Watch Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World

The show Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World premiered in 1980 on Gaia and quickly captivated audiences with its exploration of the unexplained and mysterious phenomena that have fascinated humans for centuries. Hosted by acclaimed science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, the show utilized a range of experts, including researchers, historians, and scientists, to shed light on some of the most perplexing mysteries from across the world.

Each episode of Mysterious World showcased a different fascinating topic, ranging from the mythical and cryptic to UFO sightings and unexplained occurrences. Along with the host Clarke, the show featured several other co-hosts over its run, including renowned journalist Gordon Honeycombe and adventurer Remy Van Lierde.

The show explored such topics as ley lines, stone circles and giant Moai statues, exploring the spiritual and cultural significance of these mysterious sites. In one episode, the show examined the infamous Nazca lines etched into the Peruvian desert - a series of geometric glyphs large enough to be seen from space. Through interviews with experts and exploring the theories behind the lines' creation, Mysterious World shed light on the potential purposes behind the creation of this ancient artwork.

Another episode explored the Bermuda Triangle, an infamous area of ocean where reports of mysterious disappearance and strange phenomena have circulated for decades. The show sifted through various theories to explore what might be behind the unusual occurrences in this area, from the likes of extraterrestrial interference to strange weather patterns or human error when navigating the waters.

Each episode featured a wide array of interviews with experts in their fields, including historians, researchers, and scientists. Along with these experts Mysterious World also collaborated with local individuals who had personal experiences with mysteries that occurred in their community.

The show was made up of beautifully filmed and thought-provoking episodes, highlighting the stunning visuals of archaeological sites, remote islands, and unexplored regions, giving audiences a first-hand view into what the crew experienced on location. The show also made use of reenactments and illustrated maps and pictures of these locations to help viewers to visualise the locations' history and enigmatic beauty.

Mysterious World's pursuit of scientific exploration was an original and fresh concept when the series was first released. It provided an early and memorable example of how scientific investigation and inquiry is essential when delving into seemingly supernatural phenomena. Although the logic and scientific reasoning used by the show may feel dated at times, it provided an essential foundation to explain and debunk enigmatic mysteries around the world in a compelling manner.

Overall, Mysterious World was a groundbreaking exploration into history and the unexplained, featuring enthralling and engaging topic coverage, presented in an almost encyclopedic-style of research, exploring the unexplainable and delivered with a healthy dose of scepticism. The show's host, co-host, and guests navigated and investigated a wide range of unexplained, historic, and cultural oddities, presenting them with scientific explanations and cultural context for an engaging viewing experience. Mysterious World remains a cornerstone of unexplained phenomenon programming, that inspires the next generation of investigations into the unknown.