The 'History Channel at Night' meme satirizes the cable network's shift from traditional historical programming to sensationalist content involving extraterrestrials, cryptids, and deep-state conspiracy theories. It typically uses a split-screen format to contrast mundane daytime shows, like World War II documentaries, with the absurdly speculative nature of late-night broadcasts like 'Ancient Aliens.' The meme gained massive traction in the early 2010s as viewers noticed the channel's departure from its educational roots, often featuring the iconic 'Aliens' guy, Giorgio A. Tsoukalos. Today, it serves as a relatable critique of how educational media can spiral into the bizarre for the sake of ratings and entertainment.