Family History
Documentaries on Family History and Genealogy
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- StarsMark StrongPhil DavisCherie LunghiCelebrities study their lineages and family trees, usually learning surprising secrets they never knew about their families.
- StarsRichard MellickAndrea BentschneiderKristoffer BornWell-known Australians play detective as they go in search of their family history, revealing secrets from the past.
- StarsScott ThompsonShaun MajumderSonja SmitsCanadian celebrities go in search of their family history, revealing secrets from the past. Travel around Canada and the world with Canadian celebrities as they find out things about their ancestors that they never thought possible. Along the way there will be some amazing discoveries. Join the trail of discovery to uncover where these celebrities came from as they find out just who they think they are.
- StarsJabulani TsamboColin MossNthati MosheshWho Do You Think You Are? is a South African genealogy documentary series based on the British series of the same name, produced locally by Rapid Blue, which delves into the family history of celebrities, tracing their ancestry and revealing secrets and surprises from their pasts. The series premiered on SABC2 on Sunday 31 May 2009, at 21h00. There are 12 hour-long episodes in the first season that were split into two parts of six. The show returned for Part 2 on Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 21h00. New episodes aired weekly. Who Do You Think You Are? delves into the family history of familiar South African faces, tracing their ancestry and revealing secrets and surprises from their pasts. The series gives viewers the tools to dig into their own pasts and uncover the part their ancestors played in shaping their lives today. Based on the international format of the same name, each episode features a celebrity who goes in search of who s/he is by following their family tree to find out more about their ancestors. As they discover more about who's who in their family, they get to know themselves better. The show uses different genealogy investigations to uncover the families' past. These include special DNA testing and archive research and shows how to apply them to any family. The celebrities featured in the Part 1 line-up are: 1. Nthati Moshesh (Actress) 2. Riaan Cruywagen (Newsreader) 3. Meshack Mavuso (Actor) 4. Candice Moodley (Presenter) 5. HHP (Musician) 6. Kurt Schoonraad (Comedian) The celebrities featured in the Part 2 line-up are: 7. Dawn Matthews (Actress) 8. Colin Moss (Presenter, Actor) 9. Dion Chang (Trend Analyst) 10. Patricia Glyn (Presenter, Adventurer) 11. Vusi Mahlasela (Jazz Musician) 12. Zapiro (Cartoonist)
- StarsArthur RiordanArdal O'HanlonDanaGenealogy series. Irish celebrities trace their family history.
- StarsTal FriedmanGabi GazitShifra HornEach episode focuses on one public figure and follows the protagonists' journeys towards their families' pasts, a journey that takes place between countries, people and historic periods in time. The private past of each of the protagonists has an affinity to our national history. Their personal stories provide us with a view into the national past and fascinating historic issues and events. One of the more prominent characteristics of the State of Israel is its ingathering of immigrants and thus provides fertile ground for the series. The roots of the family tree of each of the Israelis can be found in various countries around the world and are endowed with stirring tales of wandering, surmounting hardships, separations and encounters. Each of the six episodes is devoted to one public figure who embarks on a journey across borders to the unknown. The public figures include - Gabi Gazit - Radio show host, Yoram Yovel - Psychoanalyst, Tal Fridman - Comedian and Actor, Ohad Knoler - Actor,Shifra Horn - Novelist, Michal Yanai - Actress. The series is being produced according to the British Format "Who Do You Think You Are?" of "Wall To Wall Television" Company.
- StarsDavina McCallNicky CampbellPeter ArundelThis series helps people reunite with long-lost family members. Investigators pick up the search when the trail has gone cold.
- StarsChris JacobsLisa JoynerJeanette YoffeThis American television series helps people reunite with long lost family members.
- StarsAnh DoChrissie SwanJulia RobsonThis Australian television series helps people reunite with long lost family members.
- StarsDavina McCallNicky CampbellAriel BruceBritish spin-off of the ITV show Long Lost Family.
- StarsChris JacobsAmerican spin-off of the TLC show Long Lost Family.
- StarsRory McCannMichael McElhattonMichala HulmeCelebrities embark on a life-changing journey to explore their family history. Alongside their best mate or family member, the celebs will set off on the ultimate road trip as they discover family members they never even knew existed.
- StarsDaisy FuentesJim MerkelJewel JacksonPeople look at their DNA as they look back to see their family's history.
- StarsTerry WillardJim WillardThis mini-series looks at people whose lives have been changed through family history research and provides viewers with practical instruction on how to begin searching for one's own roots.
