Timewatch

Timewatch (1982-2017)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

A series of historical documentaries originally broadcast on BBC Two, but more recently airing on BBC Four.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Explorers: Conquest and Calamity
Year 2017Episode 560 min

Explorers: Conquest and Calamity

For centuries the story of exploration has been packed with incredible tales of adventure, but the last fifty years has seen a dramatic shift in our attitude towards explorers.

To find out how television has reflected this, Prof Fara Dabhoiwala delves into the BBC television archives, revealing that the pace of this change was faster than you would imagine. In the 1960s the BBC was still making programmes showing Christopher Columbus as an uncomplicated conquering hero. Barely a decade later, it made a documentary that delved into museum storerooms packed with artifacts brought back to Britain by Captain Cook, focusing on the perspective of the explored rather than the explorer.

As the story of exploration became as much about social calamity as conquest, television has been forced to find new ways to portray explorers. By the 21st century this included everything from focusing on adventurers like Ernest Shackleton, famous not for conquest but for saving the lives of his men, to using new technology to demystify exploration by making programmes from material shot by the explorers themselves.

Aug 1, 2017

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2017-08-01Explorers: Conquest and CalamityAug 1, 2017
2017-07-25Dictators and DespotsJul 25, 2017
2017-07-18The Vikings: Foe or Friend?Jul 18, 2017
2017-07-13Decoding DisasterJul 13, 2017
2017-02-01British Empire: Heroes and VillainsFeb 1, 2017
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Timewatch premiere?

Timewatch premiered on October 1, 1982.

Who created Timewatch?

Timewatch was created by Jeremy Bennett.

What genre is Timewatch classified as?

Timewatch is classified as a documentary series.

How many episodes were in the first season of Timewatch?

The first season of Timewatch consisted of five episodes.

Which channel aired Timewatch during its original run?

Timewatch originally aired on BBC Two.

What were some of the historical events covered in Timewatch?

Timewatch covered historical events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the trial of Adolf Eichmann.

Was Timewatch a British television show?

Yes, Timewatch was a British television show.

Who narrated Timewatch during its original run?

Michael Wood narrated Timewatch during its original run.

Did Timewatch ever feature reenactments?

Yes, Timewatch occasionally featured reenactments of historical events.

Who were some of the experts featured in Timewatch?

Experts featured in Timewatch included historians, journalists, and people who were directly involved in the events being covered.

What was the main focus of Timewatch?

The main focus of Timewatch was to take a deep dive into historical events and provide a comprehensive examination of what really happened.

Was Timewatch well-received during its original run?

Yes, Timewatch was generally well-received by audiences and critics during its original run.

Did Timewatch ever receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, Timewatch won a BAFTA award for Best Documentary Series in 1983.

Did Timewatch ever feature interviews with people who were directly involved in the historical events being covered?

Yes, Timewatch often featured interviews with people who were directly involved in the historical events being covered.

Also known as

  • A Timewatch Guide (United Kingdom)

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Couple Next Door
Running

The Couple Next Door

A young couple move to the suburbs and instantly strike up a friendship with their new neighbours. But are they a bit too friendly?

GenreDrama, Thriller
Destination X
Running

Destination X

Destination X sees a group of contestants go on the road trip of a lifetime but they have no idea of their location. In order to win, they must figure out their mystery locations. Once they're on the blacked-out Destination X bus, the journey turns into a real-life game board, with challenges designed to offer clues as to their location, along with a few misdirects to keep them guessing.  

At the end of each episode, the contestant who places an X on a map furthest from the actual location packs their bags. The first participant to reach Destination X will be crowned the winner.

BMF
Running

BMF

Late 1980s. The journey of two brothers, Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory and Terry "Southwest T" Flenory, having grown up with the street codes of Detroit. They gave birth to one of the most influential criminal families in the United States thanks to the drug trade.

GenreDrama, Music, Thriller
The Bold and the Beautiful
Running

The Bold and the Beautiful

They created a dynasty where passion rules, they are the Forresters, the first name in Fashion. The Bold and the Beautiful, a world of fashion, glamor and romance. A place where power, money and success are there for the taking in a city where dreams really do come true. Follow the lives and loves of the Forresters on The Bold and the Beautiful...

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
The Mole
Running

The Mole

Twelve players complete challenges while trying to identify the one among them who's sabotaging their missions in this reboot of the cult-classic series.

GenreAdventure, Mystery
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!