Okay, I will be the first to admit that this will be an odd post. An historian discussing a television show? Yes. Because the show in question makes history interesting for both adults and kids alike. The premise of a time-travelling team out to save history from a shadow organization seems incredible, but this show works! It breaks one of the laws of time-travel (change nothing) and at the same time introduces people to little-known and well-known historic figures. This show is my secret pleasure (well, probably not so secret if you’ve been following my Twitter feed.)
Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled. Everyone to whom I’ve introduced the show has loved it – often binge-watching episodes. Timeless has won numerous fan awards; the Smithsonian magazine even reviews it! There are historical societies trying to save it. So, why was it cancelled? Only NBC can tell you that. However, I don’t want to waste this post bemoaning the show’s demise. I wanted to tell you about the show so that you could have a chance to watch it before it is taken off television altogether.
While it has been cancelled, fans of the show are desperately trying to save it by campaigning Netflix, Amazon or Hulu to pick it up. I think it would be a great fit for the History channel. I would love to hear from my readers on this. If you’ve watched the show, where do you think it would fit best?
One of the best things about the show is the diversity and courage of the figures portrayed in each episode. I don’t think I could say it any better than this article does.
If the show gets picked up, I hope the writers will include an episode with Richard III. I think the complex nature of this king would be a great fit for this series. Imagine an episode where the time team saves Richard at Bosworth? Or where they find out who really killed the princes?
I usually keep this blog very business-like, but today I thought I would open up about something (besides medieval history and Richard III) that I am passionate about – and that would be this compelling, engrossing, dynamic show.
Thanks for letting me veer slightly off track – soon back to history.
