8.0
Where can I stream The History Man legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The History Man in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
The History Man
1981·Show
The History Man fingerprint
Funny, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos5
- Romance4
- Melancholy4
Humor
Plenty of satire and sharp wit
- Satire & Parody8
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor6
World
Politics, the mind, and society
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The History Man is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of satire and sharp wit
Expect plenty of satire and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody8Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighPolitics, the mind, and society
Its world is built around politics, the mind, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Adapted from the novel by Malcolm Bradbury
The History Man is a four-part 1981 British television drama miniseries written by Christopher Hampton, based on Malcolm Bradbury's 1975 novel of the same title.
Ardently left-wing, or so it seems, Howard Kirk subtly extends his power over students and colleagues alike at a redbrick university.
Academic SatirePsychological DramaSocial CommentaryCharacter StudyIntellectual Power PlayBleak Humor1970s SettingSubtle Manipulation
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Titles like The History Man
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: The History Man
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with The History Man
The History Man1981 · Show
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:House of Cards (1990)Tristana (1970)Paradise: Love (2012)The Big Kahuna (1999)The Party (2017)Sanctuary (2023)Patrick Melrose (2018)Horace and Pete (2016)Dangerous Liaisons (1988)Estômago: A Gastronomic Story (2008)Beatriz at Dinner (2017)Three Colors: White (1994)Faces (1968)Naked (1993)The Shape of Things (2003)2 or 3 Things I Know About Her (1967)Dogville (2003)Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)Industry (2020)Balkan Spy (1984)The Method (2005)Borgen (2010)Woman at War (2018)House of Cards (2013)House of Lies (2012)One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)Little Children (2006)Last Tango in Paris (1972)Knife in the Water (1962)The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)Ray (2021)The Fountainhead (1949)Five Easy Pieces (1970)The Assistant (2020)The Decline of the American Empire (1986)The Good Boss (2021)Diary of a Chambermaid (1964)Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)Ethos (2020)Boss (2011)The Girl in the Café (2005)The Ides of March (2011)The Decameron (2024)Pardon (2005)The Distinguished Citizen (2016)The Plot Against America (2020)The Servant (1963)Carnage (2011)The Ice Storm (1997)That Obscure Object of Desire (1977)Bulworth (1998)The Damned (1969)Day of the Wacko (2002)A Perfect Day (2015)The Last Supper (1995)Valmont (1989)Classroom of the Elite (2017)Do the Right Thing (1989)Winter Sleep (2014)What Have I Done to Deserve This? (1984)Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn (2021)About Dry Grasses (2023)...And Justice for All (1979)The New Pope (2020)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The History Man
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The History Man worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The History Man rated?
Sexual contentStrong language
Content advisories: sexual content and strong language.
How many seasons does The History Man have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 4 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Is The History Man based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The History Man air?
S1
It ran from 1981 to 1981 and has ended.
What language is The History Man in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.