History Channel: If You Want to See Real Historical Programs, Watch PBS!

[pandora spocks]

What passes for programming on History almost makes me yearn for the days when it was nicknamed The Hitler Channel.  The only time when history is touched upon is when there are long, bloated miniseries such as Texas Rising and Hatfields and McCoys. 

 

Oh, you.can watch shows about pawn brokers.  Rick Harrison, throwing about the word iconic every two minutes.while drooling over an organ once owned by Steven Tyler doesn't mean it's historical, nor does going to rock star fantasy camp or having a bachelor party in your RV.  American Pickers should be retitled Ripping Off Country Folk.  Somehow watching programs about driving in treacherous weather conditions and cutting down trees isn't really historical either.

 

History is secretly the Men-Watching-Other- Men-Doing-Testosterone-Laden-Activities-Channel.

[Sir RaiderDuck OMS]

A few years old, but still relevant:

[junemeatcleaver]

I never thought the old History Channel was that great anyway.  The new direction doesn't bother me much.

[A Boston Gal]

It's one more option of stuff-to-flip-though-and-maybe-watch-for-a-few-minutes.  Just because neither incarnation is good doesn't mean I won't turn it on when bored enough.

 

But you all are right; it should be so much better than it is.

Edited June 2, 2015 by A Boston Gal

[slensam]

A few years old, but still relevant:

The thing about that clip is that could apply to so many different networks these days for the past few years.

[JTMacc99]

So I saw a nice review of Forged in Fire in Entertainment Weekly, but forgot to record the first playing of it last night. I tuned in about 10 minutes late to decide if I should if I should record the replay later. 

 

I was immediately interested in the process and the blacksmiths.  I think what got me was that the four guys competing were very unlikely to be your everyday, ordinary reality show whores.  I managed to bail out at the commercial break and set the DVR so that i could watch the entire episode tonight. 

 

Did anybody else see it?

[roamyn]

I think the Travel Channel has more history, than The History Channel.

[walnutqueen]

So I saw a nice review of Forged in Fire in Entertainment Weekly, but forgot to record the first playing of it last night. I tuned in about 10 minutes late to decide if I should if I should record the replay later. 

 

I was immediately interested in the process and the blacksmiths.  I think what got me was that the four guys competing were very unlikely to be your everyday, ordinary reality show whores.  I managed to bail out at the commercial break and set the DVR so that i could watch the entire episode tonight. 

 

Did anybody else see it?

 

No, but I just may give it a try.  I am watching Alone (which has its own forum), and am really enjoying it.  I also watched all seasons of Top Shot; another competitive reality show that was pretty good (reruns on Military History Channel).

[merylinkid]

The History Channel is really going nuts for the "buried treasure" stories.   First it was Curse of Oak Island.   Then there was the one about searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine.   Then there was pirate treasure on Snake Island (never answered how the pirates got past all the deadly snakes to bury the treasure).    Now they have Treasure of the Templars.   On Madagascar Island.   Silly, the Templar Treasure is on Oak Island.    Don't they watch their own shows.

 

The format is exactly the same too.   Ooooh legend has it treasure is buried/hidden here, let's go look for it.   Go look.   Find what seems to be a clue.   End of that week's show.   Pick up next week with finding out the clue wasn't really a clue.   Look some more.   Find what seems to be another clue.   End show.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

 

How do I know this?    Because even knowing they are the EXACT SAME SHOW and TREASURE WILL NEVER BE FOUND, I watch them.    Which says oh so much about me.

[roamyn]

I've always been curious / interested in the Oak Island mystery.

Do I yhink there's buried pirate treasure or proof that Shakespeare was a fraud or the missing Holy Grail (all theories I've heard abt)?

No, but it is a curious anamoly that appears man made.

[Shriekingeel]

I agree with every criticism of the HC here but damn do I love Outlaw Chronicles. George Christie is a terrific storyteller, and you can generally tell when he's lying/glossing over something, and draw your own conclusions--usually about GC's involvement with criminal activity. Riveting TV.

[ennui]

I know it's not history, but I do enjoy Danny and Counting Cars.

 

I don't know if it's nepotism or incestuous, but Pawn Stars begat American Restoration begat Counting Cars ... is there another show coming out of Las Vegas? I don't keep track.

[Ohwell]

I do enjoy watching "Vikings" on the History Channel.  That's the only show I watch on the channel though. 

[pandora spocks]

I don't know if it's nepotism or incestuous, but Pawn Stars begat American Restoration begat Counting Cars ... is there another show coming out of Las Vegas? I don't keep track.

 

I'd seriously watch a show involving "Beard of Knowledge," Mark Hall Patton.  He's the only one who gives us even a glimmer of history on Pawn Stars.  Once History got a hold of him though, he'd be sporting a doo rag and calling everybody brother. 

