The show sees 55 people sailing to Jakarta on the replica ship, undertaking hard labour along the way and surviving on only basic rations.

"This isn't just a people-watching experiment. It's a series with a conscience, and a historical purpose - to retrace part of Cook's voyage of discovery," wrote BBC News Online's Leigh Mytton.

But what do you think?

Is The Ship a worthy experiment? Or just another in the increasing list of reality TV shows?

A twist on reality TV. Cook's voyage was one of scientific exploration and discovery. The Ship by contrast is a documentary of the social interaction between a sample group of different personalities, cultures and sex. It has absolutely no relevance to Cook's 'endeavours'.
Barry Moss, UK

Please, God! Not another 'reality' show. If it had been an accurate 18th Century recreation then it would have been interesting. As it is, though, it's just boring twaddle.
David Patrick, UK

Very disappointed. It was advertised as so much more but as with a lot of TV these days Good build up, No substance!
Sami, Spain

I am learning so much about life on an old ship. I used to think discipline was hard, conditions were rough and cleanliness poor. It was quite a revelation to find the captain so polite, showers available and even the washing being done. All this and only three days into the voyage. This program will surely cause the history books to be rewritten.
Peter Maciw, England

I was extremely disappointed with the contrived nature of the programme, in particular the so called 'ironic' similarity of when things went wrong for Cook and the modern crew as they arrived at Tribulation Point. Comparing the Endeavour running aground on the Barrier Reef in the no lifeboat, no radio conditions of the 18th Century with the goat running out of milk and an Aborigine apparently being spooked by a bird sitting on ship defies belief. Hopefully this programme will address some meatier issues in the next few installments, especially those of morale, discipline, teamwork and leadership which dominated Cook's voyages. If it doesn't, then sadly it's back to Spin City and Becker on Paramount Comedy.
David McCauley, UK

I missed this programme due to the BBC scheduling it against Millennium Child. These are the first two new programmes I have actively wanted to sit down to watch for some time - and I was unable to do so. Are the BBC going to do something about the scheduling of these programmes????
JM, UK

I wonder if they will recreate a keel hauling to enforce some semblence of 18th century Naval disipline

Lee Puttock, UK

I eagerly anticipated this not realising it was another people-watching programme (yawn). Reality TV is tiresomely geared to conflict in that people are forced together in confined situations. It becomes a discouraging wallow in the worst aspects of human nature. Well, it's tedious. I wanted to see more of the ship and the navigation methods etc. rather than predictable clashes between academics and sailor-dudes!
Steve, England

We have an odd start where the ship is being prepared in the UK. The next moment we are with the volunteers in Australia who are going to meet the ship, with the commentary leading us up a different path. Why the opportunity to talk to the Aborigine protests was missed beats me. I was also expecting some technical aspects of the ship, like a tour inside and an explanation of how the rigging worked. I hope the series improves somewhat for to stick with it.
Paul Jonas, UK

I looked forward to this programme, as I am in the process of reading the novel English Passengers. I found it difficult to understand the rationale behind the choice of the 'crew'. Why was there NO background to any of them so we could see what skills they were bringing to the experprise? I will probably watch the next episode and hope it improves in its historical and 'real' interpretation of an 18th Century voyage. Maybe if they hit some 'storms' we might see them for 'real'!
Colin, UK

I would enjoy this a lot more if it would make its mind up about what it is. Either make it a reality show, or make it a historical re-enactment. I would have preferred history, put a naval crew on the ship and see how they cope, or at least a crew not picked for their potiential human interest stories. Personally looking forward to seeing how long the pros and ex-navy types can put up with the professors. I wonder if they will recreate a keel hauling to enforce some semblence of 18th century Naval disipline.
Lee Puttock, UK

For me, the most alluring of images was that distant view of the ship anchored off the Australian coast and the realisation of just how amazing a sight that must have been in 1770. Regardless of whether Cook's arrival was a good or bad thing, the scale of his achievement in the context of his times cannot be undermined, and this programme looks like it will give a reasonable, if modernistically tame, impression of what that epic adventure must have been like.
Mark Jones, UK

An enjoyable watch until the moaner began, there is always one. Let's hope there are no more and it does not degenerate into a Big Brother Boat!!

