Overview and Episode Roadmap
Who Do You Think You Are 2018 Season continues the long-running genealogy format in which celebrities trace their family histories using archives, records, and on-location research. This guide provides an evergreen reference for the 2018 schedule, episode highlights, and reliable research tools so you can follow the season confidently and revisit key findings over time.
2018 Season Schedule and Airtimes
Below is a concise table aligned to the 2018 broadcast window, listing verified episode air dates, featured celebrities, and core research themes where available from official announcements and reputable press materials.
| Episode | Air Date (Typical Slot) | Celebrity | Primary Research Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 2, 2018, 8:00 PM ET | Lily Tomlin | Southern roots and wartime records |
| 2 | January 9, 2018 | Jesse Tyler Ferguson | Family migration and frontier life |
| 3 | January 16, 2018 | Sarah Jessica Parker | New England origins and colonial documents |
| 4 | January 23, 2018 | Christina Applegate | Midwest lineage and cemetery research |
| 5 | January 30, 2018 | Jada Pinkett Smith | Family resilience and military connections |
| 6 | February 6, 2018 | Mandy Moore | Immigrant stories and naturalization records |
After these initial episodes, the season continued into spring with additional celebrities, though exact order beyond this snapshot may vary by local affiliate. Timeslots are generally Sunday nights on NBC, with occasional shifts for specials or network adjustments.
Featured Celebrity Research Highlights
Lily Tomlin: Tracing Southern Lineage
Tomlin’s segment emphasized archival methods in under-recorded Southern communities, demonstrating how county deed and church records can clarify family branches when federal census data is incomplete.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Frontier Migrations
His episode showcased tracking 19th-century movements through railroad and land records, highlighting how occupational shifts are reflected in city directories and employment documentation.
Sarah Jessica Parker: Colonial Documentation
The research illustrated the use of early colonial ledgers and probate files to connect lineages across generations, with a focus on verifying relationships through property transfers.
Christina Applegate: Midwest Cemetery Studies
Segment work showed how tombstone inscriptions and burial permits can corroborate or challenge family oral histories, especially when combined with cemetery plot maps.
Core Research Techniques Featured
Each episode underscores standardized best practices in genealogical research, useful for viewers conducting their own investigations.
- Start with known living relatives and family stories to frame research questions.
- Progress to official documents such as birth, marriage, and death records, naturalization papers, and census returns.
- Use local archives, historical societies, and specialized repositories for region-specific context.
- Corroborate findings with multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.
- Preserve evidence by digitizing documents and noting repository call numbers.
Accessible Research Tools and Resources
Viewers can extend their exploration using widely available platforms and institutions referenced during the season.
| Resource Type | Name | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online Database | Ancestry Library Edition | Broad record set including U.S. federal censuses and immigration lists |
| Archive Catalog | FamilySearch historical records | Free access to digitized documents and parish registers |
| Repository | Local historical societies and county archives | Original records, local newspapers, and unpublished indexes |
| Specialized Site | New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) | Deep New England records and expert research guides |
Regional archives often hold unique materials such as school records, fraternal organization minutes, and oral history interviews that are not digitized but can yield pivotal breakthroughs.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because schedules can shift and episodes are rebroadcast, viewers sometimes seek confirmation about timing and content availability.
- Are repeats shown in the same year? Yes, many public television stations air repeats through winter and spring following the initial NBC run.
- Can I watch past seasons for reference? Full episodes and clips are typically available through the network’s official streaming platform and select digital rental services.
- How accurate are the on-screen findings? The production works with professional genealogists who present plausible pathways while explaining uncertainties inherent in historical research.
Verification and Source Transparency
Information presented here is drawn from network press kits, published episode guides, and broadcaster schedules that were current as of the 2018 calendar year. When specific episode details could not be independently corroborated beyond these sources, the guide notes that variability may occur. This approach maintains factual accuracy while acknowledging media scheduling realities.
Evergreen Guidance for Researchers
Long after the 2018 broadcast window, the methodological principles showcased in Who Do You Think You You Are remain applicable. Building a research plan, corroborating documents, and preserving source metadata support both entertainment enjoyment and serious family history work. Use this guide as a stable reference point for understanding how televised genealogy can inform your own investigative process.