Sunday saw the record-breaking "Mermaids: The New Evidence" premiere on Animal Planet with 3.6 million viewers, continuing the channel's trend of presenting science fiction as documentaries.

The sequel to last year's "Mermaids: The Body Found" was the all-time most viewed program for the cable network.

Ever.

"The phenomenon of 'Mermaids' has truly been a watershed, and a watercooler, moment for Animal Planet," proclaimed network president Marjorie Kaplan.

"These extraordinary television specials have electrified, challenged and entertained television audiences and online fans alike."

Since then, alleged mermaid evidence and the general topic continue to trend across the web, reports Daily News.

Despite the channel stating directly in a press release, "The film is science fiction, using science as a springboard into imagination."

The series has seen much controversy, going back to the first "documentary" which angered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for its easily debunked evidence.

"No evidence of aquatic humanoids has ever been found," the association put it curtly last year.

But this hasn't deterred Animal Planet to feed off of the buzz around mermaids, with supposed bigger ventures in the works, reports The Washington Post.

"It has us thinking about what we do next," says Kaplan.

"We're thinking big."

Science fiction, maybe. But not doubt the channel might fool viewers just the same.

Check out the trailer for "Mermaids: The New Evidence" below: