A TV show conceived in the most unlikely of ways has proven itself to be a timeless treasure. Thirty-two years ago, a small team of archaeologists gathered for a weekend in Somerset to create a television program about a field where King Alfred the Great once rallied resistance against invading Viking forces. With no concessions to glitz or glamour, just the raw enthusiasm and expertise of its creators, Time Team set out on an unassuming journey.
The show's humble beginnings belied its eventual success, as it went on to become a Channel 4 staple for over two decades, producing more than 200 episodes before its cancellation in 2013. However, the team's passion project refused to be buried. In 2021, some of the original experts reunited to film a dig, this time to be broadcast on their own channel, YouTube.
Four years on, Time Team boasts an astonishing 350,000 subscribers and attracts audiences of up to two million per episode. Its financial stability has allowed it to secure funding for future digs, including a highly anticipated project at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney. The team's resident geophysicist, John Gater, made a groundbreaking discovery that promises to shed new light on this ancient Neolithic site.
Despite its initial reluctance to adapt to digital formats, Time Team has thrived on YouTube, thanks in part to the talents of Tony Robinson, who initially expressed skepticism about the platform. However, the show's return to its roots has been met with critical acclaim and a renewed sense of purpose.
Professor Carenza Lewis, one of the show's original cast members, notes that Time Team never truly left her side, even after she was let go from the program in 2005. The project remained close to her heart, earning her a warm welcome at a Russian archaeological conference years later.
The show's flexibility on YouTube has also allowed it to tap into new audiences worldwide, with around 40% of its fans now hailing from outside the UK. While the platform brings new challenges, such as persuading archaeologists to adopt 'acceptable hyperbole' for online success, Time Team's senior producer-director Emily Boulting is confident in its ability to adapt.
As the show marks another New Year's Day broadcast on Sutton Hoo, it seems that Time Team is more than just a TV program – it's a testament to the enduring power of archaeology. The team's lead presenter, Tony Robinson, attributes this to the simple magic of uncovering secrets from our collective past. "This is the ground we walk on all day, every day," he says, highlighting the show's timeless appeal.
With its continued success a testament to its creators' dedication and expertise, Time Team remains an extraordinary example of how a humble idea can evolve into something truly remarkable over time.
The show's humble beginnings belied its eventual success, as it went on to become a Channel 4 staple for over two decades, producing more than 200 episodes before its cancellation in 2013. However, the team's passion project refused to be buried. In 2021, some of the original experts reunited to film a dig, this time to be broadcast on their own channel, YouTube.
Four years on, Time Team boasts an astonishing 350,000 subscribers and attracts audiences of up to two million per episode. Its financial stability has allowed it to secure funding for future digs, including a highly anticipated project at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney. The team's resident geophysicist, John Gater, made a groundbreaking discovery that promises to shed new light on this ancient Neolithic site.
Despite its initial reluctance to adapt to digital formats, Time Team has thrived on YouTube, thanks in part to the talents of Tony Robinson, who initially expressed skepticism about the platform. However, the show's return to its roots has been met with critical acclaim and a renewed sense of purpose.
Professor Carenza Lewis, one of the show's original cast members, notes that Time Team never truly left her side, even after she was let go from the program in 2005. The project remained close to her heart, earning her a warm welcome at a Russian archaeological conference years later.
The show's flexibility on YouTube has also allowed it to tap into new audiences worldwide, with around 40% of its fans now hailing from outside the UK. While the platform brings new challenges, such as persuading archaeologists to adopt 'acceptable hyperbole' for online success, Time Team's senior producer-director Emily Boulting is confident in its ability to adapt.
As the show marks another New Year's Day broadcast on Sutton Hoo, it seems that Time Team is more than just a TV program – it's a testament to the enduring power of archaeology. The team's lead presenter, Tony Robinson, attributes this to the simple magic of uncovering secrets from our collective past. "This is the ground we walk on all day, every day," he says, highlighting the show's timeless appeal.
With its continued success a testament to its creators' dedication and expertise, Time Team remains an extraordinary example of how a humble idea can evolve into something truly remarkable over time.
32 yrs ago they created this show with zero glitz or glamour just pure enthusiasm & expertise and look what's happened now! The fact that it's still going strong on YouTube after all these yrs is a testament to its timeless appeal. Tony Robinson was right in saying the magic of uncovering secrets from our collective past 
it's like, we're literally digging into our own history!
like who would've thought that a bunch of archaeologists just chillin in Somerset 32 yrs ago would end up makin some of the most epic vids about ancient history ever 
this is so cool! I mean, who would've thought that a simple weekend dig in Somerset 32 years ago would turn into a global phenomenon? The fact that it's still got such a massive following on YouTube is just mind-blowing. And Tony Robinson was totally right about the 'acceptable hyperbole' thing - it's like he predicted the online archaeology thing! 
Those archaeologists were so passionate about their work and it paid off in such a huge way! I mean, 350k subs on YouTube is crazy 
And let's be real, who needs fancy CGI or scripted drama when you've got a bunch of dusty old bones and some tired old theories? But seriously, 350k subs is no joke... I guess it's just proof that the masses still care about ancient relics over actual news or current events. YouTube's a weird beast, but hey, at least they're sticking to their roots (pun intended).
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. And it's awesome that Professor Carenza Lewis got a warm welcome back into the fold after being let go from the original program 
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after all these years it's amazing to see the show adapt to new platforms like youtube and still bring in so many new fans 
they're really good at not changing who they are, just evolving with the times that's the secret to their success imo 
and can we talk about how cool is tony robinson 
he's literally a legend and his enthusiasm is infectious 
. And its lead presenter Tony Robinson is a legend, I love how he keeps it real and talks about the magic of uncovering our past 
. The team's commitment to archaeology is inspiring, even after all these years, and I'm excited to see what they'll discover next 
. And I'm not surprised that it's attracted new fans from all over the world - there's just something so fascinating about uncovering secrets from our past 
. Here's to many more years of Time Team bringing history to life! 
. The team's passion for archaeology is still so infectious, even after all these years. And can we talk about Tony Robinson? He was always the heart of the show 
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those numbers are insane, 350k subs on YouTube is crazy. Interesting how it went from being on Channel 4 for 20 years to now having its own channel where it thrives. Tony Robinson must be stoked about the platform and how it's helped him keep Time Team alive all these years. 
because if you think about it, who doesn't love a good time-traveling adventure? 
. Can't replicate the excitement of being on site when you're watching some bloke on a screen 
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. It's awesome that Professor Carenza Lewis was able to reconnect with the show, too - she must be thrilled to see it thriving again 