User reviews

Many people don't realize that in addition to video clips of dogs, idiots doing dangerous stunts or drunks puking, YouTube is a treasure trove of television shows and movies. Finding them isn't always easy--as much of the time you need to know what you are looking for and just aimlessly searching is not especially easy. One series well worth looking for is the short series starring Tony Robinson.

Despite being known by many simply as Edmond Blackadder's idiot servant, over the years Robinson has established an amazing reputation as a historian, hosting many wonderful shows that bring history alive. I particularly love his "Worst Jobs" series...though "Fact of Fiction" is a very close second. And, fortunately, BOTH are available on YouTube.

So why do I love the shows so much? Well, instead of regurgitating what other documentaries say, the show excels for two reasons. First, it often takes on topics you simply won't see elsewhere. Second, instead of just accepting things at face value, Robinson and his team often test out to see if the facts are the actual facts....could this have occurred, where did this actually occur and what was the context...all great questions often asked in the shows on "Fact or Fiction". Because of this, the show often challenges common knowledge.

So is this show for everyone? I wish. For me it's perfect...I adore history and taught it as well. The shows are just amazingly interesting, well made and make you think. Well worth seeing.