It’s a cold and rainy (or blazing hot!) afternoon and you ‘d like absolutely nothing more than to grab that television remote and watch something binge worthy. Well, how about taking a look at a family history show?

Since advances in DNA analysis have actually renewed people’s interest in “finding their roots,” many tv reveals that concentrate on genealogy have actually come and gone. To help you locate a preferred, here’s a guide to the family history reveals that are still readily available through free streaming services, subscription-based services, or great old network tv.

8 Of Our Favorite Genealogy Shows of All Time
A number of these shows can be looked for complimentary. For those offered through totally free streaming services, you might not be able to gain access to all seasons, however often you can locate a single episode through a free source so you can figure out if you want to spend for more episodes or not.

A few programs are just readily available through a paid subscription service. Whether a program is free or paid is marked by the title of each show.
Present Family History Shows
1. Who Do You Think You Are?
( UK variation) (restricted episodes totally free, full seasons paid).

Who Do You Think You Are.

Produced: 2004 to the present.

Variety of seasons: 20.

Initial network: BBC.

Available to enjoy on: Limited episodes readily available free on YouTube. Paid sources– BBC One, Apple Television, Discovery +, Bravo Now, E! Now, NBC.com, Syfy Now, Telemundo Now.
This British production is among the longest running genealogy programs on television today, and among the most interesting to enjoy. The show uses British stars a detailed and often psychological look at their family history, usually focusing on a couple of ancestors with intriguing stories.

The history and culture surrounding these stories is consisted of, utilizing local museums, history professionals, and researchers. This show has actually been so popular that international variations have been produced in 18 countries, including the United States variation listed later in this short article.

2. Discovering Your Roots.
( totally free and paid options).

Finding Your Roots.

Produced: 2012 to the present.

Number of seasons: 10.
Original network: PBS.

Available to see on: Free sources– PBS network tv, Pluto TV, Roku Channel. Paid sources– PBS Video. Purchase specific episodes on Apple television, Prime Video, or YouTube.

This popular PBS series includes a little class to the show’s property of celebrities searching for their family history. The program’s host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., has actually had a long career as a university professor of literature and history. He has written various books and produced many tv shows on the topic of African American history and culture.

While Gates concentrates on intriguing characters and stories from each celeb’s family tree, he likewise interjects side spots on the genealogy research procedure that are useful to any scientist.

3. Relative Race.
( free and paid options).

Relative Race.

Produced: 2016 to the present.

Number of seasons: 13.

Original network: BYU TELEVISION.

Available to watch on: Free sources– BYU TV. Paid sources– Sling television, DirecTV Stream.

This fun show produced by Brigham Young University Broadcasting combines family history with an Amazing Race style format. On each episode, four groups complete by partaking in a 10-day trip to see who can discover their long-lost family members the fastest. While the winners of the race are granted a reward of $50,000, all teams win in that they solve household secrets throughout the course of the race.

4. Long Lost Family.
( UK version) (free and paid choices).

Long Lost Family.

Produced: 2011 to today.

Number of seasons: 14.

Initial network: ITV.

Readily available to enjoy on: Free sources– Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Plex. Paid sources– Prime Video. Specific episodes may be bought from Apple television or Google Play.

Another long term British produced program, Long Lost Family focuses on stories of separation in between relative for a variety of circumstances. The show utilizes historic research study, public records, and DNA analysis to reunite long lost family members who were separated for numerous reasons, including abandonment, adoptions, unidentified birth dads, and other separations.

Typically a tear-jerker, this show is terrific to watch if you remain in the state of mind for a good cry.

Family History Shows No Longer in Production.
5. Who Do You Think You Are?
( US variations) (paid).

Who Do You Think You Are? US Version.

Produced: 2010 to 2018, 2022.

Variety of seasons: 10 total and 1 partial.

Original network: NBC 2010 to 2012, 2022; TLC 2013 to 2018.

Readily available to see on: Paid sources– NBC.com, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Discovery+, Philo. Specific episodes may be purchased from YouTube, Fandango in the house, and Prime Video.

The US version of the popular Who Do You Think You Are UK version referenced above, this program took the UK format and applied it to American celebrities. Each program depicted one celebrity seeking to solve mysteries about their past and their household’s history.

As with the UK show, each celebrity spoken with genealogy scientists and historic specialists, and took a trip to the sites where their forefathers came from, exposing enlightening and frequently emotional realities about the celebrity’s ancestors.

6. Genealogy Roadshow.
( totally free and paid options).

Genealogy Roadshow.

Produced: 2013 to 2016.

Number of seasons: 3.

Original network: PBS.

Available to watch on: Free sources– Tubi, Roku Channel. Paid sources– PBS Video. Private episodes may be purchased from Apple television, YouTube, Prime Video.

Genealogy Roadshow takes the popular format of Antiques Roadshow and uses it to family history research study. The show highlights numerous of the most interesting stories exposed by the research study finished throughout the episode.

7. The Generations Project.
( complimentary).

The Generations Project.

Produced: 2010 to 2012.

Number of seasons: 3.

Initial network: BYU TV.

Readily available to watch on: Free sources– BYU TELEVISION.

Each episode of The Generations Project concentrates on a person who has concerns about their family history. The program follows everyone as they take part in a journey to search the genealogical records to assist respond to those questions.

The show ends with each person processing what they have learned and how that has altered their own perception of their family. The Genealogy Project is engaging and integrates snippets of real genealogical research from professionals and member of the family.

8. Long Lost Family.
( US version) (totally free and paid alternatives).

Produced: 2016 to 2019.

Number of seasons: 6.

Initial network: TLC.

Offered to watch on: Free sources– Roku Channel, Tubi. Paid sources– PBS Video. Specific episodes might be purchased from Apple television or Prime Video.

This American version of the British television program of the very same name likewise focuses on reuniting family members separated by tough situations. The show’s hosts help each family as they look for each other utilizing hints from family stories, interviews with known relatives, public records, and so on.

Similar to the UK version, this show will make you weep each time, so keep the tissues handy!

It is very important to bear in mind that much of the research and preparation for these programs happened behind the scenes and only parts are shown, so if you are new to genealogy, do not get the impression that it only takes a couple of minutes to discover exciting info about your ancestors. But if you want an amusing way to find out about genealogy, or if you are a genealogy addict like myself and just wish to view an excellent household history story, check out these shows today!