Who Do You Think You Are? Jessic Biel

Tonight’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? at 10/9c on TLC, actress Jessica Biel makes surprising discoveries that change what she thought knew about her heritage. She sets out to debunk several tales of family lore. 

Catch a sneak peek of the episode here:https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/who-do-you-think-you-are/videos/jessica-biels-journey

Noah Wyle on Who Do You Think You Are?

On this Sunday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? at 10/9c on TLC, actor Noah Wyle unravels the mystery of his mother's family line, searching for answers to a lifelong question about his family’s participation in the Civil War. 

He discovers an ancestor who was catapulted into one of the bloodiest battles of the time, and whose life spiraled out of control from remarkable success to a shocking and tragic end.


Catch a sneak peek of Noah's episode

Next week’s episode follows actress Jessica Biel

Image Credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? Jennifer Grey

On this Sunday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? at 10/9c on TLC, actress Jennifer Grey uncovers the truth about the emigrant grandfather she thought she knew, learning how he survived adversity to become a beacon of his community.

Jennifer also uncovers the devastating tragedy that stopped her great-grandmother from ever making it to America.

Catch a sneak peek of the episode here:

https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/who-do-you-think-you-are/videos/first-look-at-jennifer-greys-journey

Next week’s episode follows actor Noah Wyle.

Photos (credit: TLC)

Who Do You Think You Are? Julie Bowen

On this Sunday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? at 10/9c on TLC, actress Julie Bowen uncovers fascinating stories of her ancestors on both sides of her family, including her 3x paternal great-grandfather, Francis Julius LeMoyne.

 Julie learns that Francis was a highly sought after speaker and a radical abolitionist who risked his life and the lives of his family to help free fugitive slaves. Julie notices the parallels between the work of her ancestor with what’s going on in today’s world.

Catch a sneak peek of the episode.

Photo credit TLC

It's Back! Who Do You Think You Are? Returns

Who Do You Think You Are? returns to TLC this Sunday, March 5 at 10/9c to follow more amazing journeys as celebrities explore their lineage and discover unbelievable revelations.

This Sunday's season premiere kicks off with actress Courteney Cox as she traces her maternal line back seven centuries to the Medieval times, finding royalty among her ancestors and an unbelievable tale of family drama that she never could have imagined. Going even further back, she learns that she descends from one of the most prominent figures in European history.

Catch a sneak peek of the episode here:

https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/who-do-you-think-you-are/videos/first-look-at-courteney-coxs-episode

Next week's episode features actress Julie Bowen.

TLC RENEWS WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? AND LONG LOST FAMILY FOR ADDITIONAL SEASONS

The following announcement was sent to Olive Tree Genealogy: 

TLC announced today that the network has ordered additional seasons of the fan favorite series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? and freshman series LONG LOST FAMILY. The most recent seasons of both series averaged over 1.8M P2+ viewers.

Executive Produced by Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, the two time Emmy-nominated WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? follows some of today's most beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their family trees. The most recent seasons have featured Bryan Cranston, who uncovered an ancestor’s heroic dedication during the Civil War, and Molly Ringwald, who learned about the dangerous conditions her coal-mining ancestors endured.

LONG LOST FAMILY features the highly emotional and touching stories of people who have suffered a lifetime of separation from their family members. The series reunites those separated by adoption, uncovers secrets behind unsolved mysteries, and helps individuals answer lifelong questions. This past season reunited several family members in emotional meetings, including a mother and a daughter who actually worked together and did not realize they were related. The series is hosted by Chris Jacobs and Lisa Joyner, who uniquely share their own stories of adoption while leading others in their own family discoveries.

Ancestry.com,  the leading provider of online family history data and personal DNA testing, is teaming up with TLC again as a sponsor of the upcoming seasons for both series. As part of the sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research to help make discoveries possible on both series.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? is produced for TLC by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment, and is based on an original format created by Wall to Wall Media and Alex Graham. LONG LOST FAMILY is produced for TLC by Shed Media, and is based on the format entitled Find My Family/Spoorloos devised by KRO-NCRV, distributed by Lineup Industries.

