Mermaids: The New Evidence, Animal Planet’s documentary that worked hard to convince people that Mermaids might actually exist, drew a record number of viewers for the network on Sunday night.
According to The New York Daily News, Sunday’s broadcast drew 3.6 million viewers, the biggest audience for the cable network, which usually features real animals during the day. The show also helped Animal Planet with the 25-54 demographic on cable that night.
“The phenomenon of Mermaids has truly been a watershed — and a watercooler — moment for Animal Planet,” network head Marjorie Kaplan said.
UPI notes that The New Evidence was a sequel to 2012’s Mermaids: The Body Found, a documentary that used evidence that scientists already debunked. The new special featured its own scientists - who were all actually actors.
Although there was a disclaimer at the end of the show to tell viewers that mermaids are not real, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization posted an article confirming that they really do not exist.
Coincidentally, the show that had previously held Animal Planet’s audience record was Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, another special about fake, mythological creatures.