Longtime viewers of History (formerly The History Channel) have noticed a recent shift as the network has systematically replaced its historical content with reality TV and pseudoscientific programming.
The History Channel was founded in the mid-'90s and produced respectable ratings, airing historical documentaries and eventually developing its own original series and documentaries. Over the last few years, however, the network has dramatically changed its programming and considerably expanded its viewership at the cost of its credibility.
Bill Gormon of tvbythenumbers.com has tracked History's ascension, citing programs like "Pawn Stars" and "American Pickers" for the network's rise from the top 20 in cable ratings to the top five and even the top two.
One of History's most successful programs, "Pawn Stars," has now given rise to a pair of spinoffs, "American Restoration" and the imaginatively named "Cajun Pawn Stars"— shot right in the heart of Cajun country.
If Alexandria is considered Cajun country.
While "Pawn Stars," its spinoffs and "American Pickers" are basically "Antiques Roadshow" marketed to men, at least they can claim some tenuous connection to history since most of the objects in question are at least older than the network itself.
But many of the network's most successful shows lack any discernable connection to history other than the channel's new motto: "History: Made Every Day." "Ax Men" and "Ice Road Truckers" can trace their lineage to the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," and continue the show's proud tradition of filming gruff, angry men doing dangerous things.
The hit series "Swamp People" continues this tradition while also filling cable's coveted "watch a crazy person with a ridiculous accent fight gigantic reptiles" niche left vacant by crocodile hunter Steve Irwin in 2006. "Swamp People" star Troy Landry has become something of a cultural ambassador for our state — a disturbing development.
These programs, however, are innocent compared to the apocalyptic and pseudoscientific drivel featured on programs like "Monsterquest," "The Nostradamus Effect" and particularly "Ancient Aliens."
At least the reality shows accept they have no historical value. The producers of "Ancient Aliens" prefer to rewrite history, crediting alien astronauts with everything from the Egyptian pyramids to the founding of the United States.
Giorgio Tsoukalos, the face of "Ancient Aliens"— also known to the Internet as the "aliens did it" meme guy — has managed to overshadow his increasingly ridiculous hair with his ever-growing list of human accomplishments made possible by our ancient alien overlords.
We study history so we can celebrate our triumphs and learn from our mistakes. "Ancient Aliens" would have us believe humans played a marginal role in our own history.
History professor Benjamin Martin, who was featured in three shows produced for the History Channel in the mid-'90s, was dismissive of the network's new direction, saying he was sorry for the loss of programs featuring narrative history, but stressed that judging the network or its producers based on his personal beliefs would be "elitist and foolish."
Martin noted the specialization of cable networks, pointing out that dissatisfied viewers can always change the channel, or pursue other sources of narrative history. Martin is sorry to see the History Channel of the past disappear, but he trusts the network's executives know more about television than the rest of us.
One can't help grudgingly agreeing with Martin. It's hard to argue with success, but History's new direction has definitely left me behind. After growing up with the old, "boring" History Channel, my viewing habits have changed dramatically with the rise of "Ice Road Truckers" and "Mega Disasters."
Unfortunately for history lovers, its new batch of shows has pushed History to the top of the cable ratings by giving the people what they want—ax men, alligators and aliens.
Andrew Shockey is a 21-year-old biological engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Ashockey.
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Contact Andrew Shockey at ashockey@lsureveille.com.
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