Sue Brisland, England

The idea of the show is to see how people from 21st Century society can cope with the conditions and environment endured by those of the 18th. Therefore there are women on board, Maoris and Aborigines. This is not a recreation of the original sailing, what would be the point of that? People would be picking holes in the proceedings left right and centre wherever it deviated from the original history - something those that have missed the point of the show are already doing. I found it fascinating, particularly where the problems for the crew begin to set in as and when they did for Cook's men. The interesting aspect will be how 21st century man/woman deals with these setbacks compared to those of 200 years ago.
Matthed, England

An enjoyable watch until the moaner began, there is always one. Let's hope there are no more and it does not degenerate into a Big Brother Boat!! I shall stop watching if it does.
Sue Brisland, England

Nice boat. Usual misfits. Good scenery. Authenticity limited. People will watch it for various reasons, but I doubt the program fulfills its intention - other than to boost ratings.
Cliff, UK

How can this be an 18th Century re-enactment with 21st Century rules, kit and women. If they were going to do it properly, they should have been in period dress, only with period kit and proper discipline. Then it may have had some chance of allowing the academics to truly discover what life was like on board the ship. When's the next project? I could do with a free holiday!
Ian Phillipson, UK

Great TV viewing, I so wish that I could be doing something like this. Who was the idiot who was moaning about drying his clothes and that Captain Cook would want his ship mates happy, that is so untrue - more like his ship would want him to be happy. He should be kicked off, I would more than happy to take his slot! Keep the good work up BBC.
Terry, england

Could have been an interesting programme, however it was not. It concentrated more on personalities than realities. It did not show the them and us relationship that would have existed between officers and the seamen. The discipline, living conditions of the 18th Century were not reproduced and as such it is a meaningless programme. In theory this had much potential but sadly missed the point. Also, why did they feel obliged to have women on the crew?
Duncan, England

Reality TV or not, it's great to see a tall ship on telly - marvellous things, they are. And yes, we were all rooting for the fat bloke and the goat!
Andy Gates, UK

It has its limitations but I think it is very interesting and will be of great use to the historians on board

James, England

Great photography, especially up the masts, great scenery, magnificent ship and concept but it did not take long for the usual interpersonal niggles to emerge, I wish they would concentrate more on the positive aspects of the experiment rather than these clips, which when shown I would imagine the persons to be ashamed of. Wish I was there!
Noel Christopher, UK

I find the whole idea of these programmes completely ridiculous. If it was simply a programme following a group of people sailing around the world, fine, but to link it with Cook's voyage is rubbish. Fundamentally, the cultural, intellectual and social context is so vastly different, that it teaches us nothing, and is 'in reality' merely entertaining.
Ian Ramage, UK

It has its limitations but I think it is very interesting and will be of great use to the historians on board. I would have preferred more focus on how the ship worked. This is how the BBC should be using the TV licence money. Captain Cook should be remembered as a great hero who served his country well and I hope the programme will focus on that rather than the complaints of Maoris and Aborigines.
James, England

Crew obviously selected with the hope of future conflicts. Moaning in the first episode about the hardship of not being able to dry your washing! Tough, this is supposed to recreate how life was aboard ship, why were these people chosen I wonder? Disapointing start, but I'm sure will become compulsive viewing - although maybe for the wrong reasons!!
Matt, UK

This definitely isn't another 'reality TV' show. It's a faithful reconstruction of how an eighteenth century sailing ship was made to function, how sailors of the era navigated, how they survived, and how eighteenth century scientists were able to make staggering discoveries, and record them so perfectly, with instruments and tools that were almost astonishingly primitive.

Please, let the people on The Ship follow up with Ernest Shackleton's party - and get lost in the Antarctic for 18 months...

