these cases and figures out whether they’re real or truly fake, or the reasons why the respective governments wanted to keep them quiet, though, you might want to look elsewhere.” They say it’s bad and their advice is to skip it.
2. UFO
UFO is a four-part docuseries that premiered on Showtime on August 8. It’s inspired by the 2017 New York Times article “Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program.”
According to the show’s site on Showtime, it explores “our fascination with unidentified flying objects, and what clandestine influence the American government, lucrative private companies and the military may have in shielding the truth behind extraterrestrial phenomena to further their own agendas.”
I haven’t seen any of it so I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but the Daily Beast summed it up this way: “No matter where you fall along the UFO-believing spectrum, Showtime’s latest confirms that the truth is out there—even if it doesn’t completely know what it is just yet.”
3. Alien Invasion: Hudson Valley
Alien Invasion: Hudson Valley is the newest Shock Docs special. The two-hour special starts streaming on discovery+ on August 15.
Area 51 may have the notoriety, but the Hudson Valley region, just north of New York City, remains the undisputed UFO capital of the world. Over the last decade, nearly 3,000 extraterrestrial encounters have been reported there.
Why are aliens descending on the Hudson Valley? What do they want from the residents? The team’s investigation is anchored by first-hand experiences with members of the community describing unbelievable interactions with extraterrestrial forces.
What kind of new information or insights will it reveal? Since it hasn’t been released yet there aren’t many reviews coming in. However, I have received an advanced screener for this one. If I have time I hope to check it out and write up a review about what you can expect.
Check-In
Have you noticed any themes in movie and TV programming this summer too?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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I don’t think I watch enough programs when they first air to notice trends. Isn’t it interesting about the Hudson Valley? I wonder if the Hudson Valley program will address the geography of the place. I mean, there’s got to be something unique about the area.
Ooooh! You raise a SUPER question I’d never even considered. Very curious now. For that I WILL find time to screen it so I can get that question answered now!!! THX for giving me new encouragement!