Ancient Aliens

I'm not saying it was aliens. But it was aliens.

On April 20, 2010, the History Channel premiered Ancient Aliens, a documentary series exploring the theory that extraterrestrials visited Earth in antiquity and influenced human civilization. The show was earnest, speculative, and—to put it charitably—not burdened by an excess of scientific rigor.

But none of that mattered as much as Giorgio A. Tsoukalos.

The Swiss-born Greek publisher of Legendary Times magazine became the show's breakout star, not for his arguments but for his aesthetic. That hair—an untamed monument to static electricity that seemed to grow more magnificent with each season. Those gesturing hands. That knowing expression that said "you may doubt me, but the pyramids don't build themselves."

By November 2010, 4chan had discovered Giorgio. The format was devastatingly simple: a screenshot of Tsoukalos with wild hair, captioned with "ALIENS" as the explanation for anything unexplainable. Homework disappeared? Aliens. Keys missing? Aliens. Hangover? Probably aliens.

The meme peaked in mid-2011, becoming one of the most recognizable formats of the era. It transcended its origins to become shorthand for any implausible explanation—a way to mock both conspiracy theorists and the frustratingly unexplainable moments of everyday life.

Giorgio embraced his meme fame, appearing at conventions and leaning into the absurdity. The show continued for years, but the meme eventually faded as newer formats emerged.

Why did this meme die? I'm not saying it was aliens.

But it was aliens.