- StarsTim McDonaldJeff DouglasGenealogy show that would be be good if not for overdone audio and flare. It's just made dorky and over fluffed by the drama and dumb music.
- StarsHenry Louis Gates Jr.CeCe MooreAnita HillBefore the popularity of AncestryDNA, journalist and cultural critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. divulges the family trees of various celebrities, many times with stunning revelations.
- StarsKenyatta BerryD. Joshua TaylorMary M. TedescoGenealogists visit American cities to investigate unverified genealogical claims.
- StarsCeCe MooreSteve ArmentroutEllen GreytakThe Genetic Detective follows investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore as she uses her unique research skills to transform the face of crime solving.
- StarsLise SimmsChris MekowMichelle ErcanbrackWhat secrets run in your blood? This reality series uncovers the hidden identities in family pasts, proving that the best way to know who you are is to know who you came from.
- StarsThaddeus ErvinDevin T DobsonRolexis DelaneyWith their own DNA as a roadmap, and $25,000 on the line, four couples must race coast-to-coast and discover a different relative every day.
- StarsStacey DooleyTuri KingWith the help of one of the UK's leading geneticists, Professor Turi King, Stacey Dooley helps to answer people's burning questions about their family, health or ancestry with a visit to a DNA testing clinic.
- StarsFaruq Tauheed
- DirectorChristopher BruceStarsSarah Jessica ParkerMocean MelvinD. Joshua TaylorIn this riveting series premiere, Sarah Jessica Parker embarks on an exciting adventure into the unknown to learn about her family tree. With the help of Ancestry.com, Sarah Jessica's story takes her on not one, but two awe-inspiring journeys first to Northern California and then to Salem, Massachusetts.
- StarsMocean MelvinEmmitt SmithFootball legend Emmitt Smith is intrigued by a family rumor that his paternal grandmother, Erma Lee Watson, had white ancestry. As he travels deep into rural Alabama to colonial Virginia and beyond on the trail of Erma's great grandmother Mariah, Smith uncovers a story more dramatic than he ever could have imagined.
- DirectorChristopher BruceStarsJennifer AnistonGertrude FarbermanLee KudrowSince childhood, Lisa Kudrow has known that her grandmother Gertrude had it tough. Gertrude's mother, Meri, perished in the Holocaust. Lisa's father recalls hearing about her death from a young Polish sailor, a cousin named Yuri who was last seen in New York in the late 1940s. Lisa's father never forgot Yuri for warning him and his family to leave their village for safety before the Nazi army invasion. From Los Angeles to Belarus, to the actual village where Meri once lived, Lisa's journey reveals clues leading her to something neither she nor her father ever thought possible.
- StarsMatthew BroderickMocean MelvinPeter BartonTony Award-winner Matthew Broderick delves into his family history.
- StarsDaniela FelisiniMocean MelvinCharles MosleyActress Brooke Shields embarks on a journey to discover which side of her divided and very different family she identifies with.
- StarsSusan SarandonMocean MelvinMiles RobbinsOscar-Winner Susan Sarandon unlocks her mysterious family tree.
- DirectorChristopher BruceStarsDaina Ramey BerryBill BraggMelvin J. CollierDirector Spike Lee learns about his ancestors in the season finale.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsVanessa WilliamsBeverly G. BondVincent L. ClarkSeason Premiere -- Multi-faceted performer Vanessa Williams explores the roots of her trailblazing ancestors.
- StarsTim McGrawMocean MelvinCountry music superstar Tim McGraw embarks on a journey to uncover his father's ancestral past.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsRosie O'DonnellMocean MelvinRosie O'Donnell embarks on an emotional journey as she traces her late mother's roots.
- DirectorElizabeth DobsonStarsKim CattrallMocean MelvinNorma BlakemanKim Cattrall sets out to solve a 70 year-old mystery.
- StarsMocean MelvinLionel RichieR&B superstar Lionel Richie unravels the mystery of his past.
- DirectorRupert SmithStarsMocean MelvinSteve BuscemiDorothy BuscemiGolden Globe winner Steve Buscemi embarks on a journey to find the rogues and villains in his ancestral past.
- DirectorElizabeth DobsonStarsMocean MelvinMichael LorenziniGwyneth PaltrowAcademy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow delves into her ancestral past.
- StarsMocean MelvinAshley JuddBrian D. McKnightActress and humanitarian Ashley Judd seeks the truth behind larger than life family tales.
- DirectorElizabeth DobsonStarsMartin SheenMocean MelvinEmilio EstevezSeason Premiere -- award-winning actor and political activist Martin Sheen discovers his ancestors shared his deepest passion.
