BellaOnline Forums Family Genealogy Who Do You Think You Are?

Are you watching WDYTYA? What do you think about this type of show? Would you like to see it become a regular weekly feature? Who would you like to see featured? Is there a research situation you would like to see talked about?

What have you liked best so far? I really could related to alot of what Sarah Jessica Parker was feeling as we had similar situations arise. I was really touched by Emmitt Smith's story. It was so sad to me that he could visit the "white" graves and only look out into the thick forested trees and just imagine where "his" ancestor might be buried.

Would love to hear your ideas about the show.

Tina

I missed episode #2 - wasn't home.

Jessica Parker annoyed me as she was a bit too theatrical. Perhaps I have been doing this too long.

The story line is a lot like History Detectives, a show I really like. The hosts on WDYTYA do not tell you how much work goes into searching these histories.

I would like to know:


* how did they chose their subjects?
* will they have examples of brick walls (altho' you indicated Emmitt Smith's line had a brick wall)?
* will the hosts emphasize that she may have gone to the locations to see the records and places, she really didn't do any of the work?

I also feel they need to let the "public" know you can't get all this info in less than an hour. Hehe. They had researchers spend weeks getting this together for the show.

Also, you do not handle these old documents with your hands. You wear gloves, etc.

Not all of us can just pick up and travel to where the records are, although that is on my "wish list".

I also wondered how this show picked their subjects. I know Lisa is one of the producers and was involved in the overseas version and maybe she knows these people?

I know for now they pick "famous" people to get our attention. But, for a weekly show, it would be great to go to different places and do the average person from different ethnic groups. Maybe follow someone week to week doing the process to show how long it can take and we can experience their joys and frustrations.

Tina

I haven't heard of this show but it sounds fascinating.

Catch it tonight - 8 pm EST. Lisa Kudrow's family history is featured.

I enjoyed tonite alow. But, I wish there were not so many commercials. Plus, each time they return from a commercial they repeat the previous info, like we had time to forget.

I would rather see more research done vs the repeating info. But, still give it a thumbs up episode. Very sad, but ended on a good note.

Look forward to next Friday nite.

The episode was quite an historical eye-opener. You're right, it did have a happy ending.

One good thing that came from this episode, there are a lot of records out there - you need to ask questions about what is available.

The commercials and review of each segment does grate; documentaries use that formula.

Sounds like a very interesting show. I will have to try and catch it next time.

Brooke Shields has quite a heritage.

Yes, she does. While I have enjoyed all the shows, I really enjoyed Emmitt Smith and Matthew's the most so far. I felt more in common with Sarah as my husband had ancestor that was also convicted and killed during the Salem Witch Trials. I am so happy the show has been picked up for another season.

Tina