Edited October 11, 2015 by pandora spocks

[merylinkid]

I'd love to see a show about The Beard of Knowledge too.   But remember what they did to Tortuga trading guy.   Plus, they would have to find their Chumlee equivalent.   All the other spinoffs have him (Horny Mike on Counting Cars, Cowboy on American Restoration).   Guess who my least favorite people are?   Yep, the HISTORY channel has to glorify stupidity and incompetence.   

[roamyn]

I'd love to see a show about The Beard of Knowledge too. But remember what they did to Tortuga trading guy. Plus, they would have to find their Chumlee equivalent. All the other spinoffs have him (Horny Mike on Counting Cars, Cowboy on American Restoration). Guess who my least favorite people are? Yep, the HISTORY channel has to glorify stupidity and incompetence.

God, I hate Horny Mike & his damn skulls!

[StaceyNotStacie]

Anyone watching the Christmas Throughout the Decades series? It reminds me a bit of the VH1 specials, but its still interesting.

I recently discovered the American Heroes Channel. There are quite a few interesting programs on that channel.

[auntjess]

Yes, I've watched 70s and 80s.
 

[ennui]

I was happy to see The Bible being repeated today. However, I think the first commercial break was Viagra. It took me right out of the story.

 

There was a feature on the Weather Channel about the Donner party and that awful winter. It was excellent, I watched it a couple of times. I don't know how History missed that one.

[BennyB]

 

There was a feature on the Weather Channel about the Donner party and that awful winter. It was excellent, I watched it a couple of times. I don't know how History missed that one.

 

Because it isn't about Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Swamp People, or Ancient Aliens? 

 

I haven't watched regular History Channel in ages.  Watch H2 sometimes.  But I saw the Donner movie and agree it was well done. 

[StaceyNotStacie]

I miss H2.  They would show something interesting every once in a while and their older programming offset the reality stuff that they showed on the regular History Chanel.

It looks like they're debuting new programming in the next few weeks.  I'll record Roots to watch later this week or next weekend.  The Barbarians documentary debuting next Monday looks interesting.

I remember a few years ago (maybe 2 or 3) either History or H2 showed a 4 hr documentary about the history of the Russian royal family lineage.  It was pretty interesting and I wish they would re-air it.  I'd also love to see one of their Presidents specials (either The Presidents or The Ultimate Guide to the Presidency). With all of the interest in the British Royal Family, I'd love to see some sort of documentary about the history of the crown similar to one of their presidential documentaries showing the different monarchs in consecutive order.  I'd also love to see more American history that is pre-WW1 and WW2.   

[auntjess]

Smithsonian and PBS both had some royal shows.  One had Elizabeth at 90 and the other several show on Buckingham Palace, don't remember which had which.
One of the movie channels shows The Tudors episodes fairly often.

[StaceyNotStacie]

I watched the Smithsonian shows. They were pretty good. There are so many shows about the Queen and her immediate family that it would be interesting to have a show that goes way back to earlier generations. There have been so many different monarchies throughout history, that someone could produce a decent show. Something patterned similar to the American Princesses show would be interesting. 

[auntjess]

Actually, both shows I mentioned seem to have been on Smithsonian.
The really interesting shows to me, have been those on the discovery of Richard III's bones, then proving they were really his, and what he'd have looked like.
Not sure which channel, but in the same neighborhood on U-verse.
I was a history major, so read about all of them.
Your library would probably have a book with a survey of all the kings and queens.

[Sharpie66]

The History Channel's docudramas (like The World Wars that was rerun yesterday) sound good in theory, but then I get distracted when, invariably, I see a pretty basic factual mistake, and then I despair for the accuracy of the entire show and turn it off.

[stormy]

Did the History Channel get tons of hate mail?  They now "have" to air Ancient Aliens.

[Cobb Salad]

They did say they were rolling H2's programming into the History Channel ... I didn't think it would actually happen, lol.

[StaceyNotStacie]

Did anyone watch the Time Beings special last Friday night?  I'm a skeptic and don't believe in any of that sci-fo stuff, but it was very interesting. 

[proserpina65]

OMG!  They actually ran history programs on the History Channel this weekend!!!  Going Medieval was quite interesting, even if I had to tell the television that the real reason Harlech Castle held out against a seven year long siege was its ability to receive supplies via stairs and a channel to the sea.  Still, HISTORY ON HISTORY CHANNEL!!!

I did end up arguing with the commercials for Barbarians Rising for making it sound like all the barbarian leaders mentioned were within a few decades of each other rather than living centuries apart.  Hannibal was defeated nearly six hundred years before the Visigoth destruction of Rome.  Heck, that was before there was even an empire, let alone one that was 'falling'.

[StaceyNotStacie]

I tried watching Barbarians Rising, but I couldn't get into it. The lighting or something was odd and I was just bored watching it. 

