The WORST episodes of History Channel Documentaries

#1 - Hidden History in Your House

Season 2014 - Episode 26 - Aired 5/23/2014

What does Thomas Jefferson have to do with your lights? How is Henry Ford connected to your grill? What does your pool have to do with taxidermy?

#2 - Heaven: Beyond the Grave

Season 2006 - Episode 30 - Aired 4/10/2006

Heaven has influenced politics, decided the course of nations, become the obsession of learned scholars, and inspired countless works of art. Most of all, the promise of heaven has determined how people have lived their lives...and how they've died. Through interviews with religious scholars and leaders, we explore the concept of heaven and its rich history. We trace the evolution of the idea of an afterlife--from ancient Egypt, through Renaissance writers and artists whose work it inspired, to the uniquely American vision that traveled across the sea on the Mayflower--and explore other religious views of heaven. Our experts also tackle the difficult subject: Can only those who accept Jesus Christ be admitted to heaven? What of the virtuous of other religions? Will they be excluded because they aren't Christian? Our experts discuss this delicate question, reflecting on the idea that perhaps a heaven as we know it waits for each of us on the other side of death.

#3 - Russia, Land of the Tsars

Season 2003 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/27/2003

Product Description Its forests stretch from Europe to the Pacific. Its winters have vanquished the mightiest armies ever mustered. Its people have borne the excesses of some of history's most notorious rulers. RUSSIA: LAND OF THE TSARS illuminates the imperial past of the world's largest nation. At the heart of this epic tale are the figures whose names have become legend: Ivan the Terrible who expanded the empire at the rate of 50 miles-and innumerable lives-a day; Peter the Great whose sweeping reforms westernized the nation; and Catherine the Great whose rule was marked by conquest change and controversy. Filmed on location throughout Russia enriched by exclusive visits to important sites and museums and filled with commentary from renowned scholars this is a kaleidoscopic captivating portrait of a land that has endured centuries of despair and rebellion innovation and conflict. DVD Features: 3 Episodes of A&E's Award-Winning Series Biography: Peter the Great: The Tyrant Reformer Ivan the Terrible: Might and Madness Rasputin: The Mad Monk; Tsar Timeline; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection From the Back Cover Its forests stretch from Europe to the Pacific. Its winters have vanquished the mightiest armies ever mustered. Its people have borne the excesses of some of history's most notorious rulers. RUSSIA: LAND OF THE TSARS illuminates the imperial past of the world's largest nation. At the heart of this epic tale are the figures whose names have become legend: Ivan the Terrible, who expanded the empire at the rate of 50 miles--and innumerable lives--a day; Peter the Great, whose sweeping reforms westernized the nation; and Catherine the Great, whose rule was marked by conquest, change and controversy. Filmed on location throughout Russia, enriched by exclusive visits to important sites and museums, and filled with commentary from renowned scholars, this is a kaleidoscopic, captivating portrait of a land that has endured centuries of despair and rebelli

#4 - The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling

Season 2000 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/4/2000

A & E goes behind the scenes for a rough-and-tumble look at the people and history behind today's most flamboyant sport-pro wrestling. In addition to interviews with Jesse the Body Ventura, Hulk Hogan, Andr+ª the Giant and many others, you'll be treated to clips of some of the sport's earliest stars.

#5 - Star Trek: Beyond the Final Frontier

Season 2007 - Episode 70 - Aired 2/19/2007

Star Trek: Beyond the Final Frontier is a 2-hour 2007 television documentary about the 40-year history of Star Trek and an auction of Star Trek props released by Paramount Pictures for an auction by Christie's auction house in New York City. The documentary aired in the United States on February 19, 2007 and March 3, 2007 on The History Channel.

#6 - The Plot to Kill Nixon

Season 2005 - Episode 29 - Aired 1/27/2005

This documentary tells the story of an out-of-work tire salesman, Samuel Byck, who, in 1974, attempted to hijack a jet and crash it into the White House. The feature film "The Assassination of Richard Nixon," which stars Sean Penn, is based on Byck's tale.

#7 - A Deadly Possession

Season 2013 - Episode 23 - Aired 8/1/2013

In the fall of 2001, Kevin Mannis, a Portland, OR area antiques dealer, stopped by a local estate sale to buy a few items for his store. He bought an unassuming wine box and after he purchased it, all hell broke loose in his life.

#8 - Time Machine: Banned from the Bible

Season 2003 - Episode 22 - Aired 7/17/2016

#9 - Alexander Graham Bell & the Telephone (History Channel)

Season 2008 - Episode 41 - Aired 1/15/2008

March 1876: Alexander Graham Bell struggles with an invention that may change the world. Early nineteenth century America is experiencing an explosive growth and expansion across a vast landscape. A technology is needed to meet the communication needs for this new nation, and Bell is convinced that he can transmit speech over great distances. Early telegraphs can only transmit one message over one wire at one time, and the message must be coded and decoded one letter at a time. Bell begins work on a multiple telegraph, but his genius will lead to a different revolutionary device that will carry thousands of simultaneous messages and shape the future--the telephone.

#10 - Banned From the Bible II

Season 2007 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/8/2007

Take another look at ancient texts that were edited out of the Bible. Are they the missing links to Christ's true teachings or heretical attempts to rewrite history? Explore the kabalistic stories of angels and demons disavowed by orthodox leaders and the apocalyptic visions and the sexual imagery that were barred from the Old Testament. Why was Peter's account of a "Lord of The Rings"-style battle of wits and magic repressed by Rome? With discoveries being made all across the world--in caves ruined temples ancient libraries and monasteries--these tantalizing fragments continue to be found and debated. Are they heresy or hidden truth?

#11 - Ghost Planes: And the Mystery of Flight 370

Season 2014 - Episode 27 - Aired 8/9/2014

At the time of this writing, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, transporting 227 passengers and 12 crew members from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, has been missing for months. An unprecedented international search was unable to locate any bodies or debris. According to the Aviation Society Network, more than 80 aircrafts have been declared "missing" since 1948--"Ghost Planes" that have literally vanished without a trace.

#12 - Decoding the Past: Secrets of the Dollar Bill

Season 2007 - Episode 15 - Aired 7/27/2006

What do the symbols and numbers on the dollar bill actually mean? We'll take a look at the shadier and more intriguing threads of meaning and symbolism at play in the bill's design. Extraordinary strands of numerology are interwoven into the bill's structure which on analysis suggest surprising hidden alignments. Why does it look the way it does and how has it changed through the ages? We'll analyze the significance of changes in the bill's appearance over time and examine alternative designs. We'll also look at the historical context of the bill's conception--what the dollar bill set out to represent--the patriotism and idealism of a young republic; and go inside the Treasury's Department of Printing and Engraving for exclusive access to the presses and the people who process the millions upon millions of dollars in circulation.

#13 - The Rise and Fall of El Chapo

Season 2016 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/24/2016

Killer, drug smuggler, folk hero, Houdini of jailhouse escapes--the legend of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is well known. But now this two-hour documentary special reveals an unprecedented look at the man behind the myth and how his international drug cartel impacts us right here at home.

#14 - 50 Years of Star Trek

Season 2016 - Episode 4 - Aired 8/14/2016

“50 Years of Star Trek” celebrates the iconic Star Trek franchise that has spanned generations and spawned a diehard cult following. Cast and creators, including Leonard Nimoy in one of his final full length interviews, give an inside look into the series and reflect on its legacy. From primetime television series to worldwide blockbuster, the Star Trek franchise has long been a pop culture phenomenon. Directed by Ian Roumain, “50 Years of Star Trek” explores the series with those who know it best. The documentary features interviews with cast members and creators from all Star Trek television series and films including Whoopi Goldberg (“Guinan”), Jonathan Frakes (“Riker”), Nichelle Nichols (“Uhura”), J.J. Abrams, Bryan Fuller, and Simon Pegg as they reflect on their contribution to the ground breaking franchise and reveal their all-time favorite episodes and iconic moments from the past 50 years. The documentary also highlights the unique fan culture the series has created. Notable Trekkies Michael McKean, Olivia Munn, Bruce Campbell and others share their memories about the series and explore how it has impacted American history and culture.

#15 - 15 Septembers Later

Season 2016 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/5/2016

Featuring interviews with key political figures including President George W Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Rudolph Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg, and media heavy hitters Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Matthew Broderick, this documentary event examines 9/11 through the lens of the last 15 years. Brought to life by photos declassified in 2016, recently released documents from the 9/11 commission, and never before heard stories from photographers and first responders, a new perspective will arise to provide an unrivaled viewpoint of the historic attack.

#16 - America's 9/11 Flag: Rise From the Ashes

Season 2016 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/11/2016

Featuring best-selling author and History host Brad Meltzer, this program uncovers the mystery and search of the iconic Ground Zero 9/11 Flag. Captured in an iconic photo that galvanized America, the flag disappeared on 9/11. Along with key forensic and art crimes experts, Brad attempts to unravel the mystery.

#17 - Behind The DaVinci Code

Season 2005 - Episode 279 - Aired 7/25/2005

Before Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, there was Holy Blood, Holy Grail, written by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, that is known for its revelation of the possibility of a sacred bloodline continued by Jesus and Mary Magdalene. It was their research on which Brown based much of his novel. Now, 30-some years since they wrote their last follow-ups, Henry Lincoln continues to investigate the source of the story. In this special, the man who launched the whole story breaks his silence, allowing viewers to unlock his secrets and addressing critics who say the whole thing is a hoax. We also explore the connection to the Knights Templar.

#18 - Bloodlines: The Dracula Family Tree

Season 2006 - Episode 254 - Aired 10/29/2006

When a team of Dracula hunters, notably members of a family linked to the real-life Prince Vlad Dracul, tries to unearth the truth about the tyrant, they are haunted by mystifying events, misfortune, and tragedy 500 years after the 15th-century prince died.

#19 - The Samurai: Masters of Sword and Bow

Season 2008 - Episode 23 - Aired 8/1/2008

They were the knights of medieval Japan, an elite warrior class that held the reins of power and the fascination of the people for more than 700 years. Masters of sword and bow, driven by an unforgiving code of ethics, they proved ferocious in combat. They beat back foreign invaders and fought each other for land, status, honor and glory.THE SAMURAI explores the extraordinary legacy of martial artistry, ceremony, self-discipline and tenacity in battle that reaches to this day. Modern-day samurai explain the ways of life in the Bushido, while scholars detail the pivotal events in their centuries-long history. From the heyday of the Heian Period (794-1185) to the inevitable decline that followed the opening of Japan in 1853, this is the definitive study of some of world's most famous fighters.

#20 - High Hitler

Season 2004 - Episode 285 - Aired 10/4/2004

Never a robust man, Adolf Hitler was increasingly dependent on his personal physician throughout his time as fuehrer. As a result, the enigmatic and despised doctor, Theodor Morell, may well have played an important role in shaping the course of history, but scholars and World War II buffs have long debated his significance. From the facts that all agree on to more daring theories, HIGH HITLER examines the many aspects of this fascinating tale. Recent findings suggest that the world's most infamous dictator, a teetotal vegetarian, was ruling in an ""altered state,"" but how big a part did Hitler's drug dependency play in the decisions he made? And can any of the blame be assigned to Morrell?

#21 - Inside The Volcano

Season 2006 - Episode 253 - Aired 12/1/2006

Travel around the globe, and below its surface, to plumb the mysteries of the always-fascinating volcano. From gorgeous, pyrotechnic lava floes on Hawaii to awe-inspiring mushroom-clouds, humans cannot help but be fascinated by the earth-shaking grandeur of volcanoes. For four billion years, volcanoes have impacted life on earth. Empires have been destroyed, civilizations decimated – not to mention the possible extinction of dinosaurs and spurring of Ice Ages. And, like tuning a car engine by measuring its emissions, we can learn how our planet works by measuring the elements emitted from its diabolical vents.

#22 - Sex in the Ancient World: Pompeii

Season 2009 - Episode 275 - Aired 8/3/2009

The oldest known brothel in the world is discovered in Pompeii. A startling system is revealed that includes widespread prostitution and sexual slavery. Experts piece together the elaborate system and show how the sex trade helped reinforce class and power in Ancient Rome.

#23 - A Short History of Ireland

Season 2001 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/17/2001

Based on the book by the same name, this lyrical treatment of Irish history is revealed through stunning photography of its lush countryside and reenactments of historic events--from the ancient Celts to the Williamite War, and onto the bloody Easter Rising and the life of the revolutionary Michael Collins. This episode aired on the History Channel as a preview for the History International channel.

#24 - Celebrating the Green: The History of St. Patrick's Day

Season 1998 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/15/1998

In Ireland, March 17th is a feast day honoring the bishop who Christianized the island; but in America it's a boisterous celebration of Irish heritage. We'll march up New York's Fifth Avenue with over 150,000 celebrants at the largest and oldest parade on the day all Americans are Irish. With Andrew Greeley and Frank McCourt.

#25 - Christmas at War

Season 1995 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/24/1995

In the jungles of Vietnam, soldiers decorated palm trees and gave makeshift gifts to comrades. In the bitter chill of Valley Forge, Washington's men wrote longing letters home to family and loved ones who prayed for their safe return. In the blistering sands of Desert Storm, USO Santas cheered the homesick troops. CHRISTMAS AT WAR is a fascinating look at the way fighting men have dealt with the season of peace throughout history. Heartwarming and heartbreaking, it is a testament to the strength and flexibility of the human spirit. Hear the words of Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers in letters to home. See rare footage of Christmas celebrations in World War II, from Europe's frozen battlefields to South Pacific islands. Discover incredible tales of unspoken cease-fires, when enemy troops have discarded their uniforms and hostilities for one night. It's an intimate, moving look at the way fighting men reconcile the reality of war with the celebration of peace, an unforgettable portrait of humanity at its most human.