Time Team America (PBS)

In TIME TEAM AMERICA, a group of scientists visits dig sites throughout the country to uncover vital archaeological clues. Using both high-tech equipment and help from local scientific and cultural experts, the team races against a 72-hour time limit to find answers to long-standing questions about the sites and their inhabitants. Host Colin Campbell also serves as the resident artist, putting the experts’ suppositions to paper as they interpret clues and develop a picture of the site’s history. 

This intriguing series opens viewers' eyes to the exciting possibilities of modern-day archaeology by allowing them a bird’s-eye view of the entire process. There’s a surprising element of suspense throughout the show as the team anticipates their discovery and slowly pieces together clues. On a fundamental level, the experts also demonstrate the scientific process in action, from identifying a problem to theorizing an outcome, testing their results, and (as is often the case) adjusting their conclusion.

Time Team America is a worthwhile choice for families because it mixes entertainment with education and exposes viewers of all ages to the possibilities of science. What’s more, the show’s United States setting reminds us that we don’t have to look very far to find links to the past -- and might inspire budding archaeologists among young viewers.

TV Rating: TV-G
Network: PBS
Cast: Colin Campbell
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: PBS