April 17, 1977 (1977-04-17) – November 29, 2019 (2019-11-29)
In Search of... is an American television series that was broadcast weekly from 1977 to 1982, devoted to mysterious phenomena. It was created after the success of four one-hour documentaries produced by creator Alan Landsburg: In Search of Ancient Astronauts in 1973 (based on the 1968 book/ 1970 film Chariots of the Gods? by Erich von Däniken), In Search of Ancient Mysteries (1973) and In Search of Ancient Mysteries (1974), and The Outer Space Connection in 1975 (later adapted into popular paperbacks written by Landsburg), all of which featured narration by Rod Serling, who was the initial choice to host the spin-off show. Serling died before production started, and Leonard Nimoy was then selected to be the host.[1] The series was revived with host Mitch Pileggi in 2002 and again in 2018 with Zachary Quinto for the History channel.
The original series was shown in Australia in the 1980s under the title Great Mysteries of the World, with each episode having an introduction and conclusion presented by television presenter Scott Lambert.
Each episode of the program explored a general or specific topic in one of several general categories as given in the opening titles: Extraterrestrials, Magic & Witchcraft, Missing Persons, Myths & Monsters, Lost Civilizations, and Special Phenomena (changed to Strange Phenomena from season 3 onward).[2] The program conducted investigations into the controversial and paranormal (e.g., UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster). Additionally, it featured episodes about mysterious historical events and personalities such as Anna Anderson/Grand Duchess Anastasia, the Lincoln Assassination, the Jack the Ripper murders, infamous cults (e.g., Jim Jones), and missing persons, cities, and ships (e.g., Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Hoffa, D. B. Cooper, the Mary Celeste, the Titanic, the lost Roanoke Colony). Each episode's opening credits included a verbal disclaimer about the conjectural nature of the evidence and theories to be presented:[3]
This series presents information based in part on theory and conjecture. The producer's purpose is to suggest some possible explanations, but not necessarily the only ones, to the mysteries we will examine.
The program included interviews, reenactments, and host segments including Nimoy on location or in studio, and each episode featured voice overs by Nimoy. The music was composed by Laurin M. Rinder and W. Michael Lewis. A soundtrack album was released on AVI (American Variety International) Records in 1977.[4]
Nimoy wrote an episode about the turbulent life of artist Vincent van Gogh, having earlier played the artist's brother Theo in a one-man show.[5] As part of his research, Nimoy found records in the archives of the hospital where Van Gogh was treated that suggested that he suffered from epilepsy rather than insanity.
The show also spawned at least six spin-off books, all written by Landsburg with forewords by Nimoy: In Search of Lost Civilizations,In Search of Extraterrestrials,In Search of Magic and Witchcraft,In Search of Strange Phenomena,In Search of Missing Persons, and In Search of Myths and Monsters, with an additional book that collected the best segments from these existing volumes.[6]
In 1978, Landsburg produced a Bigfoot documentary using portions of two In Search of... episodes ("The Monster Hunters" and "The Yeti") called Manbeast! Myth or Monster, based on his book In Search of Myths and Monsters. Though Nimoy had written the foreword to Landsburg's book, he did not narrate this documentary.[7]
Reruns of the In Search of... series aired during the early 1990s on the A&E Network. In the later 1990s, the show aired on another of the A&E Television Networks' properties, the History Channel. The licensing agreement expired in the early 2000s, ending the show's run. When the show aired on A&E, a re-recording of the original theme music was used plus a new alternate theme. The original opening titles were also modernized. In this incarnation virtually all of Nimoy's on-camera appearances in the series were replaced with reused footage, so viewers could hear Nimoy but not see him.
In January 2018, it was announced that Zachary Quinto, who, like Nimoy, stars as Spock in the rebooted Star Trek films, would host the revived version of the show on History Channel.[8] On March 27, 2019, History Channel announced the series was renewed for a second season.[9]
Episodes
This section has some dates in the season one that are incorrect. Relevant discussion may be found on Talk:In Search of... (TV series). Please add dates from reliable sources. (September 2013)
Original Series
The original series ran for six seasons, hosted by Leonard Nimoy.
Examines speculation about purported ancient astronauts, aliens that would have landed on Earth in ancient times, being responsible for many of mankind's oldest mysteries. Hosted by Rod Serling.
An examination of mysteries of the ancient world and their connection to the possibility that aliens visited Earth. Hosted by Rod Serling.
03
"The Outer Space Connection"
Fred Warshofsky
Fred Warshofsky
February 12, 1975 (1975-02-12) (Arizona)
Examines the speculation that aliens have visited Earth in ancient times, and built structures to which they will return at a future date. Hosted by Rod Serling, and screened at movie theaters throughout 1975.
Explores the existence of Bigfoot, the Yeti and other legendary humanoid-type creatures.
Season 1 (1977)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
01
01
"Other Voices"
H.G. Stark
Roz Karson
April 17, 1977 (1977-04-17)
726
Other Voices: Examines groundbreaking experiments that show the possibility that plants respond to people's thoughts. Guests in this episode include Marcel Vogel, Dorothy Retallack, Kendall Johnson, and Cleve Backster.
