DNA Family Secrets
Using DNA to solve family mysteries.
DNA Family Secrets, a BBC Two series that debuted in March 2021, is hosted by Stacey Dooley and geneticist Professor Turi King. The show applies cutting-edge DNA analysis to unravel family puzzles involving ancestry, lost relatives, and inherited medical conditions. Its second season premiered on 11 May 2022. In each episode, three individuals are featured: two explore their family background or lineage, while a third seeks clarity on a genetic disorder within their family. Dooley and King collaborate with a broad team of genealogists, social workers, and physicians to uncover hidden heritage, reconnect families, and identify genetic risks early.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Documentary
- Director
- Aodh Breathnach (series 1), Brent Gundesen (series 2)
- Presenter
- Stacey Dooley; Turi King
- Composer
- Edward Farmer
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Series
- 3
- Episodes
- 15
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The second series began airing on 11 May 2022.
- Each episode follows three people – two trying to find out about their family history or ancestry, and another seeking answers about a genetic disease in the family.
Reception
The series has received positive reviews both on social media and in print. Stuart Jeffries of The Guardian praised the series, calling it “a touching, timely portrait of mixed-race Britain”, saying the “show doesn't need celebrities to gild its drama”. Rachael Sigee of Inews wrote "you'd have to be cynical not to be moved by this reunion series", and that “Stacey Dooley’s new genealogy series was no less heartwarming for having to take place over Zoom”.
Sara Wallis of The Mirror gave it a positive review, writing that “it makes for gripping TV”, “emotional, with fascinating DNA facts”, with results delivered by King with “wonderful empathy”. Lucy Lethbridge of The Tablet praised the show, saying "If I were going to rattle the skeletons in my family's closet on primetime television, there are few people I would rather do it with than Stacey Dooley". Paul Whitelaw of The Courier called it a "poignant genealogy series" before going on to say "Dooley is a good choice of host, she's likeable and empathetic, but the star of the show is Professor Turi King, who explains the science and gently guides the contributors through the entire process.
She radiates kindness". Jane Rackham of the Radio Times said the series has "an interesting twist that taps into our fascination with our past".
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