In this paper, we argue against the over-simplistic accusation that the media "dumb down" the study of history. Instead, we critically examine the contemporary presentation of history on British television within a framework of analysis of commodification and consumption. We argue that central to the debate is the idea that whilst television history serves to entertain, it also has the potential to be educative, provided that issues of historiography are raised and debated, particularly those that emerge from commodification for popular consumption.