02
02
"Strange Visitors"
Unknown
S: Hans Holzer; W: Hans Holzer & Robert L. Long
April 24, 1977 (1977-04-24)
703
Strange Visitors: Was Oracle Chamber, which lies beneath New Hampshire's Mystery Hill, built by ancient Phoenicians who traveled to the continent thousands of years ago? Guests include Robert Stone, Hans Holzer, and Barry Fell.
The Bermuda Triangle: Probes a radio broadcast claim that the graveyard of ships and planes is actually a testing area for spacemen. Guests include Frank Flynn, Bob Spielman, Ray Smithers, and Carlton Hamilton
05
05
"Bigfoot"
Nicholas Webster
Larry L. Badger
April 28, 1977 (1977-04-28)
713
Bigfoot: An evaluation of giant footprints and other evidence which some believe proves that the half-man, half-animal creature really exists.
06
06
"Killer Bees"
Unknown
Alex Pomasanoff
May 1, 1977 (1977-05-01)
735
Killer Bees: A photographic report from Brazil on the behavior of the bees and genetic experiments underway to stop the savage swarms from reaching the U.S.
07
07
"Earthquakes"
Unknown
Alex Pomasanoff
May 7, 1977 (1977-05-07)
728
Earthquakes: An examination of the techniques which scientists are developing in order to study seismic activity and predict quakes.
08
08
"The Mummy's Curse"
Unknown
Robert L. Long
May 14, 1977 (1977-05-14)
734
The Mummy's Curse: Probes the claim that a protective curse on King Tutankhamun's tomb accounted for a chain of mysterious deaths.
09
09
"Martians"
Unknown
Robert L. Long
May 21, 1977 (1977-05-21)
733
Martians: Offers the theory that the Red Planet is dying of climate changes and suggests that Earth may face a similar fate. Gerald Soffen is a guest in the episode.
Psychic Detectives: Meet a unique scientific detective squad that uses E.S.P. as an effective crime-solving tool.
12
12
"A Call from Space"
Unknown
Christine Zurbach Wiser
May 28, 1977 (1977-05-28)
729
A Call from Space: Can the space technologies that discovered other galaxies help us communicate with other life?
13
13
"Learning ESP"
Unknown
Robert L. Long
May 28, 1977 (1977-05-28)
730
Learning ESP: Do the powers of extrasensory perception really exist, and can they be taught?
14
14
"Nazi Plunder"
Unknown
Tyrone Fox
May 29, 1977 (1977-05-29)
TBA
Nazi Plunder: Pursues the rumor of Nazi plunder worth billions and a 30-year-old track that could lead to it.
15
15
"Amelia Earhart"
Unknown
Alex Pomasanoff
June 1, 1977 (1977-06-01)
718
Amelia Earhart: Runs down rumors that the famous aviatrix, who disappeared during a 1937 flight over the Pacific Ocean, was on a spy mission.
16
16
"Dracula"
H. G. Stark
Jeremy Brink
June 8, 1977 (1977-06-08)
712
Dracula: Investigates the life and recorded history of Vlad the Impaler in Romania, with comparisons to the main character of the famous Bram Stoker novel.
17
17
"The Easter Island Massacre"
H. G. Stark
Deborah Blum
June 15, 1977 (1977-06-15)
709
The Easter Island Massacre: Provides answers to the mysteries of how 70-ton giant stones came to the remote island and who might have destroyed some of them.
18
18
"Ghosts"
H. G. Stark
Hans Holzer & Robert L. Long
June 22, 1977 (1977-06-22)
704
Ghosts: Studies specters and a parapsychologist's theory that they are troubled earthbound souls in need of help.
19
19
"Life After Death"
H. G. Stark
Deborah Blum
June 29, 1977 (1977-06-29)
720
Life after Death: A visit to a soul research institute for firsthand accounts of people who claim they have died and come back to life.
20
20
"The Loch Ness Monster"
H. G. Stark
Robert L. Long
July 6, 1977 (1977-07-06)
725
The Loch Ness Monster: A hunt for the leviathan which has so far eluded all expeditions to prove that it truly exists. Includes footage of Bob Ballard as he performs underwater photography in an attempt to identify the monster.
21
21
"UFOs"
H. G. Stark
Robert L. Long
July 13, 1977 (1977-07-13)
702
UFOs: An evaluation of reports by people who have seen "saucers", and the growing body of evidence that America is regularly being visited by UFOs.
22
22
"Voodoo"
H. G. Stark
Alan Landsburg
July 26, 1977 (1977-07-26)
714
Voodoo: Experience an actual voodoo rite, and meet a priest dedicated to disarming its effects.
23
23
"Inca Treasure"
H. G. Stark
Robert Long
August 11, 1977 (1977-08-11)
TBA
Inca Treasures: Camera crews accompany a Peruvian excavation party in quest of a great Inca city believed lost for 300 years.
24
24
"The Magic of Stonehenge"
Unknown
Deborah Blum
September 10, 1977 (1977-09-10)
727
The Magic of Stonehenge: Suggests the site could be the source of a mysterious power that might hold all of Britain in a strange magnetic force field.
