Could someone explain why Swamp People is on the “History” channel (along with Pawn Stars, Finding Bigfoot, American Pickers, Ancient Aliens, etc.)? Then again, there’s no music on Music Television. South Park got it right again... The History Channel, where the TRUTH is History!
I liked it better when it was The Hitler Channel.
I thought about your question and I can only come up with one answer for why Swamp People is on the History Channel. It is because it is a tradition (i.e. alligator hunting) that goes back hundreds of years. During the show, some old snapshots are shown and the Swampers discuss the tradition. Pawn Stars and American Pickers “educate” the viewer on some of the antiques found. The items aren’t “ancient” history... but history nonetheless. As for Ancient Aliens and Finding Bigfoot.... no idea whatsoever.
There seems to be a lot more history on the Military channel.
Because those shows win them higher ratings, and commensurately higher advertising dollars, than their straight history shows ever did. Add in the fact that reality-type shows are cheaper to produce than the historical reenactment shows, and it's simple economics.
Quite a few of the shows are showing History but not in a dull lecturing documentary type setting. Pawn Stars has several history experts on it each episode and is good for old firearms history etc. American Pickers also goes into extensive history. If you'll notice the Pickers Mike and Frank are very knowledgeable about the history of many things they see. Yes they have even found pre-historic bones. Swamp People? Last night the Houma {sp} tribe father and son team were showing 200 plus year old techniques their tribes forefathers had used to hook Gators without metal hooks. Troy was showing his son the area his family had settled in the late 1700's.
Discovery and History do have shows you can learn from. Their shows in general sure beat whats on regular network these days.