Who Do You Think You Are?: Season 17 (2020)

In Season 17 of "Who Do You Think You Are?", the series continues its exploration of celebrity ancestry, featuring various notable figures as they delve into their family histories. Each episode focuses on a different celebrity, revealing personal stories and historical contexts that shape their identities.

The season opens with actress and producer, Amy Adams. She begins her journey by expressing a desire to understand her family's past, particularly her father's side. Amy visits a genealogist who provides her with initial information about her ancestors. They discover that her paternal lineage traces back to a family in the early 19th century, leading her to explore records in the United States.

As Amy digs deeper, she learns about her great-great-grandfather, who was a farmer in the Midwest. This revelation prompts her to visit the area where he lived. Upon arrival, she is struck by the landscape and the historical significance of the land. She reflects on her family's connection to the land and the hardships they faced as immigrants. The emotional weight of this discovery resonates with her, as she contemplates the sacrifices made by her ancestors.

In the next episode, actor and comedian, Billy Porter, embarks on his journey. He is particularly interested in understanding his African American heritage. Billy's research leads him to uncover information about his great-great-grandmother, who was born into slavery. This revelation is profound for him, and he expresses a mix of pride and sorrow as he learns about her resilience and strength.

Billy travels to the location where his ancestors lived, and he visits historical sites that are significant to the African American experience. He meets with historians who provide context about the era and the struggles faced by his ancestors. The emotional impact of this journey is palpable, as Billy grapples with the legacy of his family and the broader implications of their history.

The season also features actress, Octavia Spencer, who is eager to learn about her family's roots in Alabama. Octavia's journey begins with her grandmother, who played a significant role in her upbringing. As she investigates her family tree, she discovers connections to the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges her ancestors faced in the South.

Octavia visits her hometown and meets with local historians who share stories about her family's involvement in the community. The emotional weight of her discoveries is evident as she reflects on the sacrifices made by her ancestors for future generations. This connection to her heritage deepens her appreciation for her family's legacy.

In another episode, actor, Matthew Morrison, explores his family's history, focusing on his Irish roots. He learns about his great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland during the Great Famine. Matthew's journey takes him to Ireland, where he visits the village of his ancestors. The lush landscapes and rich history of the area evoke a sense of belonging and connection for him.

As Matthew uncovers more about his ancestor's life, he learns about the struggles they faced upon arriving in America. The emotional journey culminates in a deeper understanding of his family's resilience and the impact of their journey on his own life.

Throughout the season, each celebrity's journey is marked by moments of discovery, reflection, and emotional connection to their past. The series highlights the importance of understanding one's heritage and the stories that shape individual identities. Each episode concludes with the celebrities expressing gratitude for the insights gained and the connections made to their ancestors, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

In the season finale of "Who Do You Think You Are?" Season 17, various celebrities embark on emotional journeys to uncover their family histories. Each participant discovers significant and often surprising details about their ancestors, leading to moments of reflection and connection with their heritage. The season concludes with a sense of closure for each individual as they come to terms with their newfound knowledge, celebrating their roots and the stories that shaped their identities.

As the final episode unfolds, we see the first participant, actress and producer, who has been on a quest to learn about her family's past. She visits historical archives and meets with genealogists who help her piece together her lineage. The emotional weight of her discoveries is palpable as she learns about her ancestors' struggles and triumphs. In a poignant moment, she stands in front of a historical site that holds significance to her family, feeling a deep connection to her roots.

Next, we follow a musician who delves into his family's history, uncovering stories of resilience and creativity. He visits locations tied to his ancestors, each step revealing more about the legacy they left behind. The musician reflects on how these revelations influence his own artistic journey, feeling inspired by the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before him.

The final participant, a well-known actor, embarks on a journey that leads him to unexpected revelations about his family's past. He discovers a hidden chapter of his ancestry that challenges his understanding of his identity. As he processes this information, he grapples with feelings of surprise and introspection, ultimately finding a sense of peace as he embraces the complexity of his heritage.

Throughout the episode, the emotional arcs of each participant culminate in moments of realization and acceptance. They each express gratitude for the opportunity to learn about their ancestors, recognizing the impact of their family histories on their present lives. The season ends with a montage of the participants reflecting on their journeys, celebrating their newfound knowledge, and acknowledging the importance of understanding where they come from.

In the closing scenes, the participants gather for a final reflection, sharing their experiences and the emotional weight of their discoveries. They express a renewed sense of identity and connection to their families, leaving viewers with a powerful message about the significance of heritage and the stories that shape who we are. Each character finds closure in their journey, enriched by the knowledge of their past and the legacies they carry forward.

In "Who Do You Think You Are?" Season 17, there are no post-credit scenes. The episodes focus on the personal journeys of the featured celebrities as they explore their family histories and uncover their ancestral stories. Each episode concludes with a reflective moment from the celebrity, summarizing their emotional experiences and newfound insights about their heritage, but there are no additional scenes or content after the credits. The format remains consistent with previous seasons, emphasizing the personal revelations and connections made throughout the episode.

In Season 17, Jesse Tyler Ferguson delves into his family history, uncovering the story of his great-great-grandfather, who was a Scottish immigrant. He learns about the struggles and resilience of his ancestors, particularly focusing on their journey to America and the challenges they faced in adapting to a new life.

Angela Bassett's journey in Season 17 reveals her African American roots, tracing back to her ancestors who were enslaved. This exploration deepens her appreciation for her heritage and the sacrifices made by her forebears, leading to a profound emotional connection to her family's past.

Kelsey Grammer's investigation in Season 17 uncovers a lineage that includes a notable ancestor who was a prominent figure in the American Revolution. This revelation not only surprises him but also instills a sense of pride and connection to his family's historical significance.

During her journey in Season 17, Laverne Cox encounters the painful legacy of her family's past, including issues of race and identity. She grapples with the emotional weight of her ancestors' experiences, which leads her to reflect on her own identity and the broader implications of her family's history.

The historical context is crucial in Season 17, as each celebrity's family story is intertwined with significant events such as immigration, slavery, and the Civil Rights Movement. These elements provide a backdrop that shapes the personal narratives of the ancestors, highlighting how historical events influenced their lives and the lives of their descendants.

"Who Do You Think You Are?" is generally considered family-friendly, as it focuses on genealogy and personal stories of ancestry. However, there are some aspects that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Themes of Loss and Grief: Many episodes explore family histories that include loss, such as the death of ancestors or the impact of war, which can evoke strong emotions.

2. Historical Contexts: Some stories delve into difficult historical events, such as slavery, genocide, or other forms of oppression, which may be distressing for younger viewers.

3. Personal Struggles: The show often highlights personal struggles faced by ancestors, including poverty, discrimination, or illness, which can be heavy topics.

4. Emotional Reactions: Participants frequently experience emotional moments as they uncover painful truths about their family history, which might be intense for sensitive viewers.

Overall, while the show is educational and inspiring, it does touch on serious themes that may require parental guidance for younger audiences.