Who Do You Think You Are? with Molly Ringwald

Be sure to watch this Sunday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring actress Molly Ringwald.

Actress Molly Ringwald travels to Sweden to dig up her mysterious paternal roots. She explores her ancestors’ harrowing lives as coal miners; discovers generations who suffered through unspeakable tragedies; and uncovers the gripping life of a brave relative who forever changed her family’s fate.

The two-time Emmy nominated series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? returns this spring to follow more of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their family trees.

Ancestry.com, the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor of the upcoming season. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

The series is produced for TLC by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment, and is based on an original format created by Wall to Wall Media and Alex Graham. More information can be found at TLC.com/WDYTYA. ‘Like’ Who Do You Think You Are? on Facebook.com/WDYTYA and follow @WDYTYA on Twitter.


Image credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? With Katey Sagal

 Be sure to watch this Sunday’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring actress Katey Sagal

Katey Sagal and Dr. Kara Dixon-Vuic
an Associate Professor of History
at the Texas Christian University

Katey Sagal lost her parents at a young age and has no family to fill in the blanks of her ancestry. She goes on a journey to understand her beloved mother’s life as a performer for the USO during World War II, and gets emotional connecting for the first time with the only person she’s met who knew her mother when she was young. 

Then she digs deep into her roots, uncovering a surprising link to early American Amish settlers, and discovers the shocking story of a fierce attack her ancestors endured. She finds her family torn apart and struggling to reconnect after years of separation, which challenges her own morals on motherhood.

The two-time Emmy nominated series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? returns this spring to follow more of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their family trees.
 
Ancestry.com, the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor of the upcoming season. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.
The series is produced for TLC by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment, and is based on an original format created by Wall to Wall Media and Alex Graham. More information can be found at TLC.com/WDYTYA. ‘Like’ Who Do You Think You Are? on Facebook.com/WDYTYA and follow @WDYTYA on Twitter.
Image credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? Returns Tomorrow with Aisha Tyler

The two-time Emmy nominated series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? returns this spring to follow more of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their family trees.

The series continues to deliver unbelievable stories from crucial moments in history, including a number of firsts for the series, such as a male witch hunt, and traveling to Portugal, Sweden and Ellis Island. Executive Produced by Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, the new season premieres Sunday, April 3 at 9/8c.

This Sunday's episode features Aisha Tyler, who dives fearlessly into her mother’s family history, tracking down the story of a man that had been lost over generations. She uncovers the astonishing tale of a prominent ancestor whose struggle to keep his illegitimate son a secret made the papers; a father who actively fought against his kin’s basic human rights; and the impressive story of her two times great-grandfather, who dove headlong into controversy, took a brave stand for his people, and left a mark so great that he is commemorated today by one of America’s capital cities.

The contributors featured in the upcoming season include:


·         Scott Foley finds a relative who risked his life for one of America’s founding fathers, and an ancestor who suffered unspeakably during one of this nation’s darkest times.

·         Lea Michele nails down where her mysterious paternal ancestors came from, and learns of the dire economic circumstances they endured while trying to emigrate to the U.S.

·         Chris Noth learns his ancestors suffered during one of the greatest catastrophes in American history, and a relative who fought in one of the bloodiest battles of all time.

·         Molly Ringwald explores family lore of Swedish royalty which uncovers her ancestors’ harrowing lives and a brave woman who forever changed her family’s fate.

·         Katey Sagal is shocked to learn of her family’s Amish roots, and digs deeper as she realizes the level of dedication to their faith.

·         Aisha Tyler tracks down her 2x great-grandfather, whose story had been lost over generations, and uncovers an astonishing tale of a prominent ancestor whose struggle to keep his illegitimate son a secret made headlines.

Ancestry.com, the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor of the upcoming season. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

The series is produced for TLC by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment, and is based on an original format created by Wall to Wall Media and Alex Graham. More information can be found at TLC.com/WDYTYA. ‘Like’ Who Do You Think You Are? on Facebook.com/WDYTYA and follow @WDYTYA on Twitter.

