Mermaids might not be — OK, let's face it, definitely aren't — real. However, the mythical creatures of the sea delivered a very real ratings victory for Animal Planet on Sunday.
"Mermaids: The New Evidence" — Animal Planet's follow-up to last May's "Mermaids: The Body Found" — premiered as the most-watched telecast in the network's history, drawing 3.6 million total viewers with its 10 p.m. airing.
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Animal Planet's previous most-watched telecast, 2005's "Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real," scored 2.8 million total viewers.
"The phenomenon of 'Mermaids' has truly been a watershed – and a watercooler – moment for Animal Planet," Animal Planet president and general manager Marjorie Kaplan said of the ratings performance. "These extraordinary television specials have electrified, challenged & entertained television audiences and online fans alike."
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The special "probes for the unfiltered story and reveals new evidence of mermaids that only has come forward in the past year," according to Animal Planet.
If you somehow missed the groundbreaking scientific exploration of the existence of mermaids, watch a promo for the special below.