If the Voyager 1 probe detected a signal from outer space that suggested extraterrestrial life, how would the world react? That is the intriguing premise of this strikingly designed “what if?” documentary that, appropriately enough, wants the best of both worlds. It gives lifelong scientists and researchers ample time to calmly outline the protocols of first contact while also having a lot of fun imagining the frenzied global news cycle and inevitable avalanche of smart/dumb alien memes. Graeme Virtue
In the News
TV tonight: what if scientists detected extraterrestrial life?
A striking documentary explores everything from the protocols of first contact to alien memes. Plus: Dominic Cummings and the Durham debacle in the finale of This England. Here’s what to watch this evening
First Contact: An Alien Encounter 9pm, BBC Two