Image credit: TLC

TLC ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY CONTRIBUTORS FOR SPRING SEASON OF WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Olive Tree Genealogy received the following Press Release about Who Do You Think You Are?

New season premieres Sunday, April 3 at 9/8c

The two-time Emmy nominated series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? returns this spring to follow more of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their family trees. The series continues to deliver unbelievable stories from crucial moments in history, including a number of firsts for the series, such as a male witch hunt, and traveling to Portugal, Sweden and Ellis Island. Executive Produced by Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, the new season premieres Sunday, April 3 at 9/8c.

The contributors featured in the upcoming season include:

•     Scott Foley finds a relative who risked his life for one of America’s founding fathers, and an ancestor who suffered unspeakably during one of this nation’s darkest times.
•     Lea Michele nails down where her mysterious paternal ancestors came from, and learns of the dire economic circumstances they endured while trying to emigrate to the U.S.
•     Chris Noth learns his ancestors suffered during one of the greatest catastrophes in American history, and a relative who fought in one of the bloodiest battles of all time.
•     Molly Ringwald explores family lore of Swedish royalty which uncovers her ancestors’ harrowing lives and a brave woman who forever changed her family’s fate.
•     Katey Sagal is shocked to learn of her family’s Amish roots, and digs deeper as she realizes the level of dedication to their faith.
•     Aisha Tyler tracks down her 2x great-grandfather, whose story had been lost over generations, and uncovers an astonishing tale of a prominent ancestor whose struggle to keep his illegitimate son a secret made headlines.

Ancestry.com, the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor of the upcoming season. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry.com provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

The series is produced for TLC by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment, and is based on an original format created by Wall to Wall Media and Alex Graham. More information can be found at TLC.com/WDYTYA. ‘Like’ Who Do You Think You Are? on Facebook.com/WDYTYA and follow @WDYTYA on Twitter.

Image: Screenshot from TLC Sneak Peek Video Clip

TLC Wants to Hear from Individuals Separated at Birth

Yesterday I was contacted by TLC International via CTVC Productions to assist with finding individuals for their new TV series "Separated at Birth". I've spoken with the Producer via Skype and this sounds like a wonderful project. I hope my readers will share this blog post to help get the word out!

Were you separated at birth?

Are you searching for your birth family?

Or have you already found them?

CTVC Productions are making a brand new television series for TLC. We are looking for family members who have been separated at birth to be involved.

CTVC is a multi award-winning company producing television, radio and new media content on social issues, current affairs, religion, ethics, history and education. You can see examples of our work at: http://www.ctvc.co.uk/tv/

The series comprises seven episodes, which will be filmed between August to December this year and broadcast in Spring 2016. Each episode will follow three to four different stories of separation and reunion. Some will be retrospective, whilst others will be reunions happening for the first time. 

The tone of the series is uplifting and sympathetic to the experiences of those whose stories we follow; we realize that we are addressing sensitive and extremely personal issues and as such we are committed to telling peoples' stories in the most respectful manner. The observational format allows participants to author their own story, as opposed to being presenter-led or a chat show format. We don't take on the search ourselves, but we can assist with expenses, such as travel costs as an example. 

If you would like to find out more, please do get in touch. You are not obliged to get involved by contacting us, it’s just an opportunity for us to give you some more information about the documentary.

Feel free to contact Georgia Smith, Assistant Producer, either by email or phone: georgia.smith@ctvc.co.uk / (0044) 207 940 8494.

Tonight's Episode of Who Do You Think You Are? with Tom Bergeron

This Sunday, August 30 at 9/8c TLC will air TV host’s Tom Bergeron’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

In the episode, Tom Bergeron sets out to unravel the murky history of his paternal roots. Tracing back over 400 years, he uncovers the dramatic story of his 10x great-grandparents, who endured brutal warfare and starvation in France. Then Tom follows their daughter, who was orphaned as a teenager and bravely set off across the Atlantic, playing a significant role in establishing the New World.

Brought to us by TLC with Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, teaming up again as a sponsor, Who Do You Think You Are? takes celebrities on a journey to discover their roots. 

