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.
Seasons and episodes
2 seasons · 29 episodes
2
- 1S2 E1
Red State vs. Blue State
Sep 29, 2012
It's a rivalry that tears us apart every four years, but how did our nation divide into red states vs. blue states, and what happens to the states caught in the middle?
- 2S2 E2
White Collar vs. Blue Collar
Sep 29, 2012
Deep in the Rust Belt the white collar and blue collar divide has shaped our cities and our states. How did this rivalry change the way we all bring home the bacon?
- 3S2 E3
Hillbilly vs. Redneck
Oct 6, 2012
Two underdogs of American culture go head to head to prove how hillbillies and rednecks have shaped our states.
- 4S2 E4
Hatfields vs. McCoys
Oct 6, 2012
America's most iconic rivalry was more than just a feud between families. The fight between the Hatfields and McCoys nearly launched a war between two states.
- 5S2 E5
North vs. South
Oct 13, 201230 min
It's America's original rivalry, a divide that was so wide it took a war to close the gap. But have we really reunited, or are we still fighting a culture war?
- 6S2 E6
Bigfoot vs. Aliens
Oct 13, 2012
America is a nation under siege by unexplained phenomena. Whether you're afraid of Bigfoot or alien invasion might depend on what state you call home.
Starring
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I watch How the States Got Their Shapes?
- How the States Got Their Shapes is streaming on Hulu, Hoopla, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, HISTORY Vault Amazon Channel, HISTORY Vault Apple TV channel. It can also be rented or bought on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home. Availability is refreshed weekly.
- How many seasons of How the States Got Their Shapes are there?
- How the States Got Their Shapes has 2 seasons and 29 episodes. Status: Cancelled.
- Will there be a new season of How the States Got Their Shapes?
- How the States Got Their Shapes has been canceled; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on December 22, 2012.
- Who stars in How the States Got Their Shapes?
- How the States Got Their Shapes stars Brian Unger, Jennifer Brunner.
