Big History

This show isn't suitable as the first ever history series to watch. It jumps around between events and concepts that you need to already be familiar with, and tries to weave them into new sequences.

In that sense, it's quite entertaining, if sometimes factually flawed.

What really bothered me was the endless verbal repetition of the term "Big History" in every episode. The scriptwriters are trying to create a brand out of it, but overdoing it to the point that it becomes distracting and irritating. It's very American.

It's worth watching for a bit of stimulation, but yeah... it's trying too hard. The sound and visual effects try to make it "hardcore", which might hold the attention of a 15 year old kid for a little longer, but will wear down the grownups.

This show turns history into shows like "Best Police Chases" or "When Animals Attack".

There are more useless CG and intros than the actual content. Remove all the CG of flying through networks, the mindless summary of the show after EVERY commercial break, I would be surprised if there are 10 minutes of actual content in any episode.

They interview renowned scientists and only get the sound bite of the most basic concept. If they had interviewed Albert Einstein, their question would be "so, physics... pretty cool huh?"

To see a proper example of the same concept of this show, watch Connections, a show by James Burke. It was done in 1978 but far better than this show.

One has to remember how much The History Channel has changed over the years. From real history to Swamp Diving reality shows. This show thankfully isn't that shallow. It definitely has enough facts to keep the watcher immersed but this obviously will vary from episode to episode.

Certain episodes can push the limits of their statements just to add to the danger factor as a previous post pointed out where a flight pilot was saying something along the lines of how gravity is the enemy of flight. Might have been a simple switch up by the production team but gravity is a constant and doesn't change. If one enemy had to be put on flight, it would be weather which is dynamic and changing.

To summarize, it's above average compared to the crap The History Channel airs nowadays. It will keep you interested and you will learn a few things about human history. Some episodes even leave you wanting for more. Haven't felt that way about a History Channel Production in a very long time.

My Rating: Solid *6.5/10* I would've given it a seven if all the facts were actually checked to make sure they're correct. Hope I helped you decide if you'll invest many of your free hours in this show.

I wish someday TV producers would assume their viewers might just possess an educational level past the grade 5 level.

There is indeed some basic value to the content of Big History. But, shamefully, it seems written for children. Why is the sound background so unimaginative and overbearing ? The loud and "fancy" sound effects only disrupt the viewing experience. Despite any interest I might have in the material, I have to switch to other channels.

You might perhaps learn from PBS documentaries how to properly present a subject.

I don't expect the same quality as PBS from you, but, at the very least please have the decency of respecting your viewers intelligence.

Gilles Violette

Breaking Bad fans prepare to regain some brain cells & increase your intelligence!

Just watched the first two episodes of Big History on H2 on 02 Nov., 13 which Bryan Cranston now narrates.

If you are a history fanatic as I am then you need to catch this show!

Praise to Bryan Cranston for his narration of the series. It is great that now he can show those fans of Breaking Bad that he has more interests and talents than just being an actor who plays a killer drug dealer.

Which in turn benefits our children's intelligence as well as adults.

Bravo & keep up the good work Mr. Cranston!