History Buffs

History Buffs is a YouTube channel that became active in mid-2015. Focusing primarily on reviewing historical movies and series, it's hosted and run by Nick Hodges, a young amateur historian from the United Kingdom who's represented in the videos by an animated avatar.

Although relatively new, the channel has seen growing popularity thanks in part to a blend of entertainment, historical context and fair criticism on a given film or show's authenticity and accuracy. Not to mention Nick's rather frank yet fair treatment of the subject matter, while remaining down-to-earth and approachable.

The channel can be found here.


 * Artistic Licence History: Although Nick is something of a sticker for historical accuracy, he also makes a point to emphasize how taking liberties aren't necessarily a bad thing at all. Done right, it can capture the feel and authenticity of the setting. It's when it's done poorly that he really takes issue with.
 * Author Tract: While Nick's frank with his assessments and views, he generally tries to avoid ranting unless it's warranted. Nonetheless, he makes an effort not to let it affect the historical facts.
 * Berserk Button: So far, he's expressed a strong loathing of Braveheart and anything inaccurate about Christopher Columbus among others.
 * Patriotic Fervor: Nick takes his Scottish homeland and heritage seriously, which makes his skewering of Braveheart all the more personal. It doesn't stop him either from riffing on The Patriot, which tries to be a rousing American film but comes across as patronising and insulting to both sides of the American Revolution.
 * Politically-Correct History: More than once, Nick has shown his disdain for this, wherever it comes from. Kingdom of Heaven in particular is treated a serial offender for its skewered take on both the Islamic East and Christian West.
 * Shown Their Work: In addition to Nick Hodges' own efforts, he also gives credit where it's due regarding works that actually did their research.
 * X Meets Y: The channel could be described as a younger version of Lindybeige or Sargon of Akkad in terms of historically-themed content.