The Story of Europe with Historian Dr. Christopher Clark
European history docu is rich in detail, imagery.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Story of Europe with Historian Dr. Christopher Clark
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Story of Europe with Historian Dr. Christopher Clark is a documentary series about human history on the European continent from its ancient beginnings to contemporary times. Conversations about wars, conflicts, slavery, and deaths are offered in an educational context, and avoid detailed accounts of human suffering. Brief reenactments of battle scenes and other key historical moments are cut short or sanitized, but on occasion blood is visible. At times people are shown drinking or smoking, and paintings and sculptures sometimes feature partially nude imagery. Unless they have a passion for history, kids probably won’t be too interested in watching.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE STORY OF EUROPE WITH HISTORIAN DR. CHRISTOPHER CLARK is a six-part documentary series about the evolution of the Europe as a site of complex political, economic, and cultural systems. Hosted by Cambridge University historian Dr. Christopher Clark, and with the help of footage of contemporary Europe and reenactments of historic milestones, it traces the continent’s early ancient Greek origins, and deconstructs how these beginnings continue to impact how it continues to shift and evolve. From the communication and creativity of Stone Age human activity, to endless wars, global conquests, and peacetime prosperity, it offers an in-depth look into what makes Europe what it is today.
Is It Any Good?
The fascinating, visually spectacular docuseries offers a detailed look at the history of Europe, and how centuries of human movement, discovery, and turmoil have shaped life on the continent today. From its beginnings in ancient Greece as a site of cultural mixing and democratic principles, to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rise of the European Union as an economic leader, the series discusses how the power struggles that led to the rise and fall of various political and economic systems resulted in the spread of Christianity and the integration of different cultures over time. It also highlights many of Europe’s great intellectual, artistic, military, and scientific achievements.
The overall series is full of fascinating information, and history buffs will revel in the details it offers. They will also appreciate how it debunks some of the myths that surround the continent's past (such as the idea that it is the place where Judeo-Christian values were born), and its acknowledgment of Europe's darker legacies, including global colonization and the formal establishment of the triangular slave trade. Granted, The Story of Europe with Historian Dr. Christopher Clark ends before the United Kingdom’s historic departure from the European Union, leaving the viewer wondering about what the next chapter of this story will teach us. Nonetheless, it's an excellent series, and one that may leave you thinking differently about the continent's history, and its future direction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the people and events in Europe’s past that has led to major changes around the world. What European economic and political shifts have had the greatest impact on things like global trade and diplomacy? In what ways has European culture influenced the rest of the world over the centuries?
The Story of Europe with Historian Dr. Christopher Clark is produced to educate viewers about Europe and important European figures like Constantine the Great, Leonardo DaVinci, and Napoleon Bonaparte. But why do t.v. shows and movies often portray them as being different from who they really were? Is it to make their lives seem more exciting and entertaining? To present them in a more positive (or negative) light?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 21, 2017
- Cast: Christopher Clark
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: History
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: June 3, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Mankind: The Story of All of Us
Human species series is informative, dramatic, violent.
-
America: The Story of Us
U.S. history gets dramatic in worthy educational series.
-
The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman
Insightful docu examines the ideas that bind humanity.
-
Battles BC
Action-heavy educational series brings ancient wars to life.
For kids who love history
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate