Gold rush. Salem witch trials. Slave trading. Jewish extermination. Civil War. Infant mortality. European class systems. Child brides. Struggling immigrants.
These are some of the darkest periods in our history, but from them some of the greatest heroes emerged. Then, they were ordinary people; mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers living normal lives. Why do these stories matter to their descendants, and to us all? How can a little understanding change how we treat our families and the rest of the world?
Who Do You Think You Are?, based on a British series, is not a typical reality show. It’s more like what I would expect from PBS. Well, if it didn’t have the musical montages and the plugs for Ancestry.com. It’s as emotional as any drama and as smile inducing as any comedy. We are allowed to follow celebrities as they (with a heck of a lot of help) research their ancestry, discover where they come from, and possibly redefine who they are. Sarah Jessica Parker, Emmitt Smith, Lisa Kudrow (who is also a producer), Matthew Broderick, Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon, and Spike Lee take us along on their families’ journeys across America, through Europe, and to Africa.
These trips, both literal and figurative, are fascinating and inspiring. And well worth watching. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the whole first season, and I highly recommend sitting down with your family for a viewing. Maybe you will be encouraged to look into your lineage too. Anybody want to head to Denmark to look up records with me?
How many celebrities were approached for this show? How much history had to be dug up to find the most compelling stories? Or would most of our stories pan out this way? Do we all have heroes in our past? Can we all be heroes in the future?
Who Do You Think You Are? premieres Friday, March 5th, at 8/7C on NBC.
For more information, visit the show’s Official Site and their Facebook page.
5. March 2010 at 7:07 pm
I was surprised that I really enjoyed this program, made me want to check out my family history!
Does anyone know what the song and artist were towards the end, it was great music!
5. March 2010 at 11:53 pm
Yes, I loved the music, does anyone know the song and artist?
12. March 2010 at 1:55 pm
The song during the clip montage is Little Wonders by Rob Thomas.
12. March 2010 at 9:45 pm
I love this show so much and hope it stays around. The stories are fantastic. What is the song that was played at the end on the Emmitt Smith episode?
13. March 2010 at 2:04 pm
The song at the end of the Emmitt Smith episode is Seal’s version of People Get Ready.
13. March 2010 at 10:43 pm
Love the show but what the theme song and who is it by
16. March 2010 at 5:34 pm
Has anyone identified the song that lily asked about that was played at the end of the emmit smith episode?
18. March 2010 at 9:09 am
The song at the end of the Emmitt Smith episode is Seal’s version of People Get Ready.
19. March 2010 at 9:34 pm
What was the song played at the end of the episode about Lisa Kudrow?
20. March 2010 at 3:44 pm
I just found the song myself if anyone is interested it is Bon Jovi Hallelujah.
27. March 2010 at 6:49 am
This is a great show. What was the song played at the end of the episode about Matthew Broderick?
2. April 2010 at 4:49 pm
Does anyone know the instrumental song played during the Brooke Shields episode when she was touring the Villa Tortolonia????? Sounds very old.
23. April 2010 at 11:07 pm
Can anybody tell me who sing the song at the end of the episode about Susan Sarandon??
28. April 2010 at 10:05 am
Show me what I’m looking for by Carolina Liar
30. April 2010 at 6:49 pm
Can someone please tell me the name or artist of the song at the end of Spike Lee’s episode?
30. April 2010 at 8:03 pm
@ Andrea, the song is called “everybody knows” by John Legend
2. May 2010 at 3:53 pm
THANK YOU ADAM!
16. May 2010 at 10:08 pm
i am looking for the song at the beginning of each episode. it sounds like a fun one. anybody know it?