Watch Who Do You Think You Were?

Who Do You Think You Were? was a British genealogy documentary series produced by Channel 4 that premiered in 2010. Each episode of the show followed a celebrity as they traced their family history in an attempt to uncover the secrets of their past. The series was presented by historian and broadcaster Dr. Nick Barratt.

In each episode, the celebrity subject would start their journey by discovering details of their ancestry through birth certificates and census records. The show would then launch into a journey that would take them across the world in search of hidden family stories and long lost relatives.

The series was unique in that it followed the genealogy process comprehensively, meaning that it featured in-depth interviews with both the subjects of the show and their relatives, who were often equally intrigued by the discoveries being made. The show provided a glimpse into a world previously unknown to many, as it showed how genealogists pieced together information from all manner of sources, from church records to military archives.

One of the biggest draws of the show was the wide range of celebrities that were featured. Over the course of the series, actors, politicians, musicians, and other public figures were all featured, each of whom had a unique story to uncover. Among the most memorable episodes were those that allowed the subjects to connect with ancestors who lived in the same profession or industry as them, such as food writer Nigella Lawson, who discovered that both her parents had worked in catering, and comedian Julian Clary, who learned that his great-grandfather had run a travelling circus.

The show offered a mix of emotional and humorous moments, as the celebrities not only uncovered dark family secrets and long lost relatives but also learned more about their ancestors' hopes, dreams, and struggles. One of the most poignant examples was the episode where author Barbara Taylor Bradford learned that her father had been responsible for the death of his wife in a car accident. The discovery rocked her, and the audience saw her come to terms with the revelation alongside her family.

In addition to the celebrities' stories, the show also delved into different historical events that shaped the lives of the subjects' ancestors. Episodes focused on everything from wars and revolutions to natural disasters and epidemics. Some of these events proved to be significant turning points in the lives of the celebrities themselves, showing how their ancestor's journey shaped their own.

The show was praised for its excellent production values and attention to detail, with critics noting that it was "a series that sets the bar for genealogy-based entertainment." Viewers were also impressed by the many different stories on offer, with many following the series avidly, eager to see what new revelations each episode would bring.

Who Do You Think You Were? ran for nine series between 2010 and 2017 and remains one of the most acclaimed and well-loved genealogy shows of all time. Its success helped to spark a renewed interest in family history, with many viewers inspired to start their own research and trace their own roots. Its legacy continues with similar shows being made across different platforms worldwide.