NBC shakes the family tree

New NBC docu series asks celebs, “Who Do You Think You Are?”

If learning about the wives and children of your favorite celebs isn’t enough, wait until you see “Who Do You Think You Are?” This new NBC documentary series traces the family tree of some of America’s most beloved celebrities and you won’t believe the extraordinary and moving stories they find in the past.

“Friends” star Lisa Kudrow is the executive producer of this series which is based on a popular BBC program.

“This engaging new series gives viewers a glimpse into the personal lives of our favorite celebrities allowing us to learn not only more about that individual, but also about our country’s history on a grand scale,” said Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment. “I think at the heart of every American is the burning desire to understand who you are and where you came from. We hope this series will inspire our viewers to investigate their own intriguing past.”

Each episode will take viewers on an inspiring, emotional and personal journey following one of America’s best-known celebrities into his or her past, sharing the celebrity’s emotion and surprise as they uncover stories of heroism and tragedy, love and betrayal, passion and intrigue that lie at the heart of their family story. At the same time, the series celebrates the making of our great nation and the people who made their way here in search of freedom and opportunity. As each one discovers their unknown relatives, the show will take the audience back into history around the world and show how the lives of everyone’s collective ancestors’ have shaped today’s world. The series uses genealogy to unravel the major themes in history’s great stories while incorporating a charming and captivating narrative to link the tales as they unfold.