- DirectorKate Richter GreenStarsMarisa TomeiMocean MelvinAdam TomeiAcademy Award-winner Marisa Tomei investigates the truth behind a family murder mystery.
- DirectorSarah FeltesStarsMocean MelvinBlair UnderwoodEva Sheppard WolfBlair Underwood takes a journey that helps him realize a lifelong dream.
- DirectorLisa BohacekStarsReba McEntireMocean MelvinD. Joshua TaylorCountry superstar Reba McEntire embarks on an exploration of her mother's family.
- DirectorKate Richter GreenStarsJerome BettisMocean MelvinSuper Bowl champion Jerome Bettis goes on a journey to learn more about his mother's roots.
- DirectorSarah FeltesStarsHelen HuntMocean MelvinAcademy Award-winner Helen Hunt uncovers the missing pieces of her family history.
- DirectorElizabeth DobsonStarsRita WilsonMocean MelvinActress, singer and producer Rita Wilson takes an emotional journey as she learns of her father's early life and the story he never shared.
- DirectorRebecca SnowStarsEdie FalcoMocean MelvinEmmy award-winner Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie") is on a mission to discover the truth behind her mother's family history.
- DirectorKate Richter GreenStarsRob LoweMocean MelvinD. Joshua TaylorRob Lowe discovers his maternal family's unexpected ties to early American history.
- DirectorSarah FeltesStarsRita BogdonovaKirsten FermaglichDavid FreelandRashida Jones uncovers her maternal family history from Manhattan to Eastern Europe.
- DirectorEddie SchmidtStarsMocean MelvinJason SudeikisSaturday Night Live's Jason Sudeikis goes on a long jopurney to uncover his father's family history.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsPaula DeenMocean MelvinCelebrated Chef Paula Deen embarks on a search to find out just how deep her Southern roots go.
- StarsChristina ApplegateRobert ApplegateCherie LunghiActress Christina Applegate investigates her paternal grandmother - a stranger to her and her father. Uncovering dramatic details along the way, Christina gains insight into the life and hardships of the woman she and her father loved, but never knew.
- StarsKelly ClarksonMocean MelvinCherie LunghiDouble-platinum singer Kelly Clarkson, explores her lineage and uncovers an ancestor deeply rooted in American history. Coming face-to-face with her 3x great grandfather's wartime bravery and sacrifice, she finds a connection deeper than ever imagined.
- StarsAndrea BentschneiderChelsea HandlerGlen HandlerMedia mogul Chelsea Handler confronts a deep family secret: her Grandfather's rumored Nazi past. As she dives into her family's struggle to survive in a desperate time, the details uncovered will finally confirm or deny his affiliation to the dark regime.
- StarsZooey DeschanelMocean MelvinCherie LunghiActress Zooey Deschanel seeks to learn the truth about her Quaker ancestors and their involvement in the anti-slavery movement.
- StarsChris O'DonnellMocean MelvinCherie LunghiIn memory of his late father, actor Chris O'Donnell investigates the paternal side of his family and finds ancestors on the frontlines of American history. Chris explores a patriotic legacy and a family devotion that extends deeper than he ever imagined.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsCindy CrawfordMocean MelvinCherie LunghiModel Cindy Crawford travels to the United Kingdom to learn more about her ancestry including possible genealogical connections to European royalty.
- StarsMocean MelvinTrisha YearwoodSince her parents passed, country singer Trisha Yearwood knows little about her paternal side of the family. Her search for a deeper family connection takes Trisha to England, where she uncovers an ancestor's history of crime, loss, and perseverance.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsJim ParsonsMocean MelvinCherie LunghiIn tribute to his late father, actor Jim Parsons explores the ancestors on his paternal side of the family. The journey takes Jim to Louisiana and eventually France, where he discovers generations of his forefathers who made an indelible mark in history.
- StarsMocean MelvinCynthia NixonActress Cynthia Nixon searches for answers in her paternal line, and truth becomes stranger than fiction when a mystery of deceit and murder slowly unfolds in relation her 3x great-grandmother.
- StarsTerrence ColeBob FergusonJesse Tyler FergusonAward winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson thought he came from a "nice, boring family" until he digs into his ancestry and follows the life of his great-grandfather; a gilded age hustler that trouble seemed to follow at every turn.
- 2010– 43mTV-PG8.0 (38)TV EpisodeStarsKayleen McAdamsRachel McAdamsRachel McAdams and Kayleen McAdams discover an English ancestor surrounded by a privileged world, but forced to separate from those he loved; they connect with relatives uprooted by war, and uncover the harrowing circumstances behind their Canadian roots.
