How the States Got Their Shapes

Name: How the States Got Their Shapes
Genre: Adventure, Documentary, History
Released: 2011
Rating: 8.2

★ 8.2 787 votes 2011–2012 2 seasons · 29 episodes Canceled History

Adventure Documentary History

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How the States Got Their Shapes Episode Ratings Heatmap

	Avg		E1	E2	E3	E4	E5	E6	E7	E8	E9	E10	E11	E12	E13	E14	E15	E16	E17	E18	E19
S1	8.3		8.1	8.2	8.1	8.2	8.4	8.4	8.4	8.4	8.4	8.5
S2	7.4		7.0	6.9	7.4	7.1	7.2	5.8	7.6	7.6	7.1	7.5	7.6	7.6	7.8	7.9	8.0	8.2	7.6	8.2	7.1

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About

The show deals with how the various states of the United States established their borders, but also delves into other aspects of U.S. history, including failed states, proposed new states, and the local culture and character of various U.S. states. It thus deals with the "shapes" of the states in a metaphorical sense as well as a literal sense. The show format follows Unger as he travels to various locations, and interviews local people, visits important historical and cultural sites, and provides commentary from behind the wheel of his car as he drives from location to location. Interspersed with these segments are brief historical synopses by notable U.S. historians.