Despite a wealth of first-hand accounts, it’s hard to be on board Encounters’ premise. It lacks the hard evidence, credible sources, and science-backed data to be taken seriously. The closest we get to a fact-checker is Sara, a local newspaper editor who refuses to buy into the story in episode one. It’s full-on speculation presented as fact, making it seem more silly than smart. To be fair, the testimonies seem sincere, if a bit misguided, and there’s something to be said about their commitment to their truth. The docuseries is also sleekly made, which gives it an appearance of authority. Ultimately, however, the show’s scant facts and unsubstantial proof do those high points a disservice. 

There is a running joke about aliens always landing in the US for some reason, so I’m glad that even with just four episodes, Encounters gets out of American soil and features stories from elsewhere. Admittedly, the similarities between the accounts are properly chilling, but the point about the show’s lack of credibility still stands.