History TV

This guidebook explores the meanings of history and TV, covering documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV, highlighting how history TV shows are both sites of cultural memory and components of television networks' industrial strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

History TV is a fascinating and complex genre that has the power to shape our understanding of the past and present. In this guidebook, Allison Perlman provides a critical introduction to the field, unpacking the meanings of history and TV and exploring various topics such as documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV. Through a diverse range of fictional and non-fictional programming, Perlman's book emphasizes how history TV shows are both sites of cultural memory and components of television networks' industrial strategies, fusing the ethics and politics of popular history with the narrative structure and genre elements of televisual formats.

One of the key themes of history TV is the way it can help us understand the past. Documentaries, mini-series, and network branding can provide a rich and detailed account of historical events, people, and places, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the context and significance of these events. For example, Quantum Leap, a documentary series that explores the lives of historical figures, has been praised for its ability to bring history to life in a compelling and engaging way. Ken Burns' Baseball, a mini-series that chronicles the history of baseball, has also been widely acclaimed for its ability to capture the essence of the sport and its cultural significance.

However, history TV can also be controversial. Some argue that it can be used to promote a particular political or social agenda, or to distort the truth. For example, some reality TV shows have been criticized for their portrayal of certain groups or individuals, and for their use of sensationalism and drama to attract viewers.

To address these concerns, history TV producers have taken steps to ensure that their programming is accurate and unbiased. They have worked with historians and other experts to ensure that the historical information presented is accurate and reliable, and have also worked to ensure that the programming is respectful and sensitive to the historical subjects and their families.

In addition to its educational value, history TV can also be a source of entertainment. Many people enjoy watching historical dramas, comedies, and reality TV shows, and these shows can help us to relax and unwind after a long day. However, it is important to remember that these shows are not always accurate or unbiased, and that we should be critical of the information presented.

One of the challenges of history TV is the fact that it can be difficult to produce. Historical events can be complex and difficult to understand, and it can be difficult to find the right balance between accuracy and entertainment. Producers must also be aware of the cultural and social context of the historical events they are portraying, and must ensure that their programming is respectful and sensitive to these contexts.

Despite these challenges, history TV has continued to grow in popularity. There are now many television networks that specialize in history programming, and there are many popular historical dramas, comedies, and reality TV shows available to watch. These shows can be found on a variety of platforms, including television, streaming services, and online.

In conclusion, history TV is a fascinating and complex genre that has the power to shape our understanding of the past and present. Allison Perlman's guidebook provides a critical introduction to the field, unpacking the meanings of history and TV and exploring various topics such as documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV. By ensuring that their programming is accurate and unbiased, history TV producers can help to promote a deeper understanding of the past and to provide a source of entertainment for viewers. However, it is important to be critical of the information presented and to be aware of the cultural and social context of the historical events being portrayed.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138928503