Does anyone remember when the History Channel used to have shows on history? I’m not talking about the documentaries on gangs, mobsters, the latest conspiracy theories, the invention of the coolest new gadgets, Nostradamus, martial arts, and fear-mongering religious apocalypse, but actual historical figures like George Washington, Alexander the Great, Socrates, Mao, Marx, Rousseau, Henry the IV, Marie Antionette, etc. I could’ve sworn they once had history shows on the History Channel, but it might have just been a figment of my imagination.
That bothers me too. I think there’s also a reality show about logging on there too now. I love how sometimes they’ll show a Hollywood movie like Braveheart, Gladiator, or 300 and pretend it’s factual. Your quandary is similar to asking if anyone remembers when MTV still played music videos.
You forgot to mention all the UFO crap and the reality shows like Ice Road Truckers (which is a great show, but has nothing to do with history).
I think most of their old history programming was actually WWII programming. What about WWI? Does anyone remember? Does anyone care?
I’m still waiting for the day when all the sports programming on ESPN is replaced with exclusively bowling, chess, poker matches, and World of Warcraft competitions.
Yes, lately History is looking to attract a brainless viewership, I think. It’s too bad.
ESPN, too, used to have real sports programs, like hockey and tennis. Unfortunately, college football, the only sport they still cover consistently, doesn’t appeal to me.