- DirectorHeather RossStarsCynthia NixonRachel McAdamsKayleen McAdamsValerie Bertinelli goes on the hunt to unlock her family's mysteries. She tracks down courageous ancestors who suffered through hardship and tragedy, and discovers a royal lineage dating back centuries that she never dreamed possible.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsKelsey GrammerKelsey Grammer takes a trip into the past to explore his beloved grandmother's family. He uncovers the story of a woman haunted by demons, and finds a connection to family who risked everything in one of the greatest migrations in American history.
- StarsMocean Melvin
- DirectorHeather RossStarsAngie HarmonMocean MelvinActress Angie Harmon discovers a daring ancestor who gave up his freedom to come to America, fought for his new country's independence, and risked everything at a pivotal point in America's history.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsTony GoldwynMocean MelvinBeyond a family of Hollywood legends, actor/director Tony Goldwyn explores his maternal lineage. He is introduced to a heritage of political activism; a couple ahead of their time proudly fighting for abolition, women's rights and westward expansion.
- StarsAmerica FerreraMocean MelvinAmerica Ferrera searches for a connection to a father she barely knew, and discovers a great grandfather who led multiple revolts against the government and left an enduring mark on Honduran history.
- DirectorJyllian GuntherStarsBill PaxtonMocean MelvinActor/Director Bill Paxton researches his paternal lineage, uncovering the captivating life of an ancestor who was a war hero in an historic battle and who shaped politics and society during a turbulent era.
- StarsJulie Chen MoonvesMocean MelvinJulie Chen never knew her maternal grandfather; he died long before Julie was born. All she had heard was that he was a wealthy playboy with a rags-to-riches story. Julie sets out for rural China to learn more about his life and uncovers a dramatic tale.
- DirectorJyllian GuntherStarsJosh GrobanMocean MelvinJosh Groban traces his ancestors' roots to Germany. He discovers a relative who was not only a deacon, but also a music teacher & well-known astronomer. But Josh's ancestor's predictions of cataclysmic doom put him in the crosshairs of the church.
- DirectorJyllian GuntherStarsAlfre WoodardAlfre Woodard goes on a journey searching for her grandfather's roots, and finds a relative who endured one of the most horrifying periods in American history, but accomplished an extraordinary feat.
- StarsSean HayesMocean MelvinScott IcenogleActor/Producer Sean Hayes searches for the cause of his estranged father's troubled past and uncovers a shocking trail of tragedy and crime that reaches back generations.
- StarsBryan CranstonBryan Cranston's happy childhood shattered when his father abandoned the family when Bryan was just 11. Seeking answers, Bryan explores his paternal roots, finds a troubling pattern of desertion, a man of honor and an aunt he never even knew existed.
- StarsTom BergeronTV host Tom Bergeron unravels the mysterious history of his paternal roots in France, following Marguerite, his 9x great grandmother, who endured upheaval as a young girl and faced a critical decision to go against her Protestant upbringing for survival.
- StarsAisha TylerAisha Tyler's journey reveals an ancestor who, as a politician, struggled to keep his illegitimate son a secret. Against all odds, her 2x great-grandfather exemplifies bravery and determination during one of America's most tumultuous eras of racism.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsMelissa EtheridgeMocean MelvinJennifer DavisMelissa Etheridge digs into her French roots and finds a family shaken by a scandalous lawsuit; a turbulent relationship entangled with tragedy; and an adventuresome ancestor who prospered in colonial America.
- StarsThea Walden BakerGinnifer GoodwinJoseph SpillaneActress Ginnifer Goodwin delves into a family secret in hopes of connecting her father with the grandparents he never knew. She is shocked to find dark and turbulent lives filled with drug addiction and life-altering consequences.
- StarsJ.K. RowlingJK Rowling sets off on a journey to uncover her maternal French roots. She stumbles upon a family mystery, and uncovers a harrowing tale of wartime heroism, then discovers the actions of a brave ancestor.
- DirectorJyllian GuntherStarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenJennifer Grey discovers much more about the grandfather she thought she knew as she uncovers how he survived adversity to become a beacon of his community; and discovers a great-grandmother whose devastating tragedy stopped her from making it to America.
- This special episode digs into its archives and features highlights throughout the seasons including triumphs and tragedies, delightful discoveries and sobering moments. It also unveils outtakes and never-before-seen footage from the "Who Do" vault.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenJessica Biel finds that the family lore of native American ancestry is false. She learns that she has some Jewish ancestors. She also learns that the family lore about an ancestor who fought in the civil war for the south surrendered to union troops and was shot in the back during a prison break is true.
