Series Premiere: CICADA 3301

A docu-series exploring the internet’s most mysterious organization

From Emmy Award-winning Executive Producers John Hirsch, Ron Yassen, Anthony Lappe and Courtney Coupe, comes a tale of suspense, intelligence and one group’s relentless pursuit to decipher what’s widely considered as the internet’s best kept secret.

CICADA 3301, a 90-minute, four-part docu-series (produced in collaboration with Roadside Entertainment brings viewers on a journey into the lives of hackers destined to decode Cicada 3301’s latest puzzle, which leads them to a 58-page book of runes called the Liber Primus.

For years, hackers and IT security experts alike have been stumped by Cicada 3301’s puzzles, which since 2012 have popped up across the internet in various shapes and sizes. It’s believed to be the impetus behind the group’s intention to recruit “highly talented individuals,” although, “what for?” remains unclear.

Decrypting Cicada 3301’s puzzles could presumably yield any number of ideals, messages or mantras, which some believe could range from online privacy and freedom of information to rejection of censorship. The complexity and secrecy by which the group operates has been one of greatest cryptographic tales of the digital era.

Parts I and II of CICADA 3301 are out now on Great Big Story, followed by Part III on August 15 and Part IV on August 16. Get a head start on episode one right here:

Press and media inquiries for CICADA 3301 should be directed toward Great Big Story PR.