Season 2 (1977–1978)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
25
01
"The Lost Dutchman Mine"
Unknown
Richard J. Wells
December 24, 1977 (1977-12-24)
TBA
The Lost Dutchman Mine: An investigation into why hundreds of gold hunters have died searching for a lost treasure ever since a German prospector wandered out of Arizona's Superstition Mountains in the 1860s. Is there really cursed gold hidden there, as Apache lore suggests?
Firewalkers: How do people walk on red-hot coals without being burned?
28
04
"Mayan Mysteries"
Unknown
Terry A. Landau
January 7, 1978 (1978-01-07)
744
Mayan Mysteries: The Mayans of Mexico carved an advanced civilization out of the jungles, then disappeared. Where did they come from? Where did they go?
29
05
"Astrology"
Unknown
Peter Rosten
January 12, 1978 (1978-01-12)
750
Astrology: Can astronomical movements affect the affairs of man? Leonard Nimoy as he reviews the long history of astrology and looks at its attraction today.
30
06
"Michael Rockefeller"
Unknown
Alex Pomasanoff
January 21, 1978 (1978-01-21)
740
Michael Rockefeller: Did he drown or was he murdered? An investigation into the disappearance of Nelson Rockefeller's youngest son who vanished without a trace among some of the most primitive peoples in the world.
31
07
"Hurricanes"
Unknown
Unknown
January 26, 1978 (1978-01-26)
758
Hurricanes: Take a close-up look at these violent killers that have taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Can they be controlled or prevented?
32
08
"The Ogopogo Monster"
Unknown
Unknown
January 28, 1978 (1978-01-28)
762
The Ogopogo Monster: This large beast, similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster, is claimed to have been seen by thousands of people in western Canada.
33
09
"Pyramid Secrets"
Unknown
Unknown
February 4, 1978 (1978-02-04)
746
Pyramid Secrets: Examines the theory that the pyramids of Egypt were built to provide shelter from a holocaust, not as tombs for the pharaohs.
34
10
"Dead Sea Scrolls"
Unknown
Unknown
February 9, 1978 (1978-02-09)
748
Dead Sea Scrolls: The story of the 2,000-year-old scrolls, discovered by a shepherd, that revolutionized religious thought.
35
11
"Reincarnation"
Unknown
Unknown
February 11, 1978 (1978-02-11)
706
Reincarnation: Reviews case histories of people who claim to have lived in previous lifetimes.
36
12
"The Shark Worshippers"
Unknown
Unknown
February 18, 1978 (1978-02-18)
760
The Shark Worshippers: A trip to remote parts of the Pacific where man-eating sharks are considered gods. Adults pray to them and children swim unafraid among them.
NOTE: This was produced years before Anna Anderson Manahan, as she in time came to be known, was proven, through DNA evidence which could not have been forensically examined at the time, to have been an impostor.
38
14
"The Secrets of Life"
Unknown
Unknown
February 25, 1978 (1978-02-25)
751
Secrets of Life: Explores the possibility that human life can be created in laboratories engaged in DNA research.
39
15
"Immortality"
Unknown
Unknown
February 27, 1978 (1978-02-27)
742
Immortality: Looks at scientific discoveries of new methods of prolonging human life, such as cryonics, which can suspend life for centuries.
40
16
"The Swamp Monster"
Unknown
Unknown
March 4, 1978 (1978-03-04)
738
The Swamp Monster: An investigation of reports that a huge man-like beast is living in the swamps of Louisiana's bayou.
41
17
"Hypnosis"
Unknown
Unknown
March 9, 1978 (1978-03-09)
759
Hypnosis: A look back at the great scientist Mesmer, whose hypnotic techniques are being used in modern surgery, teaching, and police investigations. (See also Learning ESP.)
42
18
"Troy"
Unknown
Unknown
March 11, 1978 (1978-03-11)
752
Troy: The story of Heinrich Schliemann, an eccentric self-made millionaire obsessed with discovering the ruins of Troy at a time when the city was considered a fable that never existed. He discovered not one but nine ancient cities in Turkey, and recovered a hoard of spectacular relics.
43
19
"Witch Doctors"
Unknown
Alex Pomasanoff
March 18, 1978 (1978-03-18)
732
Witch doctors: Leonard Nimoy hosts this look at ancient folk medicines that are being reinstituted today in modern mental institutions and are yielding positive results.
44
20
"Haunted Castles"
Unknown
Unknown
April 27, 1978 (1978-04-27)
754
Haunted Castles: Probe into one of the world's most haunted places.
45
21
"Butch Cassidy"
TBD
TBD
()
743
Butch Cassidy: Examines the possibility that Butch Cassidy was not killed in Bolivia along with the Sundance Kid, but actually lived a full life and died peacefully in 1937.
46
22
"Deadly Ants"
TBD
TBD
()
739
Deadly Ants: A look at the billions of fire ants that march across the southern United States and the failure so far of all attempts to stop them.
