What You Don't Know with Sean Astin

Watch What You Don't Know with Sean Astin

  • 2019
  • 1 Season

What You Don't Know with Sean Astin is a documentary-style series produced by Mediajuice Studios and hosted by actor Sean Astin. In each episode, Astin explores a different historical event or cultural phenomenon, delving into the lesser-known facts and untold stories that may change our understanding of these topics.

The show is divided into segments that cover a specific aspect of the topic at hand. For example, one episode may explore the role of Native American code talkers in World War II, with segments on their history, their impact on the war effort, and the cultural significance of their contributions. Another episode might focus on the cultural origins of hip hop, with segments on its African American roots, the evolution of the style, and its impact on popular music.

Throughout each episode, Astin serves as both guide and narrator, offering his own insights and perspectives on the material being covered. He also interviews experts in the relevant fields, including historians, academics, and cultural figures, who share their own knowledge and expertise with viewers. These interviews are interspersed throughout the segments, helping to build a nuanced and multi-faceted perspective on each topic.

One of the strengths of What You Don't Know with Sean Astin is its commitment to tackling difficult topics and exploring nuance. Whether exploring the history of American espionage or the origins of the internet, the show is unafraid to grapple with complex issues and challenge common assumptions. This is reflected in the caliber of the experts interviewed on the show, whose insights often reveal surprising and illuminating details.

At the same time, the show is presented in an engaging and accessible format. Astin's enthusiasm and energy are infectious, and his passion for the topics he covers is evident in every episode. The show's production values are also top-notch, with expert videography, animation, and music helping to bring each segment to life.

Ultimately, What You Don't Know with Sean Astin is a compelling and thought-provoking look at some of the most important events and cultural phenomena of our time. By challenging our assumptions and presenting new perspectives, it helps to deepen our understanding of the world around us and the forces that have shaped it. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or just someone looking for a great story, this show is definitely worth checking out.

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Seasons
Kirby's Case
10. Kirby's Case
February 21, 2020
Kirby earned his name from the late John Kirby, a lawyer who helped Nintendo out of a legal tight spot against Hollywood heavyweight Universal Studios. Featuring Donkey Kong, King Kong, and an adorable pink cartoon bubble. This one's a doozy!
The Konami Code
9. The Konami Code
February 14, 2020
Up up down down left right... you get it. We all know the Konami Code. But why does it exist in the first place? And do videogame developers know how to play their own games? Soon you'll know... and knowing is half the battle!
The Unstoppable Gameboy
8. The Unstoppable Gameboy
February 7, 2020
Nintendo's Gameboy was so durable that one of them survived a barracks bombing during the first Gulf War! What made the world-famous handheld device so special? And why do all of our devices break so easily these days? Warning: This episode contains trace amounts of Tetris.
A Mortal Rating
7. A Mortal Rating
January 31, 2020
Mortal Kombat was so violent that the videogame industry made a whole rating system just to sell it! Discover former Senator Joe Lieberman's campaign against violent games that led to the formation of the ESRB. But wait - what does Captain Kangaroo have to do with this?
The Sega Dreamcast
6. The Sega Dreamcast
January 24, 2020
Sega Dreamcast was the first console capable of online gaming. But where did the Dreamcast come from? And where did Sega go? Sean Astin will let you know!
Landlord Mario
5. Landlord Mario
January 17, 2020
Mario got his name from Nintendo's former landlord! Learn about the missed rent payment that changed videogame history, and discover why Mario looks the way he does, in this week's delightful new episode. It's-a-Me!
Goldeneye's Multiplayer
4. Goldeneye's Multiplayer
January 10, 2020
Goldeneye 007 is famous for its multiplayer mode, and ushering in a whole new era for videogames. But - get this - multiplayer wasn't even supposed to be in the game! If reading that doesn't leave you shaken AND stirred, you WILL be by the time you've seen this episode.
The DirectX Box
3. The DirectX Box
January 3, 2020
Sean Astin explains "What You Don't Know" about Xbox, which originally went by a different name. Several, in fact! Meet Ed Fries (pronounced "freeze"), Microsoft's Xbox pioneer, and learn how his team brought the Xbox into the mainstream. No, really - it's pronounced "Freeze!"
Pok
2. Pok
December 27, 2019
Who's that Pok
The Nintendo PlayStation
1. The Nintendo PlayStation
December 20, 2019
Nintendo & Sony once worked together on a PlayStation console! Journey into videogame history to learn how these two titans of the industry worked to bring the "Nintendo Play...Station" to life. Can you imagine?
Description
  • Premiere Date
    December 20, 2019