This is a fantastic show. I hope they make more and more of them. And I
hope that they spend more time on the genetic make-up that ends each
episode. That bit is fascinating and shows just how connected we all
are.
Hi bookme120,
I agree with you. I find the show interesting and would love to here more about the genetic make-up of the guests.
I'd agree. I love the episode, think it was from last season, where Gates found his genetic cousin, a southern white woman. Through the genetics database he was able to connect to a family reunion. This was also used to great degree in the LL Cool J episode to prove his mother's lineage.
shareIt's a fascinating program and shows we are all interconnected in some ways. Hoffman's story really moved it. I loved it.
shareKeep in mind that DNA research is still largely in its infancy, especially where tracking one's ancestry is concerned. The tests are still relatively expensive where deep tracking is involved and while Ancestry.com offers theirs at $79 as a promotion, the usual cost is $99 plus applicable tax. 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA are the other two genealogy tests used in the show and both are more expensive. To be honest, no one system is complete and even two out of three leaves out important information covered by the others. This is not on purpose, but simply a limitation on the amount of time that can be spent analyzing and comparing the DNA results after the test is complete.
It would be nice if a one-stop covers everything in genealogical DNA existed, but it doesn't. The last show of the second season spent more time exploring DNA, but still focused laregly on the three guests for that show.
I haven't watched it, but there is a NOVA ScienceNOW episode that has a segment on personal DNA testing. It is available for streaming from pbs.org.
The tests are still relatively expensive where deep tracking is involved and while Ancestry.com offers theirs at $79 as a promotion, the usual cost is $99 plus applicable tax. 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA are the other two genealogy tests used in the show and both are more expensive.