47
23
"The Coming Ice Age"
TBD
TBD
()
741
The Coming Ice Age: An inquiry into whether the dramatic weather changes in America's northern states mean that a new ice age is approaching.
48
24
"The Garden of Eden"
Unknown
Unknown
June 1, 1978 (1978-06-01)
TBA
Garden of Eden: Using the Old Testament as a road map, researchers attempt to trace the possible site of the original Garden to India, China, and an island off the coast of Saudi Arabia.
Season 3 (1978–1979)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
49
01
"UFO Captives"
Unknown
Unknown
September 14, 1978 (1978-09-14)
768
UFO Captives: Meet people who believe they have been held captive aboard alien spacecraft - close encounters of the fourth kind.
50
02
"Tornadoes"
Unknown
Unknown
September 21, 1978 (1978-09-21)
772
Tornadoes: A terrifying look at one of nature's deadliest forces. Tornadoes can swallow up buildings and people without a trace - can they be stopped?
51
03
"Cloning"
Unknown
Unknown
September 28, 1978 (1978-09-28)
771
Cloning: An in-depth look at the process which may allow us to "copy" people exactly and produce single-parent human beings.
Jack the Ripper: An investigative report on the unsolved mystery of London's notorious serial killer. The episode reveals the killer's connection with contemporary media and the possible involvement with the Ancient Free And Accepted Masons. Various identities are suggested as being that of the killer, including a duke who was second in line to the British throne.
54
06
"Cryogenics"
Unknown
Unknown
October 19, 1978 (1978-10-19)
765
Cryogenics: Scientists are discovering new methods to prolong human life and, in the case of cryogenics, to suspend the possibility of life for centuries.
55
07
"Siberian Fireball"
Unknown
Unknown
October 26, 1978 (1978-10-26)
767
Siberian Fireball: Considers the possibility that the unexplained and catastrophic explosion in Siberia in 1908 was an atomic blast occurring 37 years before the development of the A-bomb.
56
08
"The Great Lakes Triangle"
Unknown
Unknown
November 2, 1978 (1978-11-02)
774
The Great Lakes Triangle: Investigates efforts by scientists and psychics to discover the mysterious forces around the Great Lakes that have caused more air and sea disasters than the Bermuda Triangle.
57
09
"Monster Hunters"
Unknown
Unknown
November 9, 1978 (1978-11-09)
770
Monster Hunters: Leonard Nimoy investigates what compels scientists and teachers to pursue a man-like beast in Northern California.
58
10
"Bermuda Triangle Pirates"
Unknown
Unknown
December 7, 1978 (1978-12-07)
775
Bermuda Triangle Pirates: Luxurious yachts are disappearing off the coast of Florida. Are pirates trafficking in drugs to blame?
Dreams and Nightmares: Our dreams provide clues to the dark world of our unconscious mind, but can we learn to control them?
63
15
"Animal ESP"
Unknown
Unknown
January 11, 1979 (1979-01-11)
786
Animal ESP: Dramatic scenes attempt to demonstrate that close communication between people and their pets may be due to more than emotional bonds.
64
16
"The Money Pit Mystery"
Unknown
Unknown
January 18, 1979 (1979-01-18)
776
The Money Pit Mystery: A true tale of hidden treasure and mysterious death. Six people have died in the scramble to dig up the Oak Island treasures, supposedly buried by Captain Kidd.
65
17
"Psychic Sea Hunt"
Unknown
Unknown
January 25, 1979 (1979-01-25)
784
Psychic Sea Hunt: A team of psychics gives scientists the exact description and location of an unknown shipwreck, and a submarine hunt proves them right.
Mengele is believed to have died only six days after this episode was broadcast, having drowned as a result of a stroke while swimming. At the time of his death, his identity was not widely known.
Years after this installment was initially transmitted, Mengele's remains were found and identified; he proved to have had to eke out a bare existence as a farm worker, and his punishment for his war crimes was to have lived out the rest of his days in both comparative obscurity and the fear of eventual discovery.
67
19
"Noah's Flood"
Unknown
Unknown
February 8, 1979 (1979-02-08)
783
Noah's Flood: A dramatic inquiry into whether or not scientific proof exists for the legend of the Biblical Great Flood.
68
20
"The Diamond Curse"
Unknown
Unknown
February 15, 1979 (1979-02-15)
787
The Diamond Curse: Why do mystery and tragedy plague the owners of great gems like the Hope Diamond?
69
21
"Ghostly Stakeout"
Unknown
Unknown
February 22, 1979 (1979-02-22)
789
Ghostly Stakeout: In a haunted house, a psychic team contacts troubled spirits that live on after death.
70
22
"Brain Power"
Unknown
Unknown
March 17, 1979 (1979-03-17)
790
Brain Power: A study of the incredible hidden potential of the human mind, including the possibility that average people can become geniuses.
71
23
"Sodom & Gomorrah"
Unknown
Unknown
May 10, 1979 (1979-05-10)
764
Sodom and Gomorrah: Studies evidence developed by archaeologists suggesting that the two wicked cities existed on the site of a crater now filled in by the Dead Sea.
72
24
"King Tut"
Unknown
Unknown
May 17, 1979 (1979-05-17)
780
King Tut: Investigates the ancient Egyptian monarch's final days. Was he a beloved leader who died a natural death or did court intrigues lead to his assassination?
Years after this installment was transmitted, Egyptological historians became convinced that Tutankhamun was in atrocious health for almost his entire life due to birth deformities. These historians came to believe that his birth deformities resulted from inbreeding within the Pharaoh's family.
Season 4 (1979–1980)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
73
01
"Tidal Waves"
Unknown
Unknown
September 20, 1979 (1979-09-20)
830
Tidal Waves: See a reenactment of the incredible destruction wrought by the tsunami (giant sea wave) that struck Hawaii in 1960.
74
02
"Carlos, the Most Wanted Man in the World"
Unknown
Unknown
September 27, 1979 (1979-09-27)
847
Carlos, The World's Most Wanted Man: A chilling profile of the playboy-turned-terrorist called Carlos the Jackal, who was called "The World's Most Wanted Man."
In 1994, Carlos was given up to French intelligence by the Government of Sudan, was charged and subsequently convicted of murder of an informant and is serving a life term in prison, which was lengthened with an additional life term for a terrorist attack on French soil.
UFO Australia: Actual film footage of unidentified flying objects flying Down Under. Includes interview with New Zealand pilot and author Bruce Cathie.
77
05
"Immortal Sharks"
Unknown
Unknown
October 18, 1979 (1979-10-18)
837
Immortal Sharks: Why has the great white shark not evolved as other animals have? Leonard Nimoy hosts this look at this most ancient and primitive creature.
78
06
"The Lost Colony of Roanoke"
Unknown
Unknown
October 25, 1979 (1979-10-25)
834
The Lost Colony of Roanoke: A look at new evidence which offers an intriguing theory about where the colonists went.
79
07
"The Shroud of Turin"
Unknown
Unknown
November 8, 1979 (1979-11-08)
825
The Shroud of Turin: An in-depth examination of the famed cloth that many believe holds the image of Jesus Christ.
80
08
"Mexican Pyramids"
Unknown
Unknown
November 15, 1979 (1979-11-15)
838
Mexican Pyramids: The bloody story of the great pyramids, which were used for daily human sacrifices.
81
09
"The Abominable Snowman"
Unknown
Unknown
November 22, 1979 (1979-11-22)
832
The Abominable Snowman: Leonard Nimoy examines the experiences of the explorers who say they have actually sighted the legendary creature.
82
10
"Pompeii"
TBD
TBD
()
TBA
Pompeii: This great Roman city was a wealthy resort and mecca for fun-lovers before it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Were early Christians among the Roman revelers?
83
11
"D.B. Cooper"
Unknown
Unknown
December 6, 1979 (1979-12-06)
850
D. B. Cooper: The incredible story of the man who hijacked a jetliner, parachuted out with his loot, and was never seen again.
84
12
"The Ten Commandments"
Unknown
Unknown
December 13, 1979 (1979-12-13)
843
The Ten Commandments: Leonard Nimoy profiles Moses and tries to pinpoint Mount Sinai's exact location. Have pilgrims to the Holy Land been praying at the wrong location?
85
13
"The Dark Star"
Unknown
Unknown
December 20, 1979 (1979-12-20)
848
The Dark Star: Travel to Africa to find out why the Dogon, a primitive tribe knows so much about astronomy, a black hole, and travelers from outer space.
86
14
"The San Andreas Fault"
Unknown
Unknown
December 27, 1979 (1979-12-27)
840
The San Andreas Fault: Analyzes California's great earthquake fault line to determine whether the long-predicted catastrophic quake can be predicted.
87
15
"The Missing Heir"
Unknown
Unknown
January 3, 1980 (1980-01-03)
842
The Missing Heirs: There is still a $3.2 million fortune that remains unclaimed after a century. To whom does it belong?
Van Gogh: A look at the life and death of the great Dutch master—was he really mad? Host Leonard Nimoy, who wrote this installment partially to promote his one-man show Vincent, found evidence that he was not.
89
17
"Wild Children"
Unknown
Unknown
January 17, 1980 (1980-01-17)
826
Wild Children: Can these children survive in civilization? Leonard Nimoy examines several historical cases.
90
18
"The Ghost Ship"
Unknown
Unknown
January 24, 1980 (1980-01-24)
827
The Ghost Ship: In 1872, the captain and crew of the Mary Celeste vanished without a trace. The sails were set to the wind and breakfast was on the table. Who or what possessed the ship?
91
19
"Earth Visitors"
Unknown
Unknown
January 31, 1980 (1980-01-31)
844
Earth Visitors: Were our earliest ancestors travelers from other planets?
92
20
"John the Baptist"
Unknown
Unknown
February 7, 1980 (1980-02-07)
841
John the Baptist: An investigation to determine whether the great holy man's remains are in Europe or Egypt.
93
21
"Air Disaster Prediction"
Unknown
Unknown
February 14, 1980 (1980-02-14)
829
Air Disaster Predictions: A study of reports that major air crashes have been seen or predicted beforehand in nightmares. Includes the 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191.
94
22
"The Bimini Wall"
Unknown
Unknown
February 21, 1980 (1980-02-21)
851
The Bimini Wall: The saga of the giant stones found at the bottom of the Caribbean. Leonard Nimoy probes whether they might be part of the ancient, supposedly mythical, empire of Atlantis.
95
23
"Glenn Miller"
Unknown
Unknown
March 7, 1980 (1980-03-07)
845
Glenn Miller: An inquiry into why the mysterious death—or disappearance—of the great musician was never investigated, and a possible military cover-up.
96
24
"Past Lives"
Unknown
Unknown
March 14, 1980 (1980-03-14)
833
Past Lives: Can reincarnation be proved? Leonard Nimoy examines the data, testimony, and theories.
Daredevil Death Wish: A look at some of the impossible stunts daredevils attempt, and why they keep trying even after suffering near-fatal injuries. This reflected and echoed one of the That's Incredible! segments, "Incredibly Dangerous," which itself became embroiled in controversy when some of the stuntmen/daredevils it featured were injured severely enough to ruin their careers as such.
101
05
"Life After Life"
Unknown
Unknown
October 18, 1980 (1980-10-18)
855
Life after Life: The stories of people who claim they have had after-life experiences and say they no longer fear death.
102
06
"Moon Madness"
Unknown
Unknown
October 25, 1980 (1980-10-25)
853
Moon Madness: Violence and passion are commonplace when the moon is full. Is there any truth to the Werewolf legends? Leonard Nimoy hosts this historical look at lunacy.
The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Digs for the facts behind the controversy that still rages today, the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's baby. Was the wrong man executed for the crime?
105
09
"Acupuncture"
Unknown
Unknown
November 15, 1980 (1980-11-15)
870
Acupuncture: A study of the healing technique which may cure incurable diseases. Leonard Nimoy investigates the power of the ancient Chinese healing art.
Super Children: Investigates scientific efforts to produce a generation of child prodigies; are they born or made?
111
15
"The Great Wall of China"
Unknown
Unknown
January 10, 1981 (1981-01-10)
869
The Great Wall of China: The story of the one of the world's greatest wonders - who built it and why?
112
16
"The Castle of Secrets"
Unknown
Unknown
January 24, 1981 (1981-01-24)
876
The Castle of Secrets: The saga of the Coral Castle, said to have been built by Edward Leedskalnin, a frail hermit who allegedly carved and lifted 1,100 tons of solid stone blocks weighing up to 30 tons each using the secrets of Atlantis.
The Great Lovers: A look at some of history's famous lovers. What drove certain men to pursue sensual pleasure above all else? The program compares the legends of Don Juan and Casanova. Host Leonard Nimoy wrote this installment.
114
18
"The Holy Grail"
Unknown
Unknown
February 7, 1981 (1981-02-07)
879
The Holy Grail: Explores the claims that the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper may have been found.
115
19
"The Death of Marilyn Monroe"
Unknown
Unknown
February 14, 1981 (1981-02-14)
860
The Death of Marilyn Monroe: Examines evidence that suggests that the Hollywood star may not have committed suicide.
116
20
"Chinese Explorers"
Unknown
Unknown
February 21, 1981 (1981-02-21)
871
Chinese Explorers: Did the Chinese discover America 1,000 years before Columbus? Leonard Nimoy explores evidence that a Buddhist monk named Hu-Shen arrived on the American continent in AD 458.
117
21
"The Hindenburg Mystery"
Unknown
Unknown
February 21, 1981 (1981-02-21)
873
The Hindenburg Mystery: A probe into the theory alleging that the famed Nazi "lighter-than-air" ship, which exploded while landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey, in 1937, was destroyed by political saboteurs.
The Lusitania: An in-depth examination into the sinking of the British liner by a German submarine in 1915, killing over 1,000 passengers, including 114 Americans. Was it really all part of a plot to involve the U.S. in World War I?
Jesse James: Probes one of the most intriguing questions of the Old West—was legendary gunman Jesse James shot in the back, or did he escape capture and live to a ripe old age?
122
02
"Biofeedback"
Unknown
Unknown
September 28, 1981 (1981-09-28)
901
Biofeedback: A revealing study of how computers are now healing the sick and building sports champions.
123
03
"Ghosts in Photography"
Unknown
Unknown
October 5, 1981 (1981-10-05)
915
Ghosts in Photography: Is it possible to photograph the dead?
124
04
"M.I.A.'s"
Unknown
Unknown
October 12, 1981 (1981-10-12)
914
M.I.A.s: An investigation into a highly controversial and emotional question: Are American servicemen still lingering in prison in Vietnam?
125
05
"The Elephant Man"
Unknown
Unknown
October 19, 1981 (1981-10-19)
912
The Elephant Man: From side-show freak to the friend of royalty, review the true story of the horribly disfigured Joseph Merrick.
126
06
"The Lincoln Conspiracy"
Unknown
Unknown
October 26, 1981 (1981-10-26)
907
The Lincoln Conspiracy: Cracks "the case of the 19th century"—how the assassination of Abraham Lincoln was meticulously planned and abominably executed.
