By Christopher Canadeo
“Making History” is a unique show that proves enjoyable and interesting for history buffs and TV-bingers alike. (Courtesy of Facebook)
History nerds rejoice. “Making History,” which airs at 8:30 p.m. on Fox, is a cross between history and comedy that seeks to excite as well as inform (to a certain degree) viewers of all ages about historic American events.
The protagonist, Adam, is an average guy who stumbles upon an amazing, fully-operational time machine that his father built right before he died. Rather than using this intricate machine for knowledge-seeking purposes, he uses it to escape the present, make new friends and create a better reputation for himself in the past than his one in present day. It is after only weeks of traveling back and forth between present day Boston, Massachusetts and 1775 Jamestown, Virginia that Adam decides to bring a friend, who is a history professor. Obviously, the history professor is blown away by what he has been transported to, but to Adam, this is just another weekend catching up with old friends.
The comedic exchanges between these two and the stark difference in the environment between past and present is what makes this show so entertaining. Where his friend seeks out the causation of the American Revolution and knowledge of our forefathers Adam, simply ventures into the past to have a good time. The show also does a great job in making the props and scenes look historically accurate and even goes so far as to let Adam meet various historical characters such as Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
What we learn from the character’s actions in the past is that they have serious ripple effects in the future. The implications of what the characters do in the past have lasting effects in the present day for better or for worse. This also allows for viewers’ curiosity because they begin to question how the influence of Adam and others in the past will ultimately affect the future.
Adam even has a girlfriend in 1775 whom he later finds out is the daughter of Paul Revere. Paul Revere is so caught up in finding out who his daughter’s lover is that he does not plan on alerting the colonies of the British troops until he finds him, thus stymieing the American Revolution. It is little details in the plot like this which make the viewer laugh at Adam’s ridiculousness, seeing as he would rather have his girlfriend in the past than have American freedom in the present.
It is also important to note that the characters do not just stay in one time spot. Every episode or two they travel to a different historical event and meet its most notable figure, ranging from John Hancock to Al Capone. This makes the show even more interesting, as the characters encounter new challenges with each point in time they come across. It is also a mystery as to where the characters end up sometimes, as they have to figure out where and when they are.
The comedy that is sprinkled throughout the episodes is rich and appropriate for all ages. Kids can watch this show with their moms, and history buffs can watch this show with other history buffs and there will be no shortage of humor to any audience. Although the historical facts introduced are accurate and relevant to the show, “Making History” is a far cry from any boring documentary you may have expected. Rather than bore you with historical context, the show brings authenticity to its jokes and bolsters its comedy with relevant facts and situations that may have happened. Equal parts funny and entertaining, “Making History” is a must watch.
The Fordham Ram 