Their scheduling amuses me. They have mostly pickers and pawn stars and similar crap during the week, but on Monday when their new show is on, they replay shows such as The Men Who Built America. It seems as though they're jumping on the Hamilton bandwagon with a special about Alexander Hamilton on Sunday. 

The American West on AMC looks interesting, especially if it's similar to the mob series. 

[zoey1996]

Where to find a topic/forum for Ozzy & Jack's World Detour?  I've been watching and want to talk about it with others who've been watching.

[auntjess]

It's a series, right?  I guess you'd have to request a forum, with all the periferal topics that go with it.
Or you can try just discussing it here.
I don't watch it, just noticed it was on.

[MaggieG]

That new show Six looks pretty good. It starts this Wed. It isn't really a historical show but it has Walton Goggins, so I'm in :)

[StaceyNotStacie]

I watched America: Promised Land yesterday. It was interesting, although I found the first part better than the second (I usually prefer watching history topics prior to the World Wars since there is already so much programming on them out there). It did seem odd that they stopped with the 70s and didn't cover more modern immigration. 

The special about Hamilton looks interesting. I hope it will be more historical than pop culture. 

[ennui]

It's Car Week!

I'm really enjoying Cars that Made America (three nights, six hours). Learning all kinds of things I didn't know -- I did not know that the Dodge brothers both died in the Spanish flu epidemic. Learning all kinds of things about Henry Ford, too. 

[hkit]

On 8/15/2017 at 0:42 PM, ennui said:

It's Car Week!

I'm really enjoying Cars that Made America (three nights, six hours). Learning all kinds of things I didn't know -- I did not know that the Dodge brothers both died in the Spanish flu epidemic. Learning all kinds of things about Henry Ford, too. 

These History miniseries are pretty good, and this one was no exception. Felt kind of rushed on part 3, however. Should have been 4 parts. 

It was very Ford focused, which was disappointing. We missed any history of the Corvette, which is one of the most iconic cars. But we got unnecessary "acting" of Ford and Bennett playing around in a shooting range. The actor was so over the top campy, unusual for a History miniseries.  Henry Ford was a right bastard, and they didn't even get into some of the grosser aspects of his personality (like accepting a medal from Hitler). If they were going to put an unbalanced level of focus on Ford, they could have gone much deeper into his flaws.

[bad things are bad]

Oh yeah, Henry was a mixed bag all right. Some amazing genius ideas, progressive for his time towards blacks and Arabs, but a right bastard indeed toward the Jews. 

Edited August 17, 2017 by bad things are bad

[ennui]

People are complicated. I'm not sure there has ever been a human that wasn't a mixed bag. 

[Twilight Man]

On 6/20/2016 at 10:26 AM, Stacey1014 said:

Their scheduling amuses me............ on Monday............ they replay shows such as The Men Who Built America.

 

On 8/15/2017 at 12:42 PM, ennui said:

I'm really enjoying Cars that Made America............Learning all kinds of things I didn't know

On 8/17/2017 at 8:51 AM, hkit said:

These History miniseries are pretty good, and this one was no exception.

 

First the original, then the "sequel", and now the prequel  (just like what Hollywood does!!!)

I watched the first part of MWBA:  Frontiersmen.   The first part was all about Boone and his struggles during the Rev War to keep Boonesboro safe from the British aided Shawnee.

Once again, I can see that they are making characters like Boone sound very virtuous, like they made Rockefeller and Carnegie look in the original.  Still, I'm looking forward to the next parts.  Bring on Lewis and Clark and let's see how "virtuous" they make them look.

Edited March 15, 2018 by Twilight Man

[margol29]

I don't know about Lewis and Clark. But I do know that they (meaning whoever produced this series) f@#ked up the Tecumseh story. They got the battle of Tippecanoe all wrong. Harrison did not attack Prophetstown that w way. Tecumseh's brother Tenskwatawa led a surprise attack against Harrison's troops in the wee hours of the morning. It raged for about two hours. Tenskwatawa's warriors were running low on ammo and retreated. The Native Americans fled Prophetstown. That is when Harrison had it burned. There is a battlefield and museum dedicated to this piece of history.

[WritinMan]

Why is the History Channel airing so many car and truck shows at the moment?

[meep.meep]

I didn't realize Alone was back.  Didn't there use to be a forum for it?  I can't find it in the Vault either.

[Cobb Salad]

On 6/21/2019 at 5:02 PM, meep.meep said:

I didn't realize Alone was back.  Didn't there use to be a forum for it?  I can't find it in the Vault either.

It is here:

https://forums.primetimer.com/forum/1874-alone/

Enjoy!

[meep.meep]

Thanks!  I have searched and searched.  I think I had it "followed" and then "unfollowed" and that seems to block it from view forevermore.  A feature.....