Sarah, UK

Anyone who watches it simply for the schadenfreude ofseeing people arguing over the giving asnd receiving of orders, the food, or the level of snoring is missing the point by a country mile.
Neil Murray, UK

As the programme began, I was worried by the music - whoever chose that opening piece sure made me want to switch off! But I persevered..., although I've already become annoyed about the salt beef revelation (it's salty!) and the laundry debate. I'm positive that sailors back in the day wouldn't have been that clean. Please, let the people on The Ship follow up with Ernest Shackleton's party - and get lost in the Antarctic for 18 months...
Sarah, UK

Loved the views of the girl on the capstan!
Tony, UK

Very disappointing! Another example of the dumbing down of the BBC. I was hoping for something in the wake of 'The Voyage of the Beagle.' As you say just another reality TV show.
John, England

I watched the first episode lase night and thought it was brilliant! It is definately a worthy experiment and will continue to be so if only the first person that spoke about teamwork wasn't the first person to moan! Everyone else seems to be getting into the spirit of the experiment and it is much different to the 'stranded on a desert island/locked in a house' scenarios. This is reality TV at its best! Keep it coming!
Liz, UK

Another attempt at 'reality' TV. How can anyone say that this is a true recreation when to be politically correct they have women on board as well as representation from the Aborigines and even Maoris. The women are perfectly capable of doing any of the jobs the men can do but their presence touches on the need for the producers to make the program more appealing as opposed to watching a bunch of sweaty men recreating a voyage as close to history as possible.
Paul, UK

A shame they didn't ask if anyone snored at the auditions.They should have been eliminated I'm afraid...

Alida, England

It's interesting to see how the historians on the ship keep telling us it's a worthy experiment and is of great significance while the rest of the crew run around doing all the work, I'm watching just to see how long it is before they are thrown over the side.
Kevin Jump, UK

I watched the programme last night with great interest.I can never usually get into all these 'reality TV' shows but this one has certainly got me hooked! It's totally different from watching a group of unintelligent people trying to get on with each other under one roof! These guys on The Ship are on a mission. A shame they didn't ask if anyone snored at the auditions.They should have been eliminated I'm afraid...
Alida, England

People used to 'a something for nothing culture' complaining while they discover what real life is about does not make good television. Get a life ! turn the TV off ! Go out and find out what the world is really like.
Alaster McDonach, UK

Sorry - I fell asleep during the programme...
Ben Harding, UK

I liked the idea of the series but thought that the selection of crew could have been better..to pick people who had some understanding of what life at sea was all about.
Michael Young, uk

Very interesting, but I can't help thinking that including the 18th Century Royal Navy's tradition of floggings and keel haulings (purely in the interests of historical accuracy of course) would have reduced the whining from some of the crew.
Roy, UK

I missed it because my flatmates wanted to watch that Millennium Child programme on BBC One. Why is the BBC so often hell bent upon shooting itself in the foot? It's not the first time two interesting new programs have been run against each other on the Beeb...
Tim Gomersall, UK

A fascinating glimpse into the past. How better to understand history than to live and see it?

Tim, UK

They didn't broadcast it on BBC Two Wales. We were gutted, as we really wanted to see it. I can't say any more.
Martin, Wales

I don't see why such programmes must be shown under the auspices of being considered an 'experiment' as there is no possibility of recreating the majority of conditions originally experienced. It does, appear to have the makings of an enjoyable TV show. Isn't that enough?
Eoin, Ireland

The show was a fascinating glimpse into the past. How better to understand history than to live and see it? It is only when presented with TV pictures like this that one can truely appreciate the massive undertaking of Cook and his men. Well done the Beeb.
Tim, UK

Yet another experiment in reality TV. Isn't the real experiment whether the British viewing public are stupid enough to pay a license fee and entertain themselves.
Tony Davy, England

I loved it! This is a programme which may appeal to the fly-on-the wall viewer, but it also has plenty to offer those interested in sailing and history. I enjoyed seeing the crew starting to whinge about their laundry. Having made a similar voyage myself, I could see that the professional crew were spot on. The volunteers need to pull their fingers out!
Andrew, UK

I was ready to enjoy it but found it was a slow starter. I could have done with more information about the state of the world at the time, to put it all into context. Looks promising though, I'll have a go with the next one!
Andy, UK

Best viewing in ages, although on too late. The comments by the Navy man about discipline were very interesting. It is true that we are now all free spirits and wouldn't take to being told what to do lightly. Of course the psychology will never be right because 2002 is not the 1700s. For instance there is no fear of disease or death by shipwreck given the technology and communications today. Although there are pirates in the waters off Indonesia still, I can't imagine them attacking and killing the crew of The Ship. Fascinating nonetheless. Even the cooking!
Nick, UK

