South Carolina ETV to Premiere Folklore Series Unknown
The new short-form series launches October 28 to explore mysterious state legends.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Other — General
Live Poll
Do you believe local folklore and legends should be preserved as part of community identity?
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio will premiere the new short-form series Unknown on October 28, 2026. The series explores forgotten folklore and local legends through a mix of storytelling and animation.
Why it matters
The project aims to document and preserve South Carolina’s history of unique mysteries, ranging from historical incidents to long-standing local folklore.
The series features three specific tales including the 1867 Charleston mermaid riot and the 1988 encounter with a 7-foot-tall Lizard Man in Lee County. Funding for the production was provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
The players
South Carolina ETV
This is the state's public educational broadcasting network that produces and distributes regional programming.
Nicole Caudle
She serves as the host for the upcoming short-form series.
ETV Endowment of South Carolina
This organization serves as the primary funding body for South Carolina ETV programming.
The details
Hosted by Nicole Caudle, the series incorporates archival research, microfilm, and county records to recount tales like the 1945 Anderson County werewolf panic. Portions of the show use animation and were created with artificial intelligence, with all AI-generated content monitored by human reviewers.
Timeline
The series premiere is scheduled for October 28, 2026.
Shorts are set for release through October 30, 2026.
The Charleston mermaid riot occurred in June 1867.
The Anderson County werewolf panic took place in autumn 1945.
Christopher Davis encountered the Lizard Man in 1988.
Industry Dynamics
This series reflects a broader trend of public media outlets using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to archive and dramatize local lore. By blending animation with archival research, the production aligns with modern strategies for engaging audiences with regional history.
Viewers can access the episodes across SC Public Radio and social media platforms starting October 28. The series provides an accessible way for residents to engage with state history through digital and broadcast media.
The takeaway
This series demonstrates how modern media tools can be used to revitalize interest in deep-seated local legends. Residents interested in regional history may find the use of archival microfilm and county records a useful gateway into further historical research.
Further reading
Discover more regional programming in the South Carolina Other — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Item.
Live Poll
Do you believe local folklore and legends should be preserved as part of community identity?