Image credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? With Bryan Cranston

It's that time again - Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Bryan Cranston airs Sunday August 23rd.

Bryan Cranston had a happy childhood until his father abandoned the family when Bryan was just 11. Curious whether this is a family trait, Bryan sets out to explore his paternal roots; he finds men both honorable and shameful, a troubling pattern of desertion, and an aunt he never even knew existed. 

Brought to us by TLC with Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, teaming up again as a sponsor, Who Do You Think You Are? takes celebrities on a journey to discover their roots.  

Image credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? presents Into the Archives This Sunday

Ancestry.com , the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

This Sunday, August 16th on TLC “Who Do You Think You Are?” digs into its archives and features highlights throughout the seasons including triumphs and tragedies, delightful discoveries and sobering moments. This special episode also unveils outtakes and never-before-seen footage from the “Who Do” vault. 


Image credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are? This Sunday

This Sunday, August 9 at 9/8c TLC will air actress Alfre Woodard’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

In the episode, Alfre Woodard sets out to learn more about her paternal grandfather’s family, which she knows little about since her grandfather died before she knew him. 

 She uncovers the triumphant story of her great-grandfather Alec, who endured the horrors of slavery and ascended from servitude to successful landowner, an extraordinary feat of his time.
 
 Ancestry.com , the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

 Photo courtesy of TLC

Why Canadians Missed Out on JK Rowling Episode of Who Do You Think You Are

Last week Canadians saw many promos for the upcoming episode on Who Do You Think You Are? featuring J.K. Rowling. TV guides showed that it would be airing Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern. 

But Canadians found themselves watching a repeat of an earlier episode with Cynthia Nixon. Twitter started buzzing with annoyed Canadians posting on TLC's Twitter Feed, wanting to know what was going on. Facebook also saw its share of questions on TLC Facebook page. But no answers were forthcoming.

However I reached out in private communications with my TLC contacts and am pleased to provide my readers with the explanation of why Canadians could not watch the J.K. Rowling episode.

“Apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced. TLC Canada sometimes has different programming than TLC in the United States. At this time, the J.K. Rowling episode is only airing in the U.S. and unfortunately, there is no way for us to prevent the U.S. promos from airing in Canada."

It's straightforward and makes perfect sense. The rights to air a program in Canada can be prohibitively expensive.  And so the airing is denied which is why Canadians often get the blank screen on You-Tube or TV station sites that announce they are unable to display the video to anyone in Canada. 

Bottom line: If you live in Canada, unless you have a proxy server set up on your computer you may not be able to view the J.K. Rowling episode. I believe the original UK version is available on YouTube.  As a TLC screener I had private access to it and really enjoyed it. So if you get the chance, be sure to watch it.

J. K. Rowling on Who Do You Think You Are? This Sunday

Who Do You Think You Are? “J.K. Rowling” (US premiere, originally aired in the UK)

Tune In: J.K. Rowling’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? airs Sunday, August 2 at 9/8c on TLC

 Ancestry.com , the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

Famed Harry Potter author and philanthropist JK Rowling is eager to trace the  French roots of her maternal side, having always been very close with her mother who’s passed away. She knows that her great-grandfather, Louis Volant, received the Legion d’honneur for his WWI efforts, but she doesn’t know why. 

She embarks on a journey in France to trace her mother’s roots. She discovers that a family war story might not be what she thought when military records reveal a surprising truth. Tracing the trail even further back, Jo learns of her 2x great-grandmother, who had plenty of struggles both as a poor, single mother and a witness to German invasion during wartime, which forced her family to choose sides in a time of turmoil.   

I'll be watching! Will you?


Photo credit: Andrew Montgomery

Who Do You Think You Are? Ginnifer Goodwin

Who Do You Think You Are? Ginnifer Goodwin

Airtime: Sunday, July 26 at 9/8c on TLC

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin knows nothing about her paternal grandfather’s family because he refused to talk about his parents. She goes on a journey to uncover the truth behind her great-grandparents’ story, and is shocked to discover turbulent lives filled with court cases, drugs and incarcerations.  

