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Abstract
This paper addresses the representation of theory of history in television dramas of the 1990s and early 2000s. History and historical themes are commonly addressed in television programming. The usual image that one has of this topic is period dramas or historical documentaries. However, programs of this kind are usually concerned with the content of history and do not commonly address the issues of historical theory that underpin historical knowledge. This paper will look at those occasions when television dramas do address historical theory. Surprisingly, this often seems to occur in shows that are not ostensibly about history at all. Theory of history is often discussed in such diverse genres as science fiction and detective shows as well as comedies and ‘quality’ dramas.
Notes
1. Poliakoff's work often refers to issues of history and evidence. His Perfect Strangers (2001) and The Lost Prince (2003) particularly concern these themes, though in a less concentrated way than Shooting the Past.