Readers of this blog know that I love historical dramas. I even tolerate the "historical" dramas from TVB. I love historical dramas because it is a fun way to learn about history. TV puts a face to the characters in history, which makes it much more interesting to research and read about those same historical figures and events. Then I write Historical Context posts to share what I have learned.
Which brings me to one of my favourite American TV shows - Timeless. Timeless is a time-travelling adventure series where a team of heroes travels back in time to stop bad guys from changing history (they should really stop by TVB's studios first). Each episode features a new time period and new historical figure or event. Some of the historical characters we have met include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, and Marie Curie. But the writers don't just focus on well-known figures. They also shine a light on lesser known people who have made important contributions. Do you know who Alice Paul or Robert Johnson are? I didn't until they were featured in Timeless. What's more impressive is that the show has a real historian on set to ensure the history is accurate. The crew also go to great lengths to build realistic sets (for example, they rebuilt the Ford Theatre for an episode portraying the assassination of Abraham Lincoln) and find costumes that are appropriate for the time period.
Sadly, NBC has cancelled Timeless twice in two years. After the first season, NBC cancelled the show, only to reverse its decision after huge fan outcry. But NBC cancelled it again after its second season and fans have been working tirelessly for weeks to save the show. They have tweeted, sent gifts and postcards to the networks, and even raised over $20,000 to fund a helicopter that will fly over the San Diego Comic-Con with a huge #SaveTimeless banner. Fan campaigns have successfully saved other cancelled shows before. Hopefully, it can save Timeless too.
Timeless is a rare show that is brilliant, educational, fun, and intriguing, all in one package. If you like history as much as I do, give it a try! And if you like the show, be sure to let the networks know! (Timeless fans have been focusing on tweeting Amazon Studios and the History Channel. I personally think the show is perfect for the History Channel.)