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin never knew her paternal grandfather, John Barton Goodwin, who died when she was an infant. She’s been haunted by the lack of information surrounding his family line; he never talked about his parents to her father, Tim. Understanding the generations that laid the foundation for her has grown more important to her since becoming a mother herself. The birth of her son Oliver has reignited her desire to know why her grandfather never spoke of his mother and father.    

Ginnifer starts her search for information with her dad, who recalls that his father John Barton’s parents were named Nellie and John “Al” Goodwin, and that for some unknown reason, John Barton was abandoned when he was just 11 years old.  

Photo Credit: TLC

Who Do You Think You Are is Back With New Celebrity Guests

 The two-time Emmy nominated series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? returns this summer to share more fascinating stories, and shed light on surprising revelations, of the real life family history of celebrities. 

Executive Produced by Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, the new season premieres Sunday, July 26 at 9/8c.

 The contributors featured in the upcoming season include:

·         Tom Bergeron, who is aware of his French Canadian roots on his paternal side, but wants to know what brought his ancestors to North America. He goes as far back as his 10x great grandmother to find the answer.

·         Bryan Cranston, who comes to discover an unfortunate pattern amongst the men in his family.

·         Ginnifer Goodwin, who sets out to learn about her mysterious paternal great grandparents, whom her father, regretfully, does not know much about either.

·         Alfre Woodard, who strives to find out more about the paternal side of her family, and explores how her surname came to be.

Additionally, TLC will air the U.S. premiere of J.K. Rowling’s episode of the series, where the best-selling author sets off to uncover her maternal French roots. She finds that a family war story might not be what she thought when military records reveal a surprising twist.

 Ancestry.com , the leading family history company, is teaming up again with TLC as a sponsor of the upcoming season. As part of the show sponsorship, Ancestry provides exhaustive family history research on each of the featured celebrities to help make discoveries possible and build out the story of each episode.

 

Ben Affleck and The Can of Worms

For those who haven't seen the dozens of news stories online, Ben Affleck was featured on Henry Louis Gates' PBS show Finding Your Roots. During the course of filming, Affleck learned that he has a slave owner ancestor. Leaked emails from Sony between Gates and Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton reveal that Affleck did not want this aired in public and wanted that part edited out. 

You can read the emails yourself but basically Gates made it clear he didn't like the idea of hiding the facts (truth). The producer then said as long as no one else had seen it and it could never be found out, humour Affleck and don't use it. Affleck was referred to as a "mega-star" and both men worried about making sure he got what he wanted.

And so his true family history was hidden. Affleck got the white-washed version he wanted where all his ancestors were public-spirited justice-seeking good guys.  And of course all genealogists know that's a crock! Our ancestors were real people. They include the good and the bad, the farmer and the daredevil. Some we would like if we met them, others ... not so much. 

The bottom line is that what our ancestors did is no reflection on us. Just as we cannot blame ourselves if we discover we had a "bad seed" in the ancestor mix, nor can we take credit for those who did amazing things. We can feel proud of them, or we can feel sorrow over misdeeds. But we need to accept who they were, and that their actions good or bad were in a different time and place. 

It is only by learning about the past that we can stop evil from happening in the future. We learn from mistakes and they should not be hidden or deleted from our family tree or from history.

It's a shame Affleck didn't adopt Bill Paxton's approach on TLC’s "Who Do You Think You Are?", when he learned he had a slave owner as an ancestor. Mr. Paxton's response was that it was a shame but "your history good and bad is your history" And that, Mr. Affleck is the point. 

Embrace your history, both the positive and the negative! Learn from it. Don't attempt to create a fictional family tree full of heroes and noble ancestors. 

But as the saying goes "Karma will out" and now Mr. Affleck's request for an edited  version of his family tree has bitten him in the (ahem) with the truth now known world-wide. What would have been seen by a small number of viewers watching the show, and truly not a big deal has become a huge deal with many casting stones Affleck's way. The perception by many, including me, is that it was a misuse of celebrity status to facilitate censorship. And this is never a good thing.

Credit:  Photo by Stoonn.