I've watched both episodes, and will continue to watch the rest of the 7-episode series (Lisa Kudrow, one of the exec producers of the show, will be this week's episode), but I have mixed feelings. As an avid genealogist, I think the series is great in that it shows folks how fascinating genealogy can be -- how it can help you to learn more about yourself by learning about those who came before you. On the other hand, I think it does a bit of a disservice by making it appear that it's so easy to find information to go back so many generations. Sarah Jessica Parker and Emmitt Smith both have a lot of money, and can afford to just jump on a plane to head off to a totally different area of our country, not to mention another country altogether; when the vast majority of us simply don't have that option. Another sticking point is that Sarah Jessica Parker and Emmitt Smith (and the other five celebs to follow in the coming weeks) have the benefit of several professional genealogists and archivists searching for information long before they arrive in town. The information is simply handed to them. They aren't spending hours upon hours looking at rolls of microfilmed records, etc. I have a World Deluxe membership to Ancestry.com. I have access to every record they have. Plus, I'm an arbitrator for submissions to Ancestry.com - both from the World Archives Project as well as corrections/suggestions that folks submit regarding records that are already online. Yet I continually hit a total roadblock when it comes to ancestors/family in Pennsylvania, because Pennsylvania has close to nothing available online. I wish it were as easy as the show makes it appear...

This was one of the best episodes and I think it was because the 'celebrity' was not only interested in learning about his ancestors but he actually had an interest in American history. It doesn't hurt either that Rob Lowe is handsome and has stunning blue eyes. However good looks aside it was interesting to hear his comments and questions as his family history was revealed. It wasn't the usual 'awesome' 'wow' 'amazing' - there were some but then he followed up with a complete sentences or questions. I used to live just outside of Newton, PA and it is a lovely town north of Philadelphia. However you would think someone would have told them that the name is pronounced 'new town' and not 'new ton'.

Yes....that one comes on Monday nights on PBS here. I have a hard time remembering to watch it. They just had a blurb on about it...so at least now I know which night.

Got my dvr set.