History2 – A Deep Dive into Canada’s Historical Documentary Channel

Introduction

History2 (stylized as H2) is a Canadian specialty television channel dedicated to historical programming, in-depth documentaries, and explorations of past civilizations, ancient mysteries, and pivotal events. Initially launched as a complementary network to its sister channel History, History2 has carved its own identity by focusing on immersive, long-form historical narratives and specialized content that delves deeper into topics not widely covered by mainstream historical networks.

With a blend of ancient history, military chronicles, and intriguing explorations into lost civilizations, History2 offers viewers an enriching experience that goes beyond the traditional documentary format.

Origins and Evolution

History2 was originally introduced as H2, a Canadian counterpart to the U.S. network of the same name. The channel was launched by Corus Entertainment in partnership with A+E Networks, the parent company of History. Its creation was driven by the increasing demand for specialized historical content beyond the mainstream, offering a deeper and more investigative approach to storytelling.

When the U.S. version of H2 was rebranded as Viceland in 2016, the Canadian H2 continued its independent operation, maintaining its historical focus and expanding its library of high-quality documentary content. The channel was eventually rebranded as History2 in 2019, aligning more closely with its flagship channel, History, while preserving its distinct approach to long-form, immersive historical programming.

Programming and Content

History2 sets itself apart by offering content that takes a deeper dive into historical subjects. While History focuses on mainstream historical narratives and reality-based programming, History2 explores niche topics, hidden histories, and lesser-known perspectives from around the world.

1. Ancient Civilizations and Lost Worlds

A major focus of History2 is uncovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Through expert analysis, archaeological discoveries, and cutting-edge technology, the channel brings history to life in a way that both educates and captivates viewers. Popular programs in this category include:

• Ancient Aliens – A controversial yet fascinating look at theories surrounding extraterrestrial influence on ancient cultures.
• The Universe – An exploration of cosmic history and the mysteries of space and time.
• Secrets of the Pyramids – Investigating the engineering marvels of Egypt and other ancient structures.

2. Military History and Warfare

History2 delves deep into war strategies, battlefield tactics, and the untold stories of history’s greatest conflicts. The channel covers military events from ancient times to modern warfare, featuring programs such as:

• WWII in HD – A visually immersive series bringing the Second World War to life using restored footage.
• Greatest Battles in History – Breaking down historical battles and their lasting impact on global conflicts.
• Ancient Warfare – Examining how civilizations like Rome, Greece, and China developed military strategies that shaped the world.

3. Conspiracies, Mysteries, and Hidden Histories

One of the most intriguing aspects of History2 is its exploration of historical mysteries, conspiracies, and unexplained phenomena. Shows in this genre challenge conventional narratives and invite viewers to question history, including:

• The Curse of Oak Island – Investigating a legendary treasure hunt in Canada.
• Mysteries of the Abandoned – Exploring long-forgotten structures with hidden stories.
• Forbidden History – Uncovering secrets that challenge mainstream historical records.

4. Technological and Scientific Advancements in History

History2 also highlights the role of innovation and technological progress throughout human history. From groundbreaking inventions to scientific breakthroughs, the channel showcases how past civilizations paved the way for modern advancements. Key programs include:

• Engineering an Empire – Examining how ancient empires built some of the most impressive structures in history.
• Modern Marvels – A deep dive into the evolution of engineering and innovation.
• Lost Technologies of the Ancients – Investigating forgotten innovations that were centuries ahead of their time.

Ownership and Distribution

History2 is owned and operated by Corus Entertainment, a major Canadian media company that oversees a wide range of television channels, including History, National Geographic, and Global Television Network. Corus operates the channel under a licensing agreement with A+E Networks, the global media company behind the History brand.

The channel is available through major Canadian cable and satellite providers, including:

• Bell Satellite TV
• Rogers Cable
• Shaw Direct
• Telus Optik TV
• Videotron

In addition to traditional TV distribution, History2 has expanded its reach through digital streaming services. Select content from the channel is available via STACKTV, a Corus-owned streaming bundle available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, providing on-demand access to its rich historical library.

Target Audience and Market Position

History2 attracts a diverse audience ranging from casual history enthusiasts to dedicated scholars. Its unique focus on long-form, documentary-style programming appeals to viewers who crave depth and detail in their historical exploration.

Who Watches History2?

• History buffs – Those who enjoy deep dives into ancient and military history.
• Science and mystery enthusiasts – Viewers interested in space, lost civilizations, and conspiracy theories.
• Students and educators – A resource for those studying historical events and cultural developments.
• Casual documentary watchers – People who enjoy a mix of entertainment and education.

Compared to its sister channel, History, which includes a mix of reality TV and historical content, History2 maintains a more traditional, documentary-driven approach. This distinction makes it a preferred choice for audiences seeking a more academic and investigative take on history.

Future Prospects and Expansion

As digital media continues to evolve, History2 is looking toward new strategies for growth. Some key initiatives for the channel’s future include:

• Enhanced digital streaming – Expanding content availability on platforms like STACKTV and standalone apps.
• New original productions – Investing in exclusive History2 content to differentiate itself from mainstream history channels.
• Global expansion – Exploring opportunities to launch History2 in international markets beyond Canada.
• 4K and immersive content – Enhancing the viewing experience with high-definition and interactive programming.

With the continued backing of Corus Entertainment and its strategic partnership with A+E Networks, History2 is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of Canada’s most engaging and educational historical channels.

Conclusion

History2 has established itself as a key destination for historical documentaries, in-depth explorations, and thought-provoking programming. While its sister channel History focuses on mainstream appeal, History2 takes a more scholarly and investigative approach, providing viewers with rich, immersive storytelling.

With its diverse lineup covering ancient civilizations, military history, mysteries, and technological advancements, History2 remains a vital part of Canada’s educational and entertainment landscape. As the demand for high-quality historical content continues to grow, the channel is set to evolve, bringing history to life in new and exciting ways.

For those who crave deeper insights into history, History2 is more than just a TV channel—it’s a journey through time.