- StarsKyle J. BetitScott FoleyTracing his patriotic roots, Scott Foley finds a relative who risked his life for one of America's founding fathers, and an ancestor who suffered unspeakably during one of this nation's darkest times.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsBob HopeKatey SagalKatey Sagal has an emotional and insightful meeting with her mother's friend and fellow USO performer. Katey also finds a surprising link to the Amish and uncovers the harrowing story of her relative's daring escape from attackers.
- StarsMolly RingwaldMolly Ringwald explores family lore of Swedish royalty, which uncovers her ancestors' harrowing lives and reveals women who suffered through unspeakable tragedies, and one brave immigrant who forever changed her family's fate.
- StarsChris NothSex and the City Star Chris Noth headed to County Cavan last week to trace his Irish roots. Noth discovered that his great-grandfather was from Cavan, and left home for Canada around 1840. Grandpa's surname was Maguire, and he was originally from Knockbride. Noth visited the Cavan Library to do some research.
- DirectorJyllian GuntherStarsLea MicheleLea Michele unravels secrets of her Jewish roots, discovering a great-grandmother lost without a country; relatives fighting to be together; ancestors suffering devastating loss; and long lost family reuniting after decades of separation.
- StarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenActress Courteney Cox explores her family history.
- StarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenJulie Bowen makes the discovery that a close relative led a criminal organization that triggered a dark chapter of US history; another ancestor risked everything to fight for the freedom of African Americans.
- StarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenNoah Wyle investigates his maternal family line, discovering an ancestor who was catapulted into one of America's biggest wars, and whose life spiraled out of control from remarkable success to a shocking and tragic end.
- StarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenMotown legend and icon, Smokey Robinson tracks down a grandfather tangled in a swirl of controversy and connects to a relative's familiar struggle with oppression while coming face to face with the gruesome history he knew was inevitable.
- StarsKen RogersCourteney CoxJulie BowenActor John Stamos explores his Greek heritage for the first time and discovers an explosive feud that shattered his grandfather's childhood. He also meets a relative he never knew and hears firsthand about his family's enduring strength.
- StarsCourteney CoxJulie BowenSmokey RobinsonActress Liv Tyler unravels the mystery of her father Steven Tyler's maternal family line; uncovering ancestors who took part in famous American battles. She also learns shocking truths that change the way she will see herself, and her family, forever.
- StarsKen RogersJon CryerMolly ShannonActor Jon Cryer looks into his family tree in order to gain better understanding of who he is & where he came from.
- StarsLaverne CoxKen RogersActress and activist Laverne Cox pieces together the inspiring life of her African American ancestor, who challenged societal norms and bravely pushed the boundaries just years after Emancipation.
- DirectorDavid GardnerStarsKen RogersJon CryerMolly ShannonMegan Mullally explores a shocking pattern of dysfunction in her father's line. She finds her 2 times great-grandmother was bravely defying societal norms in order to fight for her family's survival, while struggling to hang on to her own sanity.
- StarsNick BarrattDouglas BurgessHaylie DuffActress Hilary Duff uncovers the tale of an ancestor who bravely led an American colony to battle a notorious gang of pirates. She dives centuries deep into her Scottish roots and is shocked to discover that she descends from a heroic medieval king.
- DirectorHeather RossStarsKen RogersMolly ShannonActress Molly Shannon heads to Ireland in search of her mother's unknown family tree. She finds desperate ancestors forced to choose between their faith and survival; uncovers a family legacy of bravery; and meets Irish cousins for the first time.
- StarsKen RogersJean SmartActress Jean Smart uncovers the curious tale of an unconventional ancestor in colonial Massachusetts, who got her children entangled in her own thievery ring and later faced execution when she was accused of witchcraft.
- DirectorCraig EkedahlStarsMandy MooreActress Mandy Moore is shocked to discover ancestors that lived in Australia, and travels far, determined to unlock the mystery of how they got there. She's touched by the courage of those who made the journey and the sacrifice of those who did not.
- StarsJosh DuhamelJoanne PaulActor Josh Duhamel travels to England to investigate the extraordinary life of his twelve times great-grandfather and uncovers a shocking, dark twist of interrogation and torture that rocks his belief system to the core.
- DirectorHeather RossStarsRegina KingActress Regina King investigates her maternal family tree and uncovers an ancestor who was a radical civil rights activist in Alabama; a man who came out of slavery, endured horrific violence, but never stopped fighting for his people.