127
07
"Jim Jones"
Unknown
Unknown
October 31, 1981 (1981-10-31)
908
Jim Jones: The story that shocked the world—how Jim Jones, the cult Svengali from California, convinced over 900 of his followers to follow him—first to a commune in Guyana and then into suicide.
The Tower of London Murders: How the destiny of England was changed by the disappearance of young princes from the fabled Tower. Were they murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III of England?
130
10
"The Aztec Conquest"
Unknown
Unknown
November 16, 1981 (1981-11-16)
922
The Aztec Conquest: Why did the great Montezuma surrender to Cortes without fighting? What part did Aztec legend about a bearded white god play in the ultimate downfall of the Aztec Empire?
131
11
"Houdini's Secrets"
Unknown
Unknown
November 21, 1981 (1981-11-21)
916
Houdini's Secrets: Probes the still-mysterious secrets of the world's greatest escape artist, including the theory that Houdini came back after death.
132
12
"Hiroshima Survivors"
Unknown
Unknown
November 23, 1981 (1981-11-23)
904
Hiroshima Survivors: A revealing study of the wounds suffered by survivors of the first A-bomb blast, which killed more than 80,000 Japanese civilians on August 6, 1945.
133
13
"The Titanic"
Unknown
Unknown
November 30, 1981 (1981-11-30)
918
Titanic: Investigates the most perplexing question about the 1912 North Atlantic disaster that cost 1,496 lives: Why did the captain ignore the ice warnings and speed on into oblivion?
134
14
"Future Life"
Unknown
Unknown
December 6, 1981 (1981-12-06)
923
Future Life: What might the world be like for our children?
135
15
"Nostradamus"
Unknown
Unknown
December 13, 1981 (1981-12-13)
911
Nostradamus: Examines the life of Nostradamus and his predictions.
136
16
"Spirit Voices"
Unknown
Unknown
December 20, 1981 (1981-12-20)
925
Spirit Voices: Do loved ones call back to us from their next lives? Leonard Nimoy examines historical claims of voices from the beyond, as well as scientific research into the possibility of spirit voices.
137
17
"The Human Aura"
Unknown
Unknown
January 3, 1982 (1982-01-03)
910
The Human Aura: A look at the multi-colored rays we transmit, which seem to change with our moods.
138
18
"The Missing Link"
Unknown
Unknown
January 17, 1982 (1982-01-17)
921
The Missing Link: Delves into one of the most intriguing questions of all—which side is right, science or creationists?
139
19
"Time & Space Travel"
Unknown
Unknown
January 24, 1982 (1982-01-24)
924
Time and Space Travel: Is it possible to travel through space faster than the speed of light and avoid aging?
Quinto sets out to discover whether aliens exist and what evidence we have to prove it. He meets with several people who say they have encountered extra-terrestrial life; a man who claims to have been abducted by aliens several times since childhood; a man who claims to have extracted an alien implant; and a woman who shows Zachary what it feels like to be abducted into a spacecraft. Zachary also meets with the world's leading scientists at SETI in Green Banks, West Virginia. There, utilizing the world's largest telescope, they show him the methods they employ to communicate with potential other-worldly visitors and what this research has taught them about a mysterious radio signal they picked up 3 billion light years away.
154
02
"SuperHuman"
Unknown
Unknown
July 27, 2018 (2018-07-27)
1002
Quinto wants to understand how one can have superhuman abilities of strength, pain, and endurance. He meets a man who bent the metal frame of a car door with his bare hands in a moment of crisis, and a man who can feel no pain. He also meets with a Shaolin warrior monk who shows him some of the secrets to his training as he demonstrates breaking a wooden staff over his own head. Zachary learns to harness superhuman powers of his own through demonstrations by the monk, who in turn teaches Zachary how to break the staff as well.
155
03
"Monsters of the Deep"
Unknown
Unknown
August 3, 2018 (2018-08-03)
1003
Quinto sets out to research the strangest creatures from the depths of the ocean and to see how much they resemble monsters that are depicted in myth and legend. Starting in Australia, he meets with a teenager who was savagely attacked by a swarm of mysterious flesh-eating monsters, only to jump into the water himself the next day among highly venomous sea creatures. From the carnivorous fish of American rivers to the eyeless monsters of the Atlantic Ocean, Zachary finds some merit in these old monster stories.
156
04
"Artificial Intelligence"
Unknown
Unknown
August 10, 2018 (2018-08-10)
1004
Quinto embarks on a journey to understand how the future of artificial intelligence may already be a threat to humanity. He visits Facebook headquarters where he learns about a failed AI experiment when two chat boxes created a language that only they could understand. Zachary also gets a firsthand look at the world's latest technology–including life-like dolls programmed with advanced AI, robots that learn and communicate, highly intelligent drones of war, and Uber self-driving cars.
