A small group of archaeologists spent a weekend in Somerset 32 years ago to create a TV program about a field where King Alfred the Great rallied resistance against the invading Viking army. The team, consisting of blokes with unruly hair and a couple of women, walked across the field, discussed their findings over beer, and watched a dot matrix printer slowly dispense results. Their most exciting discovery was a lump of iron slag.
This humble start led to a TV juggernaut that aired for 20 years, producing over 200 episodes before falling audiences and a revamped format led to its cancellation in 2013. However, the show's fans convinced some of the original team members to gather again and film a dig on YouTube in 2021.
Today, Time Team has 350,000 subscribers and regularly attracts up to 2 million viewers. The program also generates 11,000 monthly Patreon supporters, giving it significant financial leverage. This newfound freedom has allowed Time Team to embark on an exciting new project: funding a dig at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney.
The show's revival can be attributed to the flexibility and interactive nature of YouTube. The original presenter, Tony Robinson, has returned for some episodes, despite initial reservations about how the format would work online. Other original team members, such as Carenza Lewis and John Gater, have also rejoined the program, bringing their expertise and passion for archaeology.
Lewis, a professor at the University of Lincoln, credits Time Team's enduring appeal to its ability to make complex subjects engaging and accessible. The show's use of humor, storytelling, and visual effects has helped it transcend traditional broadcast formats.
Time Team is now exploring new opportunities, including community digs, children's content, and brand partnerships. However, the team remains cautious about partnering with another broadcaster, preferring to maintain its independence.
According to Robinson, Time Team's enduring success can be attributed to its ability to tap into people's innate curiosity about the past. By weaving a spell of discovery, the show reminds viewers that there are wonders waiting to be uncovered beneath their feet.
This humble start led to a TV juggernaut that aired for 20 years, producing over 200 episodes before falling audiences and a revamped format led to its cancellation in 2013. However, the show's fans convinced some of the original team members to gather again and film a dig on YouTube in 2021.
Today, Time Team has 350,000 subscribers and regularly attracts up to 2 million viewers. The program also generates 11,000 monthly Patreon supporters, giving it significant financial leverage. This newfound freedom has allowed Time Team to embark on an exciting new project: funding a dig at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney.
The show's revival can be attributed to the flexibility and interactive nature of YouTube. The original presenter, Tony Robinson, has returned for some episodes, despite initial reservations about how the format would work online. Other original team members, such as Carenza Lewis and John Gater, have also rejoined the program, bringing their expertise and passion for archaeology.
Lewis, a professor at the University of Lincoln, credits Time Team's enduring appeal to its ability to make complex subjects engaging and accessible. The show's use of humor, storytelling, and visual effects has helped it transcend traditional broadcast formats.
Time Team is now exploring new opportunities, including community digs, children's content, and brand partnerships. However, the team remains cautious about partnering with another broadcaster, preferring to maintain its independence.
According to Robinson, Time Team's enduring success can be attributed to its ability to tap into people's innate curiosity about the past. By weaving a spell of discovery, the show reminds viewers that there are wonders waiting to be uncovered beneath their feet.
I mean, what is it about our collective fascination with the past that makes us so hooked? Is it just nostalgia or is there something deeper at play? The way Time Team's revival on YouTube has managed to reignite our passion for archaeology speaks volumes about human curiosity. We're drawn in by the promise of discovery, of uncovering secrets hidden beneath our feet. It's almost like we're trying to make sense of ourselves by studying the world around us - our ancestors, their struggles and triumphs, and the artifacts they left behind. The show's success is a testament to our innate desire for meaning and connection with something greater than ourselves 
and now they got more subs than ever?! its all thanks to youtube fam! 
i mean who needs traditional tv when u can just post some vids on the web and get a million ppl hooked? 
tony robinson's return was lowkey amazing, dont @ me 
and carenza lewis is like the queen of archaeology, no cap 
. theyve got this super cool community dig thing goin on now too 
, its like they're sayin "hey kids wanna get involved in archaeology? we gotchu!" 
. Like, who would've thought that a bunch of archaeologists hanging out in a field 32 years ago would become a YouTube sensation? 
. It's great to see them staying true to their passion for archaeology while also being open to trying new things.
. He just has this energy that brings everything together, you know? And Carenza Lewis is right on point with her expertise and infectious enthusiasm 
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But honestly, who am I to judge? They seem to be killing it with their community digs and whatnot. Maybe the internet is just weird and good for archaeology shows or something 
who knew it'd lead to all this? the fact they're back on YouTube and making new content is insane 
love how they're not afraid to experiment and try new things... and it's awesome to see they're engaging with fans and listening to their feedback 
also, Tony Robinson coming back after some reservations shows that even old dogs can learn new tricks 
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. Who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of blokes digging up ancient artifacts while sipping beer? It's like the ultimate chill vibes 
. And the fact that they're making complex subjects accessible to everyone is just awesome 
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! 350k subs and 2 million viewers? That's like, whoa! And the fact that they're still making content after all these years is a testament to the show's timeless appeal 
. I mean, Tony Robinson's return was a masterstroke β he's like, the OG presenter 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good Patreon supporter 
? The show's still got it, and I'm all about that Time Team life 
!
I'm loving how they're exploring new opportunities and staying true to their indie spirit. Can't wait to see what's next for Time Team 
. The fact that they've managed to tap into people's curiosity about the past and create engaging content is truly inspiring 