How the States Got Their Shapes

Not sure if it's the title or what but cannot believe it took me 9 years to watch this show. Went way over my head. Thanks to the new History Channel App, I immediately saw it & gave it a try & then bought the whole season. So much valuable information and greatly produced. Very underrated. Everybody who is an American should watch this show.

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.

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 grew up reading history and have never lost my interest. Having participated in several History Channel programs, it was a disappointment to see how "The Channel" (not much history) warped into such fare as Swamp People and Ice Rd Truckers.

I was unaware of. Mr. Unger until I saw a States Got Their Shapes episode. His extremely casual attire threw me: who is this with his plaid shirt unbuttoned, revealing an unbuttoned undershirt? Oh, he's the host!

Perhaps I'm a relic of the previous century, but in broadcasting and journalism classes we were taught that appearance lends credibility, and it doesn't have to be a suit and tie.

Just FWIW.