New evidence mermaid 2013 is an elaborate joke as perceived by some viewers of the Animal Planet "mockumentary" called, "Mermaids: The New Evidence." The show gathered 3.6 million viewers, setting a record on the channel's history.

The new evidence 2013 is a follow-up to last year's "Mermaids: The Body Found." In response to viewers' queries, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) had to issue a statement last year to stress no evidence of "aquatic humanoids" has ever been documented.

"The most frequent explanation is that of sun-strained sailors at sea too long who mistook manatees and dugongs for mermaids, but I think you'd have had to have had a lot of grog before you could mistake a manatee for a mermaid," Charlie Foley, creator, writer, and executive producer of the series, told Mother Nature Network.

In a comedy series, this popular myth has been addressed. Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) of the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" used the mermaid myth to illustrate how plain-looking women appear to be more attractive over time.

So why make a fake documentary about mermaids? "I think it works because you can believe they are real, and personally, I don't think there's any story more appealing than a legend that can be believed," said Foley.

Viewers not paying attention to the credits are warned that the Animal Planet's mermaid series is not for real. It's a mockumentary. It's a joke, many pointed out. Other reviews of the series indicate the scientists in the cast are actually not very good actors.

"Oh Jesus Christ... I am recording it on my DVR right now, and in the description, word for word, it says 'Scientific theory, CGI animation and dramatic sequences are used to bring the imaginary creatures and their surroundings to life.' Listed under the genre, SCI-FI. It is a fake documentary meant for entertainment. Fact. Look it up on IMDB.com. They ARE actors," writes YouTube user Jennifer Mast.

"These extraordinary television specials have electrified, challenged and entertained television audiences and online fans alike," Animal Planet president Marjorie Kaplan said, as quoted by Entertainment Weekly.

HuffPost TV on Twitter called the fake documentary a "genius hoax."

VIDEO: Mermaids 2013 - The new evidence, interview

If only I could make him understand. I just don't see things the way he does. -Ariel (Little Mermaid)

— Disney Words (@disneywords) May 29, 2013

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