It's nice to see people getting on, and working as a team for once

Ed Brooks, UK

Loved it, just the right amount of historical re-enactment to not make this a Big Brother on the sea! I hope that the next episodes don't focus too much on the disgruntled crew as I'm sure Captain Cook would have had them flogged for being so lippy!
NickB, England

Absolutely brilliant - looking forward to the rest of the series. Well filmed - well presented - excellent content - and a good mix of past and present.
Geoff Gratwick, Oxton

I enjoyed the first episode, but that said I think it could have been more realistic. The volunteers seem to be treating it as a holiday, when in reality it was their job, and I suspect discipline was more tightly controlled on the original voyage.
Ian, UK

Very refreshing 'reality TV' programme, - it's nice to see people getting on, and working as a team for once.
Ed Brooks, UK

A reasonable start. As long as it does not descend into a weekly story of petty arguments (ie Iron Age Village) it should be good.
Russell Turburville, UK

Personally, I was disappointed. I was expecting not a reality show but a genuine insight to what life was like aboard Cook's ship. If there were only men on board then they should have done the same and made the series as realistic as possible, not just a half hearted effort! And as for all the Aborginal politics (the boat and all the flags), what a waste of TV viewing time! I would be more interested in what Cook and his crew were going through and how they prepared for such an epic voyage. I'm afraid after watching last night's show I won't be watching The Ship again!
Jen, Scotland

Having lived in Australia, I was shocked both there and here how little I and others know about Cook's Discoveries! While I'm sure they have a sneaky GPS box somewhere on the Endeavour, The Ship is an example of true 'Back to Basics' BBC principles. A brave attempt to relive adventure for both education and entertainment.
Stuart A, UK

The reality is that it's a waste of what could be a fabulous showcase series

Nick Smith, London

The Ship is fascinating. I have seen 'Endeavour' twice when she has been berthed at Whitby - it is amazing that 55 people can live on board, let alone the 94 that Captain Cook took on his voyage. The inclusion of Aboriginal and Maori crew is an important part of this modern reconstruction - it shows in increased understanding of the impact that the original voyage had on these indiginous people.

We must not forget that Captain Cook's voyage had one aim - to claim this southern landmass for Britain, ignoring the wishes of the native peoples and granting them no rights. It will be interesting to watch the series develop - how the crew cope with the inevitable hardships of life on the ship, and whether the producers remember what Cook's voyage actually did to Australia and New Zealand, or descend into 'congratulating the hardy Brits' for their successful mission. I hope it's the former.
Jill Cockerham, UK

Great to see the Beeb bought the rights to Big Brother VI. When do we get to see them walking the plank as a form of eviction or locked in the brig - rich sailor- poor sailor? Historical content. None as far as I can see. Reality TV? The reality is that it's a waste of what could be a fabulous showcase series. Instead we have the poor plagiarisation of a cheap C4 game show. Won't bother again. Can't remember female listing being in the royal Navy in Cook's time either, funny that.
Nick Smith, London, England

I enjoyed the programme,is Mick the same Mick from the documentary HMS Brilliant ?
D P Cunningham, Britain

How can it be accurately portrayed when Cook's original crew would have been used to taking orders and doing as they were told. Nowadays there are few people willing to accept orders without question as the programme well demonstrates. Perhaps the crew should have been drawn from professional seamen, used to taking orders with professional 'onlookers' to learn from the experiences of others.

Nevertheless, enjoyable viewing. Will there be a programme on the building and fitting out of the Endeavour as that would make interesting viewing also.
Dave Rolfe, England

How bad can the BBC make a simple TV programme? Not only does it (so far) provide little or no historical insight whatsoever, but it carried tokenism to the ninth degree. If the BBC wants to make a worthy point about Aboriginal rights, make a series (I would watch anyway). Don't fob us off with a crummy flag raising and an American saying he didn't understand why Aborigines dislike the English!

And how does the Royal Navy get to be represented by somebody so fat?
Phil, England

A big disappointment after all the hype beforehand. It was anything but a recreation of the original voyage. It would have been interesting to see the ship being built. I may watch the next episode to see what develops but I have my doubts as to whether the endeavour was worthwhile.
Susan Fryett, England

I fell asleep halfway through. Can anyone tell me what happened?
Gary McCartney, UK

Did Cook's crew also have sunglasses, suncream, gloves etc.?

Olaf Bodde, UK

Although this is being sold as "reality TV" it is not, because there is too much reality in it. And in spite of being financed as entertainment, there is some real opportunity to learn about the way eighteenth-century sailors did their work. I notice they weren't getting the same beer and rum rations as Cook's crew, though - or they wouldn't be able to stand!
Simon Richardson, UK

It seemed fairly typical that the first to complain was a professor of history who didn't like the profesional crew's attitude to personal hygiene. Most of the others seemed to be in it for the experience of a lifetime and it will be very interesting to see who gets the most out of it.
Ian Mason, UK

Did Cook's crew also have sunglasses, suncream, gloves etc. ??
Olaf Bodde, UK

Without 18th century navy discipline I can't see how they can recreate Cook's voyage. What about flogging the college lecturer who was whinging about the discipline on the 3rd day? Now that would be reality TV!
Garry, UK

A luke warm opening following all the hype! Could be signs of dissent/mutiny which will improve watchability! Not sure about the merging shots of the reconstruction of Cook's experience, seems a little distracting.
Dave C Martin, UK

I will watch one more episode in hope of actually seeing the everyday running of a 18th/19th Century naval ship and then I will head back to my books

James Aldrich, UK

As a graduate of Naval history from Portsmouth Uni, and an avid fan and reader of the Patrick O'Brian works and also in anticipation of the film adaption with Russell Crowe - I was deeply fascinated by the prospect of getting the chance to watch life on ship.

Sadly, I was subjected to little more than Big Brother On Board as the focus skirted the history and quickly focused on the politics and whining opinions of the crew. And throw into the mix a loud-mouthed, arrogant Oz academic, no wide angle shots of the press of sail and the show degenerated into the one thing the producer wished it would not - reality TV. I will watch one more episode in hope of actually seeing the everyday running of a 18th/19th Century naval ship and then I will head back to my books.
James Aldrich, UK

Conceptually ridiculous, historically inaccurate, politically correct nonsense. What an utter waste of licence payers money! How much did this cost to produce?
Neil Webb, England

This has a lot more character and quality than the cheesy competitive nonsense of so-called reality shows

Adam, UK

It looks as though it could be a very interesting series but it is very early to make a true comment. I do however feel that the presence of women makes the reinactment unreal as they are already forming a distraction (the measuring saga) that would not have been an issue in the times we are portraying. It would have been interesting to have a male only ship and if the women have a "problem" a women only ship. Shocked at how quickly the moaning started but an enjoyable watch.
Nikki Miller, England

I watched it last night and am looking forward to the rest of the series. The question at the top is an extremely cynical one, comparing it to BB is just too mean. It does have value in helping recreate and picture what it was like in the past, especially if you studied Cook at GCSE. I'm sure the experience for the varied crew is useful in their fields too. Several of the crew are going to be entertaining characters on the voyage. This has a lot more character and quality than the cheesy competitive nonsense of so-called reality shows.
Adam, UK

Totally absorbing...I stayed awake the whole time and for me, that's pretty good!

Janet Turner, England

First we had The Victorian House - an almost scientific study of the way people actually lived in Victorian times, and how that differs from the films/TV Drama versions that we have grown up with. The program was justified in that a lot of people learnt just how reality diverged so sharply from the Sherlock Holmes type dramas we are used to.

Then we had The 1940's House, similar concept, and similarly carried out.

Then we get The Edwardian House, deliberately pitching two sides against the other in a grab for sentsational stories. The programme reeked of being nothing more than Big Brother for the intellectuals who would never normally watch tabloid TV. It taught us nothing that could not have been learnt from a couple of episodes of Upstairs-Downstairs.

Most recently was The Frontier House - a whinge-o-rama of a program where the main goal appeared to be who could moan the most and loudest.

Now, in a desperate attempt to gain ratings, the "House" is picked up and dumped at sea, with the dubious distinction of being an echo of a scientific journey. It will teach us nothing new about sailing and tall ships as those ships are still in use today, and the program makers could just as easilly followed an existing crew for a few weeks. It is just an excuse for another round of "reality TV" in the guise of historical reconstruction.

I can't wait to see the next historical reconstruction. It'll probably be 1960's Moon Landing - a study into how three people coped when landing on the moon. Our three members of the public will be shot to the moon with just the rudimentary basics that accompanied the original moon landings and we will learn how they managed to cope without 'modern' technology. For added drama, a second team will stay on Earth and man the 'mission control' center to create the nessesary levels of tension that is so vital for the program to be a sucess in the tabloid TV ratings war.
Ian Mansfield, UK

Absolute Drivel! Highly unathentic. The presence of women on board who seem to have a limited vocabulary consisting of the word 'awesome', does not help to recreate conditions in Cook's time. Very disapointing. I have some sympathy with the opinion of Ian Mansfield.
A Lacey, UK

OK, it's early days and I'm willing to wait and see how it develops further but I'm not happy with the ambitious attempt to marry the 21st Century to the 18th. How relevant is it? If this is going to be an adventure film, I think we will all miss out on an opportunity to delve into the 18th Century experience. We know life on board any labour intensive ship is hard and personality clashes abound. I'm concerned all "The Ship" will tell us is that 18th Century seafaring nations had all of this covered even before they set sail! Duh. Hoisting the flag of a self appointed Aborigine group - what does that represent? Will we see an American Revolutionary flag too to represent the aspirations of the Americans on board?
Phil McGloin, Cleveland, UK

Let's just hope they have the intelligence to stop the boat sinking

Owen McManus, N Ireland

A ludicrous waste of time and money.
Jabobo, UK

The programme was totally absorbing. I stayed awake the whole time and for me, that's pretty good!
Janet Turner, England

Sounds great! Just what we need - a pack of whingeing fools all packed on a boat in a Big Brother style docu. But this time let's just hope they have the intelligence to stop the boat sinking.
Owen McManus, N Ireland

Be it intentional or not, this program brings more knowledge to those unaware of the rights that the Aboriginal community should truly have in their own land. They should be compensated for the past and given an opportunity to flourish in the future.
Adam Waters, Netherlands

I hope that the people involved are mentally and physically prepared for the task. Let's hope it doesn't degrade into 'Big Brother on a Boat'
John B, UK

Quite enjoyed it and feel it could become very interesting as the voyage proceeds. Have made a note to watch next week's episode.
Gareth, England

This is a far more worthy reality show than Big Brother etc. Its attempting to recreate the way of life that hundreds of thousounds of men lived in the 18th century. The toil and hardship is far more fascinating than watching a bunch of loafers sunbathe, and it will be interesting to see how modern people cope compared to those of the 18th century.
Lee H, UK

No mention of Whitby. And no mention of the ship being built in Australia.
Bill Richardson, England

I'm sure it's gripping stuff! If you like that sort of programme. I personally don't really care for it though.
Owen McManus, N. Ireland

I was really looking forward to the first episode, but what a disappointment. Hugely pretentious, only one or two 'everyday' people involved - the rest specially selected from the box labeled 'reality TV types' - people TV directors think the public find interesting or controversial'. Half hearted, smug grin attempts at discipline (I take it there won't be any flogging) and plenty of desperately keen well meaning intellectual types. Rubbish I'm afraid - why not crew it with naval cadets or crew from sail training ships if it is to be a viable 'experiment'?
Richard Williams, UK

The Ship has started well, showing life as an 18th century sailor to be tough. But if the programme descends into highlighting personal conflicts rather than the experience of the crew as a whole, I'll be switching off...
Alan, Scotland

I thought this series sounded very interesting, unfortunately the first episode did not hold my interest very well. I'll watch the second episode, but it's judgement day and I'm not holding my breath.
Derek Parkyn, England

It won't be long before these mamby pambys are at each other's throats and crying for mummy

Pete, Scotland

Interesting, but I found the flashbacks to Cook irritating,
Michael Parkinson, England

This promises to be an enjoyable series. However, the participants appear to be totally unprepared. Already the first signs of whinging have reared their head. Also, if the idea was to emulate the real journey why are they not dressed the same? Why allow them modern day luxuries ? The original crew would have been far tougher, fitter and skilled. Why was this modern crew not put through their paces before selection ? It won't be long before these mamby pambys are at each other's throats and crying for mummy.
Pete, Scotland

