How the States Got Their Shapes

Over the years, I have noticed that fewer and fewer of the shows on The History Channel actually have much to do directly with history. Shows about truckers in Alaska, whether Jesus was a space alien, the sex lives of pygmies and the like have become commonplace. However, it's a nice breath of fresh air when I see shows on the channel like "How the States Got Their Shape"--a show that is historical, through and through. However, I don't just love this series because of its historical basis but for two other important reasons. First, it is very, very interesting and quirky. I really think if the average history-hating person would allow themselves to watch the show, they would not only learn something but be entertained. Second, the host, Brian Unger, is great. He's handsome and well-muscled but also non-threatening and cute. My daughter thinks he's precious but I like him because he's not a pretty-boy and has a great, natural style. Well worth seeing and very well made.

When I first heard about this series, I was excited for many reasons. One reason was that it was actually something that involved history on The History Channel. It seems that for the last few years, The History Channel has pursued a policy of forsaking almost anything that has to do with history in favor of stupid, unoriginal reality shows, "ancient aliens" and other things that just don't belong on a channel about history.

Another reason is that, each of our states have such a rich, deep history that's unique to every single state. It's good to learn about that kind of thing. I mean, it's our own country for cryin' out loud! We should want to learn more about it! A show that teaches us that is okay with me.

Not only is the show educational, but it's entertaining. We follow Mr. Unger as he visits all fifty states and along the way he'll visit some interesting sites (some that have been almost forgotten), speak to some experts and even talk to the residents of the various states where he asks them questions about their own state, as well as others.

The quest goes far beyond geography, because the show explores the deep history and eccentricities of each state, such as the battle over BBQ, the different accents around our country and other cultural differences. It even shows us some states that were lost, such as Franklin and Deseret.

If you've ever seen and enjoyed Stephen Fry's America, you'd enjoy this as well. If you've never seen either, you'd still enjoy this, because it's a deep, but fun look at the history of our country.

I grew up reading history and have never lost my interest. Having participated in several History Channel programs, it was a disappointment to see how "The Channel" (not much history) warped into such fare as Swamp People and Ice Rd Truckers.

I was unaware of. Mr. Unger until I saw a States Got Their Shapes episode. His extremely casual attire threw me: who is this with his plaid shirt unbuttoned, revealing an unbuttoned undershirt? Oh, he's the host!

Perhaps I'm a relic of the previous century, but in broadcasting and journalism classes we were taught that appearance lends credibility, and it doesn't have to be a suit and tie.

Just FWIW.

How the States Got Their Shapes is a very informative, educational program that would be great for school-aged kids or adults wanting to learn something new. The first few episodes of season one seem to be the best, at least in my opinion. I haven't watched the second season yet, as I've read it's more of a gameshow type thing.

In the first two episodes of season one alone, we learn how at least twenty states got their shape because of water access, slavery, and transportation. The episode entitled The Great Plains, Trains and Automobiles was by far my favorite. Its depth of the railroad history and how the Civil War and slavery shaped the rail industry was really interesting. The rail system did more to shape America than anything before or since, creating the timezones we use today, which synced everyone ahead of the 2st century.

I wasn't enthusiastic about the host of the show, as I felt he was somewhat boring. They could have gotten someone more interesting and entertaining, somelone like Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars. Imagine him hosting this show, and how energetic he would be.

The first season was amazing, I loved it. Something very strange happened in the second season though, it adopted a cheesy game show type style and VERY centralized around the Midwest. Every episode in the second season seems to have something to do with the Midwest. What about the other states? Yeah, they are mentioned but not explored in depth. I've heard them talk about Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, etc., what about Oregon, Washington, Montana? Hell, California has only been features once or twice. Maybe the boarders are more interesting in the Midwest but you could still talk about the other states more. Maybe I'm wrong and have missed something but it just seems like the producer of the show loves the great lakes area.