Hello, I've come here to ask a question of those that might know these sort of things better then I do; as from the title, you've most likely already figured out what my question is, what happened to the history channel?

I can't claim to have ever at one point watched it a lot, but twelve years ago or so, it seems more or less okay, a good number of solid shows that taught people about various things in history. Now, when I go through the guide to see what's going to be on today for the channel, it seems like a complete joke, Ancient Aliens.. really? Ice road truckers, pawn stars? These shows 'sound' like a joke and when you watch them its not much better, none of the shows on history channel seem to teach anything about history. So, what happened; what caused this horrible, downward spiral for the History Channel?

Well, what happened is that the History Channel figured out that it could make more money showing those types of shows during Prime Time TV. They still air plenty of war history and such. Though the Ancient Aliens show(s) really bug me.

History International or I think it's History 2... not sure, but that is the better of the channels. I seldom if ever watch History channel.

If you have Xfinity there is section of the history channel on on demand called clash of the gods, it very good piece of history to watch.

I know what you mean. I really wish History Channel would actually air history-related stuff, and not Ice Road Truckers or Pawn Stars whatever.

It certianly has decided to go the route of reality TV since it brings in more money. I admit I watch Swamp People (love it to be honest) ,Pawn Stars and American Pickers form time to time but they are not something I expected to see on the History Channel.

What happened? http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/158326

Never watched the History Channel too much myself, although I kind of remember when they split the channels up and one became H2.. I don't pay much (if any) attention to it today, but it sounds like what they air should be on truTV or Spike instead. I only watch a few specific shows on those channels though.

Wha the [censored] do motorcycles and crab fishing have to do with scientific discovery? There lies your answer. It makes people feel smart.

I don't watch TV so I don't know how far Discovery and History have fallen....

History is made every day....

In Britain I think they just play World At War on repeat continually and continuously.

Same thing happened to the Discovery channel, very sad. There used to be very interesting documentaries there, but not anymore.

I remember Next Step and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qECkG3c8y8I... Reaching for the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Racoonand get crap in return.

I don't see what's wrong with Ancient Aliens. Sure, it's extremely speculative, bordering on ridiculous at times... but so what?

The purpose of historical documentaries shouldn't be to simply spoonfeed the viewer facts all the time. It should be about presenting theories and opinions also - even the outlandish ones.

i remember when i first started watching the history channel there weren't really shows as much as there were various documentary style hour long programs. The one i remember most was about the history of soda and the original cola wars in which there was more than just two huge brands but alot of others like moxie.

i really miss that about the history channel, there was actuall information about stuff i wanted to know the history about. not aliens and natzies 24/7. the stuff they put on there now is all conspiracy and vague theories, hardly ever is there factual programs.

Think that's bad The Miltary Channel and Animal Planit both went downhill and True TV is nothing but "Repo" Shows.

i don't even watch tv any more. if i really feel the need for some educational programming there are plenty of non syndicate documentaries out there.

but ive found i like reading history books better now than television. I really got into one about Hannibal some time ago

Rarely watched it in the first place. Now all I see are sbows about The Hitler Conspiracy to contact aliens.

Discovery history is a better history channel now.

I've watched a few of those along with hardcoe Pawn.. they're all pretty laughable shows honestly. Despite that, I like hardcoe Pawn a little better but what from I've seen on the show I'd never go there in person .

I still watch a little TV now and then only because there are still some things I like to watch.. I merely ignore everything else.

It seems like all of those educational channels (Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, etc.) have gone the entertainment route instead. Sad, because those used to be my favorite channels when I actually cared about TV.

Documentaries by definition should be factual, or at least have some basis in fact.

I actually don't mind the Ancient Aliens shows. It's at least entertaining in a cheesy way.

The reality shows are driving me insane, though. Pawn Stars is good, since it's a pretty good combination of entertainment and learning about the history of the pieces that come in, but everything else is awful. And the worst part is they run the shows into the ground. You can watch about 4 hours of American Pickers in the afternoon. Even Pawn Stars is getting on my nerves because of how much they show reruns.


That series actually really annoyed me. I can't remember specifics, but there were quite a few inaccuracies in that show and the endings really annoyed me(I'll restrain myself due to forum rules, but suffice it to say I felt they were often too biased towards the modern day viewpoint). Also, I hated that the show claimed that the possible literal origins of the myths were "the connection to reality." Anyone versed in mythology and folklore could tell you there are TONS of ways that myth reflect reality aside from what may have inspired it. They can tell us SO much about the reality of the culture's beliefs, world-view, culture, and storytelling methods. All of which I personally find extremely fascinating, and which the show seemed to play down.

Though, to be fair, I'm extremely picky when shows cover the subjects of mythology and folklore.

PAWN STARS IS NO [censored] JOKE SIR. ITS A [censored] SHOW ABOUT SELLING THINGS AND I LIKE IT.

GOOD DAY TO YOU SIR

I feel Ancient Aliens fits fine in it as it observes history but your right about the other shows.

There's a new show in the works on History that I'm kinda excited about.

Vikings. 'Nuff Said.