History (TV channel) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
History

Logo as of December 7, 2021.
Country	United States
Broadcast area	Nationwide
Headquarters	New York City, New York, US
Programming
Picture format	1080i (HDTV) Downgraded to letterboxed 480i for SDTV feed
Ownership
Owner	A&E Networks
Sister channels	Military History History en Español History TV18
History
Launched	January 1, 1995; 30 years ago (1995-01-01)
Former names	The History Channel (1995–2008)
Availability
Streaming media
Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Amazon Prime Video, Frndly TV

History is a popular TV channel in the United States. It used to be called The History Channel until 2008. This channel is owned by a company called A&E Networks, which is partly owned by Disney and Hearst Communications. You usually watch History as part of a TV package you pay for.

When History first started in 1995, it mainly showed documentaries about real history, science, and how societies work. Over time, it began to show more "reality TV" style programs. Some experts and historians have questioned certain shows, saying they were more for entertainment than based on solid facts.

In 2008, the channel changed its name from "The History Channel" to simply "History." It also got a new logo. The "H" symbol stayed, but a triangle shape was added. This triangle looks like a play button, which is often used in videos.

By 2015, History was available in over 96 million homes in the United States. You can also find versions of the History channel in many other countries around the world, including Canada, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and Latin America.

In 2018, History announced a project called "History 100." The goal was to create 100 documentaries about important events and famous people from the last 100 years. In 2021, the channel also ordered a new documentary series about the long history of the Star Trek science fiction movies and TV shows. This series plans to explore the different shows and include interviews with the actors.

On December 8, 2021, History updated its look again. The new logo still features the golden letter 'H' that has been part of its brand since it first launched.

The second History's logo, used from June 1, 2015, to December 6, 2021.

What You Can Watch on History

History shows many different types of programs. They cover a wide range of historical times and topics. Sometimes, similar shows are grouped together for a whole week or a daily marathon.

Popular Topics and Themes

The channel explores many interesting subjects, such as:

• Wars and battles
• Amazing inventions
• The history of aviation (flying)
• How big machines and buildings are made (like mechanical and civil engineering)
• New technology and science
• Nature and the environment
• Famous artists, composers, and authors
• Stories about mythical creatures and monsters
• Mysteries like unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and conspiracy theories
• Ideas about aliens and different religious beliefs
• Big disasters and ideas about the end of the world
• Shows about survival skills
• What if history had gone differently? (alternate history)
• Dinosaurs and ancient life
• Organized crime and secret societies

Sometimes, programs on History compare things from today's world with how they were in the past.

Scripted Dramas

In 2013, History started showing its own scripted drama series. One of the most famous is Vikings, which tells stories about Norse warriors.

History Around the World

The History Channel is not just in the United States. It's available in many countries across the globe!

International Channels

You can watch History in places like Canada, the UK and Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Poland. It's also available in countries like India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei. Some countries, like Kuwait, Israel, and Japan, even have their own special versions of the channel.

History in Latin America

The History channel for Latin America started in 2001. It shows programs from the US, but they are translated into Spanish or Portuguese. Sometimes, they are shown in English with subtitles in those languages. This version of History also creates some of its own shows about Latin American topics.

History in South Africa

In South Africa, The History Channel began on December 1, 2003. It's part of a satellite TV package called DStv.

Popular Shows on History

Here are some of the well-known shows that have been on the History channel: