Who Do You Think You Are? (NBC)

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? shadows seven American celebrities as they explore their genealogical roots and search for answers to questions that have long gone unanswered in their families. Sarah Jessica Parker, Emmitt Smith, and Spike Lee are among the participants who embark on life-changing journeys into the past, working with historical and genealogical experts to uncover clues to the lives of their ancestors. The stars travel the world to visit the places where their relatives lived, hoping to gain a better understanding of who they were, and ultimately where they themselves come from.

These fascinating stories take the stars -- and viewers -- on an emotional journey through momentous times in history, putting a very human face on the ambiguous players in events like the Civil War, the Holocaust, and slavery. At the same time, the emergence of the stars’ unlikely ties to important historical times inspire the concept of a deep interconnectedness within human race. After watching the show, viewers may be drawn to learn more about their own family’s heritage, which makes for an excellent project the entire family can share.

If a flaw is to be found, it would be in the show’s oversimplification of the sleuthing process itself. The celebrities have the benefit of working with some of the industry’s best experts, who (despite what it appears) have had time to unearth documents and other evidence before they even meet with the stars. While it’s true that the Internet has opened access to historical documents to regular people like never before, average citizens will find it takes quite a bit longer than it appears on the show.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: NBC
Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: NBC