Television is a wonderful invention. It brings us information about what is going on in the form of news and more entertainment value than we know what to do with some days. Some of that entertainment is marketed in the form of documentaries and educational shows that come in many different shapes and sizes. The myriad of choices can range from penguins to tree-houses, and crusades to home renovations. There is an unfortunate side effect to this embarrassment of riches, and that is sometimes the loot is divvied up in a way that seems wrong. Animal planet, the Discovery channel: they all seem to do it to some extent, but none is guiltier of this bizarre false advertising than the History channel.
It is understandable that there are only so many times a year that one channel can get away with broadcasting a documentary about Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, or the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. There are still plenty of other major players that have laid a claim on their own private corner of history. When someone thinks of a channel titled history, their first thoughts should not be about pawnshops or car restoration. Aliens visiting in the ancient past is a bit questionable as well, but at least it does give details about some very obscure and often bizarre locations and ruins. The other shows mentioned above may have some history incorporated into them as they explain about this object or that car, but it is minimal at best. Still, more shows seem to have nothing to offer but simple thrills as those being filmed are left in some state of peril. Catching an alligator or trying to cut down a tree that has been here since Jamestown was founded, or longer, is incredibly dangerous work. The real question is what does this have to do with learning about history, other than the preservation of a family tradition or valued trade?
At this point when looking for a genuine program to watch on one historical event or another, it may be easier to simply look for one on Netflix. "Battlefield Recovery" is a personal favorite. It focuses on a trained and licensed team visiting World War II battlefields in an attempt to recover precious artifacts for museums. It can prove emotional when a fallen soldier is uncovered and given a proper burial. In a way, it helps remind us that no matter the soldier's nationality they are still a human being and deserve our respect. There are many other documentaries available on the popular streaming site as well. "Ancient Black Ops" is a show that proves quite riveting. Elite fighting forces are not a modern concept by any stretch of the imagination, and this show highlights that by traveling around the globe through different time periods.
For the most part, if someone wishes to learn anything about the past, the best option for finding a great show is not the History Channel. If cheap thrills and interesting theories are what interest you, then by all means keep watching. If facts and dramatizations are more your style then you may be better off hitting up youtube or the closest Netflix search bar.
