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8 Unforgettable Celebrity Moments From Who Do You Think You Are

Join your favorite celebrities on the quest to uncover their genealogy. 

By Tayi Sanusi
Dr. Christopher Bonner, Historian of University of Maryland and Billy Porter sat at a table with each other

As DNA genetic testing becomes more accessible, people all over the world are starting to dig into their ancestry. Who Do You Think You Are?, an Emmy Award-winning documentary series that first aired on NBC in 2010 before moving to TLC, is overflowed with emotional and memorable moments of celebrities uncovering secrets about their family heritage.

How to Watch

Watch Who Do You Think You Are? on NBC and Peacock

And you're in luck: A new season is coming back to NBC this summer. Who Do You Think You Are? will be returning to NBC on July 10th, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 7 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the following day. The celebrities featured in this upcoming season are Allison Janney, Billy Porter, Nick Offerman, Zachary Levi, Bradley Whitford, and Zachary Quinto. 

Before watching the new season, though, here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments from Who Do You Think You Are? history. 

1. Mandy Moore

We can't forget the poignant moment when Mandy Moore found out one of her Irish ancestors may have been an orphan who ended up in Australia. 

2. Smokey Robinson

How about when the iconic singer Smokey Robinson learned about the complex relationship between his maternal grandparents?

3. Cindy Crawford

Despite her Midwestern roots, model Cindy Crawford was shocked to find out she has royal lineage.

4. Chelsea Handler

Viewers were riveted when comedian Chelsea Handler found out an unsettling secret about her German ancestor's role in World War II. 

5. Zooey Deschanel

Actress Zooey Deschanel discovered her family descended from Quakers.

6. Kelly Clarkson

#TBT to when Kelly Clarkson found out about her surprising family history in politics. 

7. Josh Groban

Let's not forget when singer Josh Groban uncovered that he wasn't the only musically-inclined person in his family tree. 

8. Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson wasn't happy when realized his great grandfather may have been a career criminal...but is everything as it appears?

Watch Who Do You Think You Are? Sunday nights starting July 10 at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and next day on Peacock.