The History Channel has some of the most interesting documentaries and TV shows of any network on TV. Whether you’re interested in learning about ancient civilizations, the industrial revolution or just want to watch some good reality TV, there’s some part of history for everyone.
And with your DIRECTV subscription, you can watch the History Channel shows you want, whenever you want. Let’s take a look at some of the best content on the network, including old classics and new series to watch.
Top Shows to Watch on the History Channel
Even if documentaries typically aren’t your thing, don’t count out the History Channel yet. The network also broadcasts a variety of shows and series ranging from recounts of true stories to unscripted reality. Let’s take a look at a few of them here, all of which you can find on DIRECTV channel 269.
‘American Pickers’ (2010 – present)
American Pickers follows antique and collectible pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they discover unique and interesting finds across the country. Exploring garage sales, outhouses, barns, sheds and every run-of-the-mill location you can imagine, these antique hunters are uncovering America’s history, one piece at a time.
Some of their most epic finds include a Piaggio Ape (possibly the only one in North America), Aerosmith’s Van (Yes, the actual van driven by the legendary rock’n’roll band!), General Grant’s sword, prototypes of Yoda and so much more!
Along the way, Mike, Frank and their store manager, Danielle Colby, meet incredibly fascinating people and tell their stories as well. Educational and comedic in equal parts, their Mike and Frank’s banter is unmissable, making American Pickers must see weekly programming!
Watch American Pickers on the History Channel Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET (Channel 269)
‘The Curse of Oak Island’ (2014 – present)
Pirates aren’t the only ones out hunting treasure these days. This History Channel favorite follow treasure hunters Marty and Rick Lagina search for the treasure of Oak Island, while trying to avoid the Oak Island Curse). Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, Oak Island is the rumored site of numerous ancient treasures, ranging from pirate’s gold to the ark of the covenant.
Over the years, the brothers have made fascinating discoveries including Spanish coins, a 12th century manuscript, bones from across the world and even a possible roman sword (not yet authenticated though).
With all these amazing discoveries to be made, the island does unfortunately come with a catch – it has been said that seven men will die in search for the treasure before it is found (does this remind anyone of King Tut?).
With season 11 of the show presently being aired since November 2023, there is a host of treasure that waits for our treasure hunters to discover, and for us to watch with excitement.
Watch The Curse of Oak Island on the History Channel Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET
‘Swamp People’ (2010 – present)
Swamp People follows the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya swamp, where they make a living hunting American alligators and other creatures. Every year, alligator hunting season begins on the first Wednesday in September, and lasts for just 30 days, making it a vital time for these hunters to secure the majority of their annual income.
Combine that pressure with the fact that these hunters could at any time lose a limb to a fiesty gator, the show is a gripping and adventure filled hour of excitement every week.
A spin-off series, Swamp People: Serpent Invasion (2020 – present) features fan-favorite alligator hunters hunting down the Burmese python in Florida’s Everglades. The Burmese python is an invasive species there, leading to destruction of the natural ecosystem’s ecological balance.
Believe it or not, these pythons can even hunt down the giant gators! The show also goes on to talk about the history of the Burmese python in America, and how they have gone on to invade Florida and the Everglades, with over 30,000 sightings between 2008 and 2010.
Watch Swamp People on the History Channel Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET
Watch Swamp People: Serpent Invasion on the History Channel Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. ET
The ‘Alone’ Franchise
Love it or hate it, reality survival shows have become a popular phenomenon in recent years, and don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. And while Naked and Afraid may not be everyone’s thing, History Channel shows like Alone seems to be drawing all kinds of viewers in.
According to History Channel, “Alone is the most intense survival series on television.” And survive the show has. In fact, the original Alone series is on its 10th season. It has had success, but it wasn’t until the series was added to Netflix earlier this summer that the show truly entered the mainstream.
‘Alone’
Each season, 10 of the most equipped survivalists are dropped into the wilderness in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada (Yellowjackets fans are already shaking in their boots). This wasn’t what Darwin meant when he said, “survival of the fittest,” but that’s exactly what this show is about. With only 10 survival items and enough camera equipment to document their time, these ten survivalists will battle nature itself while trying to outlast the nine other competitors for a chance at $500,000.
Watch Alone on the History Channel Thursdays at 9/8c (Channel 269 on DIRECTV)
‘Alone’ Spin-offs
Since the nonfiction series began in 2015, the franchise has had a number of new History Channel shows based on the original. Below is an overview of two of the most successful spin-offs, as well as a preview for a new international spin-off, Alone Australia.
‘Alone: Frozen’
Reality shows love to bring back fan-favorites from old seasons, which is exactly the premise of Alone: Frozen. Six participants from previous seasons test their skills (and luck), this time on the Coast of Labrador in Canada. They must attempt to survive for 50 days amongst the freezing rain and howling winds for the chance of $500,000. Not to mention, they in the middle of the densest population of Polar Bears in Canada. Watch Alone: Frozen on DIRECTV
‘Alone: The Skills Challenge’
This spin-off is perfect for fans of adventure and nature shows who are looking for something a bit lighter than its predecessors. Three past participants go up against one another to build the best survival shelter possible, with only basic tools and the resources around them. One of the biggest changes with this version of the show is that the contestants aren’t put in remote, desolate locations. Another fun spin is that the judges of the show are also previous contestants on Alone! Watch Alone: The Skills Challenge on DIRECTV
‘Alone Australia’
The success of Alone in North America led to more spin-offs internationally, naturally. One of them, Alone Australia, is now coming to US screens for our viewing pleasure! Watch as 10 survivalists are dropped in the Tasmanian wilderness to try and out-survive their opponents. The winner will come out with $250,000. Watch Alone Australiaon DIRECTV
WATCH THE HISTORY CHANNEL ON DIRECTV
With great documentaries, interesting movies and entertaining series, the History Channel has something for everyone. Even if Alone doesn’t turn out to be one of your favorite new History Channel shows, there’s other great content that will. From aliens and torture devices to Pawn Stars and Ice Road Truckers, this network has the most interesting moments of history just waiting to be watched.
With your DIRECTV subscription, you can watch, record or binge the best documentaries and other new shows on the History Channel today. For those who aren’t DIRECTV customers yet, now’s the time to change that.
Check out our four unique packages to find one that fits your entertainment needs. Get started today!
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