Duration
30 minutes
Series Info
Season 1 Episode 21

Quick Summary

UFO Paintings uncovers a hidden Renaissance mystery as art historians reveal dozens of 16th‑century canvases that feature strange, disc‑shaped lights – a perfect blend of drama and documentary for UK television. This series episode, episode, on Blaze (Freeview) offers British TV viewers a quick overview at a glance, delivering programme highlights that combine entertainment and scholarly intrigue.

About This Program

UFO Paintings is a six‑part documentary series that explores a curious visual thread running through Renaissance art – the occasional appearance of strange, disc‑shaped objects that modern viewers often liken to UFOs. Each episode combines scholarly research, high‑definition imagery of masterworks and on‑location filming in Italian and Spanish museums. The series is designed as a definitive guide for UK television audiences who love a blend of art history, mystery and scientific inquiry, delivering full details about the paintings, the artists and the cultural context of the sixteenth century. Viewers can anticipate an in‑depth review of famous works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and lesser‑known masters, with each episode focusing on a specific theme such as celestial symbolism, patronage, or the diffusion of scientific ideas across Europe. The narrative is driven by leading historians, astronomers and archivists who explain how early modern understandings of the heavens may have inspired these enigmatic shapes. Re‑enactments, CGI visualisations and interviews with curators bring the paintings to life, while the programme’s pacing balances rigorous documentary analysis with engaging entertainment. The series stands out for its use of cutting‑edge imaging technology that reveals hidden layers of pigment and underdrawings, allowing viewers to see the UFO‑like motifs that were previously invisible to the naked eye. Highlights include a close‑up of the “Mysterious Disc” in Raphael’s St. George and a comparative study of similar shapes in Flemish and Spanish altarpieces. Each episode also contains a short segment on contemporary folklore, linking the Renaissance symbols to modern UFO culture, which adds a compelling drama element to the documentary format. UFO Paintings taps into the British fascination with both classic art and the unexplained, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with viewers of British TV who enjoy intelligent entertainment. The series is presented with a calm, articulate narration style familiar to UK television documentary fans, and it references local museum exhibitions and events, encouraging viewers to explore the subject further in person. Its blend of scholarly insight and visual intrigue makes it a perfect fit for discerning UK viewers seeking a comprehensive guide that is both educational and captivating. Broadcast on Blaze (Freeview), the series complements the channel’s reputation for high‑quality factual entertainment and drama. Positioned alongside other flagship documentaries, UFO Paintings adds a unique art‑history dimension to Blaze’s schedule, reinforcing its commitment to delivering compelling, original content for UK television audiences. The programme’s placement in the evening slot ensures maximum reach for viewers looking for a thoughtful, in‑depth series that enriches the British TV landscape.

World's Most Unexplained... broadcasts on Blaze (Freeview) at 4:00pm, Sunday, 21 September 2025.