History Channel Shows that Look Both Ways Before Crossing the River of Time

Ten years ago, The History Channel was thought of by most as "The Hitler Network." Much of the programming focused on World War II, and the narrators were so solemn and lecturing that it seemed the network was geared only for elderly men smoking pipes in their reading dens. Between then and now, The History Channel has changed its look- along with its programming- to expand both deeper into the past and closer to the present. Here are some of the best series showcasing how audiences can be interested in current events by learning from the past.

Ice Road Truckers
Perhaps using the idea seen on The Discovery Channel's hit series Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers is the story of rough and rugged men braving Mother Nature's worst. The series takes place in the frigid reaches of Canada's Northwest Territory and follows six truckers who aim to make a year's wages in two months. Their goal is to transport supplies and equipment to remote diamond mines using frozen lakes as improvised roadways. Their passage is dangerous; weak ice and careless driving have taken the lives of many men in the 25-year plus history of the ice road. Yet each load they transport earns them thousands of dollars, which has given the nickname of this two-month season "the dash for the cash."

While not a history-focused show, the series demonstrates history in the making by showing humans battle nature in surprising and innovative ways. In a region where in ages past the lakes would be used for transportation in the warmer months, the truckers on the ice road help provide an economy boom to the northern town of Yellowknife and secure it a place on the map. The citizens of Yellowknife live on one of the world's last frontiers, but they're determined to show history will remember them.

The season finale of Ice Road Truckers has already aired, but reruns can be viewed every Sunday night at 10/9 Central. The History Channel's shopping section of the website yields the first season of the show on DVD, and season two has been promised to be coming soon.

Human Weapon
The premise is simple: two men are on a quest to travel the globe and learn different forms of martial arts to become the best fighters possible. Jason Chambers fought professionally as a Mixed Martial Artist and has a background in wrestling. Bill Duff has backgrounds in wrestling, Korean streetfighting, and his professional career spans several leagues of professional football. The two men spend a week training in a particular field of martial arts, learning the history of the country it originated, how the martial art is important to the culture of the nation, and how the art is employed in present day. Chambers and Duff learn from streetfighters, professional fighters, and sometimes military units who employ martial arts in their training. At the end of the week one of them takes on a veteran of an art in rounds of combat.

This series combines action with history lessons and shows how natives are keeping their ancient cultures and customs alive in their respective countries. Martial-minded viewers in particular will love this show, yet many viewers can appreciate how people can learn from the past to survive into the future.

The Universe
All aspects of time collide in this dazzling series focused on the Really Big Picture. The latest and best technology available is required for Earthly natives to observe and learn how the universe works and what started it all. Long-asked questions are explored, some with new answers, some with no answers. Many scientists chime in on what they've learned, their own interpretations of data, and what the science community in general is interested in seeking from our solar system and beyond. Hard to understand concepts or words are explained in layman's terms. This show is perhaps the best example of using the past to learn about the future, for scientists are constantly exploring how events that occurred billions of years ago could possibly still have an impact today.

Boneyard
Manufactured items have a lifespan. When that life expires, these objects go to scrap heaps... but not for long. This series details the recycling of everything from train cars to electronic devices. Viewers will never look at a new car or computer the same way. They'll be invited to ask, "What was this in a past life?" Boneyard shows how the reincarnation of everyday objects, and not human souls, can be a fascinating experience.