I was very excited to learn that NBC is bringing back the docuseries Who Do You Think You Are. According to this article in the Hollywood Reporter, it will make its premiere on July 10. The subjects for the upcoming season season are Allison Janney, Zachary Levi, Nick Offerman, Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto and Bradley Whitford.
Co-produced by Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, the show aired on NBC from 2010 to 2012 before moving to the cable network TLC, where it aired from 2013 until 2018. I don’t have cable, so I wasn’t really able watch it on TLC. I’m delighted that it’s back and easy to find on NBC.
One thing I like about WDYTYA is that the celebrity subjects whose family histories are traced are more involved in the research process (as compared with, say, Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.) I feel that approach makes doing genealogy on your own feel more possible. The very first episode I watched, in 2011, featured Ashley Judd. It was a thrill for me because she and I shared a Mayflower ancestor, William Brewster (at least I’d been told I was descended from him–I still need to verify that). I was just starting with genealogy back then and that episode opened my eyes to the fun possibilities of genealogy research.
I look forward to the return and I hope it sparks passion and curiosity in other beginner genealogists as it did in me!
I’m tickled to hear this, especially about seeing Nick Offerman of Parks & Rec as one of their guests. Thanks, NBC!
My son from my first marriage is also a descendant of William Brewster. I wish there was a named Facebook group for us all to ask questions and pass on information.
If you can’t find one, then start one. I joined one for those trying to prove their Mayflower ancestry but I notice that there are hardly any questions and those usually get shut down. I’ll support the group but don’t have time to run a group right now.
I am related to about 8 Mayflower passengers
I love this show, I am so excited that it’s coming back
So excited to hear about Allison Janney’s Mayflower connection to William Brewster. I recently learned that he is my 11th great grandfather through my fraternal grandmother, Vera Winters Johnston. Fortunately, that side of the family has strong Mormon ties, which means a strong connection to genealogy. The Mormons are driven to dig up all the old relatives. Anyhow, as I’m sitting here watching old West Wing episodes, I can now look upon Allison as my cousin several times removed. Hooray!
Hello, cousin! I haven’t had a chance to watch the Allison Janney episode yet, I’m thrilled to know that she, along with Ashley Judd, is descended from William Brewster. It definitely brings the show to life, doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to watching it and it prompts me to get busy verifying my connection to William Brewster.