How the States Got Their Shapes

When we sit down to watch television as a family, we choose documentaries.

In addition, we are Americans living in Canada so it is important for us that our daughter (now 13, moved here when she was not quite 8) get some American History in addition to the Canadian and Quebecois history she gets in school.

I downloaded the first episode to gauge her reaction and interest. To my delight, she immediately requested I download the rest of the series.

Told in a fun conversational style, and using some footage that I am pretty sure was part of "The Story of US" , it takes you through different angles of just how the United States ended up looking the way it looks.

To Date we have seen the first three covering how Water, Transportation and Forces of Nature have impacted the shapes of the United States. In between the segments, I have shared stories about where I was born (Wheeling West Virgina) as well as being a little girl in Jacksonville North Carolina in the early 1970's with no air conditioning in sight - something that seems almost inconceivable today.

Listen, when you can hook a 13 year old and get her to ask for More? You are doing something right.

Over the years, I have noticed that fewer and fewer of the shows on The History Channel actually have much to do directly with history. Shows about truckers in Alaska, whether Jesus was a space alien, the sex lives of pygmies and the like have become commonplace. However, it's a nice breath of fresh air when I see shows on the channel like "How the States Got Their Shape"--a show that is historical, through and through. However, I don't just love this series because of its historical basis but for two other important reasons. First, it is very, very interesting and quirky. I really think if the average history-hating person would allow themselves to watch the show, they would not only learn something but be entertained. Second, the host, Brian Unger, is great. He's handsome and well-muscled but also non-threatening and cute. My daughter thinks he's precious but I like him because he's not a pretty-boy and has a great, natural style. Well worth seeing and very well made.

How the States Got Their Shapes is a very informative, educational program that would be great for school-aged kids or adults wanting to learn something new. The first few episodes of season one seem to be the best, at least in my opinion. I haven't watched the second season yet, as I've read it's more of a gameshow type thing.

In the first two episodes of season one alone, we learn how at least twenty states got their shape because of water access, slavery, and transportation. The episode entitled The Great Plains, Trains and Automobiles was by far my favorite. Its depth of the railroad history and how the Civil War and slavery shaped the rail industry was really interesting. The rail system did more to shape America than anything before or since, creating the timezones we use today, which synced everyone ahead of the 2st century.

I wasn't enthusiastic about the host of the show, as I felt he was somewhat boring. They could have gotten someone more interesting and entertaining, somelone like Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars. Imagine him hosting this show, and how energetic he would be.

This series is very educational and you will learn many things that you never knew about, things that are commonplace but you never thought about them. The visual aides are good and you get a chance to visit all the places under study. Most interesting are the states that didn't get organized. Definitely a must-see for history buffs

I really like this show. It makes my nerdy little heart sing. In a world filled with Snookies, Honey Boo Boos and gator wrestling, moonshiners it's refreshing to find a show that is both fun and informative. It's not just about how the states got their borders, it's about how the people, the culture and the infrastructure of the states were shaped. It's a really cool concept and I'm always disappointed when each episode ends because it's so fascinating.

Also, the host - Brian Unger - is kind of adorkable. His comedic timing, every man quality and 'person on the street' interviews keep things from getting too dry. I like the fact that he genuinely relates to the people he meets and doesn't make fun of them.