How the States Got Their Shapes

2010

Seasons & Episodes

  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
8.2| 0h30m| TV-PG| en| More Info
Released: 06 April 2010 Canceled
Producted By: Half Yard Productions
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.history.com/shows/how-the-states-got-their-shapes
Synopsis

The show deals with how the various states of the United States established their borders, but also delves into other aspects of U.S. history, including failed states, proposed new states, and the local culture and character of various U.S. states. It thus deals with the "shapes" of the states in a metaphorical sense as well as a literal sense. The show format follows Unger as he travels to various locations, and interviews local people, visits important historical and cultural sites, and provides commentary from behind the wheel of his car as he drives from location to location. Interspersed with these segments are brief historical synopses by notable U.S. historians.

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Half Yard Productions

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Reviews

Stoutor It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.
Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Rosie Searle It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
jason-leonidas1984 The first season was amazing, I loved it. Something very strange happened in the second season though, it adopted a cheesy game show type style and VERY centralized around the Midwest. Every episode in the second season seems to have something to do with the Midwest. What about the other states? Yeah, they are mentioned but not explored in depth. I've heard them talk about Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, etc., what about Oregon, Washington, Montana? Hell, California has only been features once or twice. Maybe the boarders are more interesting in the Midwest but you could still talk about the other states more. Maybe I'm wrong and have missed something but it just seems like the producer of the show loves the great lakes area.
wlk68 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.
MartinHafer 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.
balefulregards 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.

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