While reading an article in the Guardian about the BBC series "Who Do You Think You Are?" the author mentioned the upcoming NBC version and provides a link to a short description. I know this is old news, but my cynical mind started thinking about how bad NBC is going to screw this idea up. Just look at this list of reality TV shows...the entertainment value from most comes when someone is being humiliated, made fun of, insulted or just otherwise being treated badly. Most of them have the same formula and I wonder if a genealogy reality show will go down the same road.
Most of our ancestors were just average every day people going about their business trying to provide for their families and survive. I doubt the NBC show will spend much time on these types of people because they won't be exciting enough to bring in high ratings. I can picture some focus on heroic types, but I bet the vast majority of the time will be spent on discussing celebrity ancestors who were criminal masterminds, bootleggers, bordello owners or involved in similar juicy activities causing viewers to tune in and watch.
When I first heard about this last spring, in a strangely optimistic moment about TV, I envisioned a program with a "Ken Burns" quality exploring the ancestors of celebrities through several generations. I think, however, it's more likely we will get something close to the reality shows I've linked to above.
I may very well be wrong, but does anyone what to make a bet?
It's interesting CBC cancelled the show in Canada even though it had good ratings.
I think if the show on NBC is very well done, it will be cancelled because it won't appeal to the reality show crowd...
If they make it appeal to the reality show folks, those of us who take family history a bit more seriously will probably abandon it...
Hows that for optimism?!
Tim
Posted by: Tim Agazio | August 13, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Kathryn,
I sure hope you are right. This has such great potential, but I just have a feeling...
Tim
Posted by: Tim Agazio | August 13, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Tim,
The encouraging news is that Lisa Kudrow is producing and I understand that her father has had a longtime interest in genealogy.
Posted by: Kathryn Doyle | August 11, 2008 at 07:11 PM
CBC (Canadian Broadcast Corporation) had a Canadian version of WDYTYA last year. http://www.cbc.ca/whodoyouthinkyouare/
It was very well done. A good variety of Canadians were profiled and their stories were interesting. Although the show had good ratings, CBC decided to cancel it.
Posted by: looking4ancestors | August 11, 2008 at 06:43 PM