TV Archaeology

These days most people get their information about archaeology from educational programs on such TV networks as The Learning Channel, Arts and Entertainment, The Discovery Channel, PBS and NBC. But how accurate are these programs? Are facts fudged to grab better ratings and to entertain? Are some networks better than others at reporting archaeology?

For 15 years I’ve been writing, producing, designing and fixing archaeology television documentaries. Usually my work is behind the scenes, and it often goes uncredited. Some of my experiences have been delightful, but many—far too many—have been bizarre, and it’s time to let you in on the dark secrets lurking behind the camera.

For one, the people presenting material on ancient Greece or Rome generally know almost nothing about that history. Rather than using knowledgeable experts, the networks prefer Hollywood celebrities because of their ratings value. “Why should we get a professor to host a program when we can get a celebrity?” one producer for Time Warner told me. “Professors are good as color commentators, like in a football broadcast, but the name of this game is entertainment, first and foremost.”