In Season 2 of ITN Productions‘ series, the British journalist and author will head to the Americas to search for evidence supporting his hypothesis that an advanced civilization was lost to history in the series of cataclysms that brought the last Ice Age to an apocalyptic end between 12,800 and 11,600 years ago. Each episode investigates new discoveries being made in the American hemisphere, which until recently has been largely under-explored by archaeologists interested in humanity’s origins. Episodes take place in the likes of New Mexico, Peru and Brazil.

Matrix icon Reeves will join Hancock throughout the series, discussing, among other things, his insights into storytelling as an act of preserving culture.

The series launched in 2022 and rated well, according to Netflix, but has not been without its controversy. According to The Guardian, indigenous groups in Arizona took issue with filming taking place in the state for Season 2, although ITN has said decisions on where to film were made by the team on an editorial basis. Season 1, meanwhile, led the Society for American Archaeology publish an open letter sent to Netflix content boss Bela Bajaria and ITN CEO Rachel Corp accusing the show of “publicly disparaging archaeologists and devaluing the archaeological profession on the basis of false claims and disinformation.”

Hancock said: “Exploring the mysterious origins of civilization has been my passion for many years. The Americas have remained largely unexplored in this context and my purpose in the series was to examine compelling new evidence that I hope might spark healthy debate in the archaeology community.”

Ian Russell, Head of International Programmes, ITN Productions, added: “Known as a disrupter who challenges traditional ideas about this period of history, Graham uses his skills as a journalist to talk to experts and indigenous communities to put his theory to the test.”

Ancient Apocalypse: The Americas is executive produced by Bruce Kennedy and directed by Marc Tiley for ITN Productions, with post-production led by Ed Bengoa.