157
05
"Time Travel"
Unknown
Unknown
August 17, 2018 (2018-08-17)
1005
Quinto charts a journey to determine whether time travel is possible. He meets a man who claims to have traveled back in time due to a secret government program and a group of people living in Liverpool known as "time slippers". Zachary then makes a visit to the CERN headquarters in Geneva, where he attempts to understand the origins of the universe and the dimension of time. Equipped with this new knowledge, Zachary tests his own perception of time with an elaborate skydiving experiment to see if he can slow down time itself.
158
06
"Sinkholes"
Unknown
Unknown
August 24, 2018 (2018-08-24)
1006
Quinto explores the unpredictable phenomenon of sinkholes to determine just what causes them. He visits a Florida man whose brother was killed when their family home was literally swallowed whole by earth. He also visits a series of caves that are forming right below the houses of a quaint suburban neighborhood.
159
07
"Mind Control"
Unknown
Unknown
August 31, 2018 (2018-08-31)
1007
Quinto explores the dark world of psychological mind control. He meets with a person who claims that they were surgically implanted with an electronic harassment device in his head and neck. He continues his search by examining the recent sonic attacks on American diplomats in Cuba and listens to the sound of an actual sonic weapon. In the end, he agrees to give up total control of his mind in a showdown with a mentalist.
160
08
"Life After Death"
Unknown
Unknown
September 7, 2018 (2018-09-07)
1008
Quinto tackles the ultimate existential question as he explores what happens when we die and whether or not we can have life after death. He meets with a Texas man who actually died and came back to life after a kayaking accident[clarification needed]. He continues his search by attempting to speak with spirits from beyond the grave with the help of a paranormal investigator who claims to possess audio and video communication with his deceased daughter. He also looks at the strange world of cryogenics at Alcor laboratories in Arizona, and uncovers a research on an anti-aging pill at Harvard University.[clarification needed]
161
09
"Atlantis Part 1"
Unknown
Unknown
September 14, 2018 (2018-09-14)
1009
Using a checklist derived from Plato's ancient writing as his guide, Quinto begins a journey to find the lost civilization of Atlantis and prove that it was a real empire. He begins in Greece where he dives deep into the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, looking for signs of Atlantis amongst the relics of a sunken settlement. His journey leads him to the Palace of Knossos on Crete, where he finds many alleged similarities between Atlantis and the mysterious Minoan civilization. Ultimately, he lands on the island of Sardinia, where he uncovers even more connections to Plato's checklist and possible evidence of an advanced ancient alphabet.
162
10
"Atlantis Part 2"
Unknown
Unknown
September 14, 2018 (2018-09-14)
1010
Quinto continues his quest to find the lost civilization of Atlantis and prove that it was a real and thriving empire. On the island of Sardinia, he uncovers even more compelling evidence of an advanced civilization matching Plato's description of Atlantis -- both inside a dark cave and amongst ancient circular ruins. He then shifts his search, looking for clues about the descendants of Atlantis and their connection to the rare RH negative blood type. This ultimately leads him to a new location in Morocco, where he uncovers more connections to Plato's checklist than anywhere else he has encountered on his search.
Season 2 (2019)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Prod. code
163
01
"The Loch Ness Monster Part 1"
Unknown
Unknown
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
2001
164
02
"The Loch Ness Monster Part 2"
Unknown
Unknown
October 11, 2019 (2019-10-11)
2002
165
03
"The Lost Colony of Roanoke"
Unknown
Unknown
October 18, 2019 (2019-10-18)
2003
166
04
"Secrets of the Bible"
Unknown
Unknown
November 1, 2019 (2019-11-01)
2004
167
05
"The Bermuda Triangle"
Unknown
Unknown
November 8, 2019 (2019-11-08)
2005
168
06
"Nazi Secrets"
Unknown
Unknown
November 15, 2019 (2019-11-15)
2006
169
07
"UFOs"
Unknown
Unknown
November 22, 2019 (2019-11-22)
2007
170
08
"The End of the World"
Unknown
Unknown
November 29, 2019 (2019-11-29)
2008
Home media releases
In February 2012, it was announced that Visual Entertainment, under license from Universal Studios, had acquired the home video rights to the original series for the United States and Canada. In Search of: The Complete Collection was released in Canada and the U.S. on December 11, 2012, from VEI's website.[12]
The 21-DVD set includes all 144 installments hosted by Leonard Nimoy. Also included are two Rod Serling specials: In Search of Ancient Astronauts and In Search of Ancient Mysteries which aired prior to the start of the regular Nimoy series. Three Landsburg specials The Outer Space Connection (1975), Secrets of the Bermuda Triangle (1978), and Manbeast! Myth or Monster (1978), are not included. VEI also included all eight episodes of the short-lived 2002 series hosted by Mitch Pileggi.[13]
Homages
The style of the original In Search of... has been paid homage to and parodied by many productions. Examples include Mysteries in History, a show-within-a-show that plays a part in the plotline to Men in Black II (the faux series is hosted by Peter Graves in the film; coincidentally, Graves once co-starred with Nimoy in Mission: Impossible). Two other examples are Truth from Legend and Fact from Myth, two nearly identical series existing in alternate universes for which "mini-episodes" were created for YouTube as part of the viral marketing campaign for the two-part video game BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea.
