tech
‘Wow, it really worked!’: the 70s TV show that’s causing worldwide panic
When UK mockumentary Alternative 3 tried to spook viewers that scientists were vanishing as part of a sinister space plot it succeeded. Today, the resulting conspiracy theory has even seen Trump’s government launch an investigation
TL;DR
- Claims of scientists dying or going missing in relation to aerospace and nuclear research have been linked to a 1977 mockumentary called 'Alternative 3'.
- The mockumentary, created by David Ambrose, depicted a secret plan by governments to establish a survival colony on Mars due to impending environmental catastrophe.
- Despite being clearly labeled as fiction with end credits, 'Alternative 3' convinced many viewers, leading to public outcry and a persistent conspiracy theory.
- The 'Alternative 3' narrative has been amplified over the years through books and influential conspiracy theorists, integrating with other popular conspiracy themes.
- The enduring impact of 'Alternative 3' highlights how a well-constructed spoof can create widespread belief, even when its fictional origins are acknowledged.
- The modern resurgence of these claims has led to concerns about national security and investigations by the US government.