Colonial House

Watch Colonial House

  • 2004
  • 1 Season
  • 7.5  (240)

Colonial House is an exciting and intriguing reality show that aired on PBS Documentaries in 2004. The show follows the journey of a group of 21 contemporary people who leave their modern lives behind to recreate the daily struggles and triumphs of colonists who settled in the New World during the seventeenth century. The show explores the challenges that these modern-day colonists face as they attempt to establish a self-sufficient community in the heart of rural Maine.

The show stars Kathryn Walker, a renowned actress who plays the role of a colonial governor's wife. Throughout the series, Kathryn guides the colonists and helps them to navigate the challenges of life in the seventeenth century. The colonists are a diverse group of people from all over America, ranging in age from 18 to 71. They come from a range of backgrounds and professions, including doctors, teachers, engineers, and construction workers.

The show takes place over several months, and viewers get to watch as the colonists build their homes and establish their community. The first challenge that the colonists face is building their cabins. With no power tools or modern machinery, the colonists must rely on traditional methods of construction to build their homes. They cut down trees and use hand tools to create the framework of their cabins. Once the cabins are built, the colonists must then clear the land around them to make room for crops and livestock.

As the seasons change, the colonists face new challenges. They must learn how to plant and harvest crops, gather food from the forest, and hunt and fish for meat. They must also learn how to prepare and preserve food for the harsh winter months. Throughout the series, the colonists face many setbacks and challenges, including illness, injury, and conflicts between members of the community.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the relationships that develop between the colonists. With no external distractions like television or the internet, the colonists develop close bonds with each other. They rely on each other for companionship and support during the long and difficult days of life in the seventeenth century. Throughout the series, viewers get to watch as these relationships evolve and change.

Throughout the show, the colonists are visited by historians and experts in seventeenth-century history. These experts provide insight into the challenges that the real colonists faced and offer advice and guidance to the modern-day colonists. Viewers get to learn about the struggles that the real colonists faced as they attempted to establish a new life in the New World. The experts also provide context for the events of the show, helping viewers to understand the significance of the challenges that the colonists face.

Overall, Colonial House is an excellent show that offers viewers a fascinating look into the challenges of life in the seventeenth century. The show is beautifully shot and features a talented and engaging cast. Kathryn Walker is particularly excellent in her role as the governor's wife, providing insight and guidance to the colonists throughout the show. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or the challenges of living off the land. Overall, Colonial House is a fascinating and thought-provoking look into a fascinating period in American history.

Colonial House is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on May 17, 2004.

Colonial House
Filter by Source

Seasons
Judgment Day
8. Judgment Day
May 25, 2004
The colonists say farewell to Colonial House, but first there's a final dinner for some honored guests--their "assessors" among them. They'll judge the colonists as they will, but Gov. Heinz is satisfied that he has overseen a successful community. Then it's back to the 21st century for showers, followed by reflections.
The Reckoning
7. The Reckoning
May 25, 2004
As the experiment enters its final weeks, Gov. Heinz is optimistic and makes plans for "creative" projects. This breeds resentment among servants who must split logs and women who must cook. Meanwhile, a contingent of Native Americans has set up camp on a hill overlooking the colony. They're resentful too--of European colonialism.
Shake Up
6. Shake Up
May 24, 2004
The shakeup continues as Colonial House Company sends its "cape merchant," Jack Lecza, to the colony to make it more businesslike. Jack's full of good ideas, and he isn't a tyrant. Meanwhile, Michelle Voorhees' refusal to attend Sunday services has become an issue again, since her husband John has been chosen as the new assistant governor.
Regime Change
5. Regime Change
May 18, 2004
It's August and the Verdecia house is finished but food supplies are dwindling and a torpor pervades the colony. "We're not living up to ourselves," says freeman Don Wood at Sunday services. Then Gov. Wyers announces that he and his family must leave because his daughter has been hospitalized in Texas. Who'll take his place? That's not all that the shakeup will entail.
The Outsiders
4. The Outsiders
May 18, 2004
Reinforcements arrive, almost doubling the colony's population. That means more hands, but also more mouths to feed and cramped living quarters. So Gov. Wyers decides to build another house. Meanwhile, freeman Dominic leaves the colony for two days, Amy-Kristina leaves for good, and indentured servant Jonathan takes Don and Carolyn into his confidence in a manner he'd be unlikely to use in 1628.
City of God
3. City of God
May 18, 2004
Gov. Wyers returns alone five weeks after the death of daughter Bethany's fiance, ready attempt to turn the colony into the idealized Puritan "city on the hill." But it won't be easy to enforce 17th-century laws, particularly the one mandating church attendance. The Voorhees family goes skinny dipping instead the first week, and it's clear that the requirement is unenforceable.
Harsh Reality
2. Harsh Reality
May 17, 2004
It's June, but it's still cold at night, by day there are mosquitos and maize must be planted. Lay minister Don Heinz has a tough congregation, not all of whom are believers. At least the Native Americans are friendly, and several arrive bearing a gift: a muskrat to eat and rationed beer. But then a tragedy strikes the governor's family and the colonists lose their focus.
A New World
1. A New World
May 17, 2004
It's 1628 and 25 colonists are sailing for the colony they'll call home for five months. It's cold and damp on-board, but they'll have to get used to that. They'll also have to get used to illness, having to go to the bathroom in the woods and dealing with Native Americans. And they must get used to backbreaking work. "Every minute," moans one woman---and she's the governor's wife.
Description
Where to Watch Colonial House
Colonial House is available for streaming on the PBS Documentaries website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Colonial House on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    May 17, 2004
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (240)