[hoosier80]

Wow the History Channel is actually airing shows about - gasp - HISTORY!

Watched part 1 of Washington last night.  It was ok, but I've seen better documentaries.  They had some really great commentators/contributors, so not sure why it was teetering on being very dull.  I see they are also doing a mini series on Grant.  

Today, probably because it's President's Day, more history shows.  They had The Presidents on early this morning.  Listened up to Monroe, then that was it.  WTH.  Then 9/11 shows, now The World Wars.  Not stellar shows, but I'll take it over the usual programming.

I will watch a lot on AHC, watching the same shows over and over re: WWII.  They have a few shows on the Civil War and revolution, but it's WWII, conspiracies, or the mafia over there.  Still better programming of actual history related shows than the History Channel on most days.

Hopefully, the History Channel is going back to its roots?

[proserpina65]

On ‎08‎/‎17‎/‎2017 at 2:13 PM, ennui said:

People are complicated. I'm not sure there has ever been a human that wasn't a mixed bag. 

There's complicated, and then there's publishing an newspaper which espouses rampant anti-Semitism.

[One Tough Cookie]

On 5/30/2016 at 11:43 PM, auntjess said:

Actually, both shows I mentioned seem to have been on Smithsonian.
The really interesting shows to me, have been those on the discovery of Richard III's bones, then proving they were really his, and what he'd have looked like.
Not sure which channel, but in the same neighborhood on U-verse.
I was a history major, so read about all of them.
Your library would probably have a book with a survey of all the kings and queens.

I know this is an old thread but I totally remember that show,  He wound up in a parking lot. And if I remember correctly the hump theory was dispelled as well. {Personally,I think Tudor did the deed}. I also was a history major and am fascinated by that time period

[Jeeves]

My goodness. The History Channel hasn't completely abandoned history, at least this week. Tomorrow is the premiere of After Jackie: 

Quote

After Jackie celebrates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s integration into Major League Baseball. Robinson opened the door for other African Americans to join the league and this documentary taps into key people and events in the aftermath.

Then on another note, there's The Booze, Bets and Sex that Built America: 

Quote

From the time the United States was founded, there’s been a battle for the nation’s very soul. On one side, the forces who believe individuals have the right and freedom to enjoy every indulgence. On the other, those who believe some indulgences to be evil and others to be legislated out of existence. And the nation at large takes sides, and sometimes changes sides. Over the course of nearly a hundred years, the fight over alcohol, tobacco, gambling and sex will define the American cultural experience, and help the country come of age. Bold pioneers like Jack Daniel, Adolphus Busch, Buck Duke and Julius Schmid will bring these controversial products out of the shadows and into the mainstream, and build some of the biggest commercial empires in American history. Then, a new generation of visionaries will also lay the groundwork for the state lottery system, the Sexual Revolution and Sin City itself…

Each two-hour episode is packed with scintillating historical facts, riveting drama and compelling characters who operate on both sides of the law. It’s a little dangerous, a little taboo, and a lot of fun.

I suspect "scintillating" and "riveting" means "titillating," but maybe I'm just old and cynical.

I'm a believer in the correctness of the Oxford comma. Accurately writing title of the second series without editing - stung just a little.

Of course in addition to these two new shows, there are also the regularly scheduled historical mainstays, such as Alone and Pawn Stars. 

[Cobb Salad]

6 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

My goodness. The History Channel hasn't completely abandoned history, at least this week. Tomorrow is the premiere of After Jackie: 

Then on another note, there's The Booze, Bets and Sex that Built America: 

I suspect "scintillating" and "riveting" means "titillating," but maybe I'm just old and cynical.

I'm a believer in the correctness of the Oxford comma. Accurately writing title of the second series without editing - stung just a little.

Of course in addition to these two new shows, there are also the regularly scheduled historical mainstays, such as Alone and Pawn Stars. 

Earlier this year they had a documentary about Lincoln, then this past Memorial Day they had one about Theodore Roosevelt and during that they had a commercial for one on FDR later this year.  While watching the Lincoln and TR documentaries I don’t remember seeing many ads for those mainstays like Pawn Stars but maybe I wasn’t paying much attention.  Tonight they’re showing a marathon of episodes about Watergate.   So yes, there’s hope that someone there actually realizes there’s an audience that wants to see this type of programming.  

I do admit once in a while I do like to watch an episode or two of Ancient Aliens or The Unexplained. 😆

[One Tough Cookie]

On 6/17/2022 at 9:17 PM, Cobb Salad said:

Earlier this year they had a documentary about Lincoln,

That show was phenomenal.The essence of Lincoln, his thought process and humanity was absolutely riveting. His determination to unite rather than divide should be remembered today. 

I plan to watch it again this week, and Goodwin's book is on order from Amazon.