BBC TV "WDYTYA?" Series 6 Episode #1: Rory Bremner

[pjbuk007]

That's just the point, Nick.  many of us on here are Family Historians rather than Genealogists, so the programme appeals to us.

I do genealogy too, trying to read old latin hands, parish records etc, but like many my main interest is not pedigree but unravelling the social history, along with a bit of One-Name-Studying.

And after all this is prime time TV; not academic research.

[skewbald]

But Andrew, if they did as you say the production team would miss out a lot more.
They would miss out on expences paid overnight trips in the U.K. and expences paid jollies to far flung places, that are quite often irrelevant.   

[justmej]

I would have been better watching ITV I forgot it was on Whitechapel

My grt grt Uncle and Justj's inspector John Stark was one of the inspectors on the case
Am I right with the grts justj

Elizabeth

Right Elizabeth!  Either great great uncle, or great grand uncle, whichever you prefer

I too watched Rory Bremner, but then wondered, if I would have enjoyed the other side better!

justmej 

[stonechat]

The program is about people's own journeys of discovery, though it would be nice if a little real genealogy was there

The central part of the program - about Rory's father was interesting, as he had no idea about his father's war and post-war activities

Bob

[Gillg]

How much did Rory actually know beforehand, I wonder?

For an impressionist his face was expressionless most of the time.

Gillg

[bevbee]

There's an article in today's Daily Mail Weekend magazine saying that Lisa Kudrow's (this is for Lydart - she's an actress who played Phoebe in "Friends"  ) production company is making an American version of WDYTYA, with Lisa as the first subject, tracing her ancestry in Belarus.

Susan Sarandon and Sarah Jessica Parker are also confirmed - I'd be interested to see the series - I wonder whether they'll ever show it over here. 

[Guy Etchells]

How much did Rory actually know beforehand, I wonder?

For an impressionist his face was expressionless most of the time.

Gillg

A lot was cut including, apparently, his many impressions.
Cheers
Guy

[Gillg]

I can believe that a lot was cut out.  I thought it was a very poorly edited programme.  No wonder Rory looked so blank all the time.  Where was the thrill of the chase that we family historians experience, even when our ancestors are but humble ag labs?

In his defence, he looked most animated when playing with his children, perhaps mindful of those absent fathers in his tree.

Gillg

[lahsunc]

There's an article in today's Daily Mail Weekend magazine saying that Lisa Kudrow's (this is for Lydart - she's an actress who played Phoebe in "Friends"  ) production company is making an American version of WDYTYA, with Lisa as the first subject, tracing her ancestry in Belarus.

Susan Sarandon and Sarah Jessica Parker are also confirmed - I'd be interested to see the series - I wonder whether they'll ever show it over here. 

According to the WDYTYA website, the BBC is planning to show this here.