Surviving History

Watch Surviving History

  • 2008
  • 1 Season
  • 8.8  (29)

Surviving History is a documentary-style television show that premiered on the History Channel in 2008. The series follows a team of historians and survival experts as they recreate historical events and examine how people survived in difficult situations throughout history. Each episode centers around a particular event or period, including everything from the American Revolution to the sinking of the Titanic.

The show is presented in a semi-documentary style, with the experts providing commentary and contextual information throughout the reenactments. The team uses authentic equipment and techniques from each time period to simulate the challenges faced by historical figures. For example, in one episode, the team recreates an 1830s fur trapping expedition and must deal with harsh weather conditions and dangerous wildlife while living in a primitive encampment.

One of the most interesting aspects of Surviving History is the way it blends real historical events with the survivalist ethos of modern reality TV shows. The series combines educational content with high-stakes drama, as the team must compete against each other and the natural environment to survive. In each episode, the team is faced with a set of challenges that they must overcome to complete their objectives, whether that's escaping a burning building or navigating a treacherous iceberg field. This creates a sense of tension and urgency that makes the show compelling to watch.

The show is hosted by Dave Canterbury, a survival expert and former US Army soldier, and Cody Lundin, a primitive skills expert and wilderness survival instructor. The two hosts bring different perspectives to the show, with Canterbury emphasizing practical shortcuts and techniques while Lundin focuses on more traditional methods of survival. This contrast creates a dynamic between the hosts that makes the show engaging, as viewers can see two different approaches to similar challenges.

One of the strengths of Surviving History is its attention to detail. The show's producers work closely with historians to ensure that the events depicted in each episode are as accurate as possible. The team uses authentic clothing, equipment, and tools from each time period, and expert consultants are on hand to ensure that everything is historically accurate. This level of detail helps to create a sense of immersion for viewers, who can envision themselves in the same situations as the historical figures being depicted.

Another interesting aspect of the show is the way it explores the idea of resilience and adaptability. In each episode, the team must overcome challenges that would be difficult for anyone, let alone historical figures living in vastly different circumstances. This creates a sense of awe and respect for the people who survived these events in real life, as well as an appreciation for the basic human qualities of resilience and determination.

Overall, Surviving History is an engaging and educational series that combines elements of documentary-style programming with the high-stakes drama of modern reality TV. The show's attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a must-watch for history buffs, while the survivalist challenges and competition aspect make it entertaining for a broader audience. Whether you're interested in history, survivalism, or just enjoy a good adventure, Surviving History is well worth a watch.

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Seasons
Season 1, Episode 9
9. Season 1, Episode 9
July 20, 2008
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 8
8. Season 1, Episode 8
July 12, 2008
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 7
7. Season 1, Episode 7
July 12, 2008
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 6
6. Season 1, Episode 6
July 12, 2008
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 5
5. Season 1, Episode 5
July 12, 2008
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 4
4. Season 1, Episode 4
 
Summary is not available.
Season 1, Episode 3
3. Season 1, Episode 3
June 29, 2008
Summary is not available.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
June 22, 2008
The guys at The Scarefactory explore a variety of military tactics spanning the last two-thousand years. Chad, an Army veteran who recently finished a tour of duty in Iraq, examines technological breakthroughs in missile launching stratagems dating back to Ancient Rome. Kermit navigates into the 17th century to study the disciplinary measures of the British Navy with the Cat o' Nine Tails, while Rob tackles a 20th century human-knotting experiment implemented during the Vietnam War known as The Pretzel.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
June 15, 2008
Master craftsmen from The Scarefactory in Columbus, Ohio survey the past to experience the most inventive devices and technologies ever created. In the series premiere, the Scarefactory's trek through history guides them to the macabre world of the Middle Ages. Chad explores the heinous mythology of one of the most infamous torture devices ever conceived, the Iron Maiden. Kermit brings his fabricating ingenuity to a lesser-known tool of medieval punishment, the Iron Boot, while Josh breaks away from the group to investigate Ancient China's early use of gunpowder with Rocket-propelled Fire Arrows.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    June 15, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (29)