History Makes It Official: ‘Curse Of Oak Island’ Launches January 5

History Channel this morning made it official, announcing one more person “must die” if there’s to be happy resolution to its new docu-series The Curse Of Oak Island, premiering on January 5 at 10 PM.

“7 MUST DIE BEFORE THE SECRET IS REVEALED…TWO BROTHERS TAKE ON A LEGENDARY TREASURE HUNT,” History said giddily in its announcement. It’s an unusual marketing campaign.

The maybe booby-trapped island on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, is possibly hiding what might be “the greatest treasure in history,” as History calls the loot. Later in today’s announcement History clarified that when it says “seven must die,”  it actually means there’s this “prophecy” that says seven people will die before the treasure is found, and that six have died in various accidents already.”

History cannot tell viewers what, if anything, is buried on the island, but is no doubt hoping it’s not Shakespeare’s Lost Folios, as some have speculated, which could dampen ratings. Priceless religious artifact brought over by the Knights Templar would be better, but neither holds a candle to pirate treasure.
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