Ancestors in the Attic

Ancestors in the Attic (2006-2010)

EndedDocumentary show

Hosted by Jeff Douglas, Ancestors in the Attic is an irreverent, fast-paced series that uncovers the personal dramas in your family tree. From the discovery of a birth mother in Scotland, to a lost family in Japan, to a woman's roots in the Masa tribe of northern Cameroon, Ancestors in the Attic changes the lives of Canadians. Our crack team of genealogical sleuths employ a mixture of CSI genealogy and good old-fashioned gumshoe detective work to solve the mysteries, and unlock the secrets of your past. Join us on a road trip across the country, and around the world, as we reveal the inside tricks of the genealogy trade, and take you on a uniquely personal journey through some of the most fascinating events in Canadian history.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Thursday at 20:00 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E10Black Market Baby?Feb 4, 2010
S04E09The SecretFeb 4, 2010
S04E08Russian DaughterJan 28, 2010
S04E07Slavery RootsJan 28, 2010
S04E06Journey to OrtonaJan 21, 2010
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Ancestors in the Attic' premiere?

'Ancestors in the Attic' premiered on February 26, 2006.

Who hosted 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show was hosted by the genealogist and social historian, Marjorie Kohli.

What was the main concept of 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show focused on helping participants uncover fascinating stories about their ancestors by exploring their family history and heritage.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' differ from other genealogy shows?

'Ancestors in the Attic' stood out by incorporating elements of social history and personal storytelling in addition to genealogy research.

What was the typical format of an episode of 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

Each episode involved the host and genealogist Marjorie Kohli meeting with participants to delve into their family history through documents, artifacts, and interviews.

What was the significance of the title 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The title represents the idea of uncovering hidden or forgotten family history, often symbolized by old documents and artifacts stored in attics.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' contribute to understanding Canadian history?

The show provided insights into Canadian history through the personal stories and experiences of the participants' ancestors, connecting them to broader historical events.

What were some of the emotional and personal themes explored in 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

The show delved into themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and the impact of family history on individual lives.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' engage with cultural diversity?

The show celebrated cultural diversity by exploring the varied backgrounds and heritages of the participants, reflecting Canada's multicultural society.

What were some of the challenges faced by the participants on 'Ancestors in the Attic'?

Participants often faced challenges such as uncovering hidden family secrets, tracing ancestors through limited historical records, and reconciling difficult family histories.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' resonate with viewers?

The show resonated with viewers by tapping into the universal desire to understand one's roots and connect with the past, sparking curiosity about their own family histories.

What impact did 'Ancestors in the Attic' have on participants' lives?

The show often had a profound impact on participants, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and family history, and sometimes leading to emotional revelations.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' contribute to genealogy research and storytelling?

The show contributed to genealogy research by showcasing the process of uncovering family history and highlighting the power of storytelling in preserving personal legacies.

What legacy did 'Ancestors in the Attic' leave in the genre of genealogy and family history television?

'Ancestors in the Attic' left a legacy of blending genealogy research with personal storytelling, inspiring other shows to explore the emotional and historical aspects of family history.

How did 'Ancestors in the Attic' capture the imagination of its audience?

The show captured the audience's imagination by weaving together personal narratives, historical context, and the thrill of discovery, creating a compelling storytelling experience.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
True Detective
Running

True Detective

Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. True Detective centers on troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.

True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto. 

Shōgun
Running

Shōgun

Shōgun is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

The Grand Tour
Running

The Grand Tour

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back with The Grand Tour. A show about adventure, excitement and friendship... as long as you accept that the people you call friends are also the ones you find extremely annoying. Sometimes it's even a show about cars. Follow them on their global adventure.

Sugar
Running

Sugar

John Sugar is an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried.

9-1-1
Running

9-1-1

9-1-1 is a fast-paced exploration into the lives and careers of first responders – cops, paramedics, firefighters – the people who put their lives on the line to save others.