I am afraid The Ship is more 'reality TV' with a fake historical twist...The basic problem with such 'reconstructions' is that our expectaions and background knowledge cannot be tiwewarped back. A Georgian Briton was a very very different sort of person to a Victorian, much less a modern-day person. As a result, it is less of an experiment and more of a novelty.
John Sorrels, UK

I attempted to watch this programme, despite all the horrid hype. I could not watch to the end. Instead of being a pure historical documentary - or even an impure one - it became something of a soap opera. Why do we need a programme detailing the lives of the participants (there are zillions of those anyway!). Why can't we look at the recreation of the voyage and perhaps some of the problems to be overcome? A mixed-sex crew using technology cannot hope to re-create the original voyage so why not focus on the problems discovered rather than the inter-crew relationships?
J Jones, UK

I think it is a worth while trip - to actually see the voyage he made would be a fantastic experience. I would love to have a chance to do something similar.
Kate Over, England

We tuned in thinking this would be an interesting insight into Cook's voyage, expecting more than the usual nit-picking,oh so childish,'conflicts' that every show now seems to drown itself in. We will not be watching the second leg of the journey because of this teenage approach to relationships. Even though I, a woman, want every opportunity possible for women, to exist - putting them in this crew will only add to the inauthenticity of the experiment. However, I doubt they will become as 'bitchy' as the so called 'experts' on board over the course of this programme.
Mary Murphy, England

A must for see for next week. Especially as we already have one of the crew moaning at how the ship is being run

Lee Beaton, UK

The real problem is that the series may be marvellous, educative and compelling - but it is one more in a tediously long line of fly-on-the-wall programmes which are designed to sate the basest interests of the viewing public. We need an end to such dross as Big Brother and all the succeeding titles before we can view The Ship in its own water.
Mark Rosher, UK

Like it! Informative and I think it's going to make interesting watching.
Gillian, UK

I thought that this programme was going to be just another in the long list of voyeuristic viewing that is plaguing our televisions at the moment. But how wrong I was. The programme was both entertaining and educational. The ship, although new, looked fantastic and the crew even had to eat traditional sailors' fare. A must for see for next week. Especially as we already have one of the crew moaning at how the ship is being run. Well done BBC Two!
Lee Beaton, UK

Enjoyable and interesting to watch. It's not Big Brother on a ship!
Paul Grey, UK

Good TV viewing but the start of the 'epic journey' last night seemed utterly pointless. Why did they troop through rainforest undergrowth for what seemed like forever before a four-mile rowing boat transfer to The Ship itself? Why didn't they get on board in Cairns harbour? Was that in the interests of 'good television'? Probably.
John Fox, Ripponden, West Yorkshire

The point of the programme was to recreate Cook's Journey hence the forest trek and the 4 hour ROW, John Fox of West Yorkshire...They weren't on a 'Reef Magic Snorkelling Trip'. Point missed methinks!
Stu , UK

Just another reality TV show. I miss those serious BBC Two documentaries with sonorous male voices giving us all wisdom and a comfortable education - expensive, but at least they broadened our knowledge and our minds! This stuff is cheap - 'bread and circuses' -for the masses.
Mari Fleming, UK

Excellent!!!
Dick Beddoe, UK

As usual it is a good idea but the people chosen are either so feeble or so obnoxious the whole thing is reduced to an unedifying spectacle of bitching and whingeing. Why not use an all navy crew, or all Aboriginals, instead of the bland mix of dull historians, hopeless volunteers and humourless Australian crew? And half of last night's show seemed to focus on the revelation that salt beef is salty. Stop the press!
David Makinson, UK

If the show is to keep my attention it needs to focus on the star of the show, The Endeavour itself, not the whingeing 'I need dry clothes' historian and the snoring bloke. There are too many sub-plots being lined up by inclusion of the Aborigines, Maoris and women. A stronger, though politically incorrect way to tackle the series would have been to take the lead of the recent series on life in the UK National Service and take a crew of young lads and run with similar levels of discipline etc. Of course the Beeb would have to draw the line at flogging them, and keel hauling would probably be frowned upon.
Eddie, UK

The first episode was cool. I love the historical relevance and and the same time I enjoy seeing how the people work together in tough conditions without a Big Brother interfering. I for one will watch every episode.
Dafydd Eveleigh, Wales

I missed the beginning of the programme so my comments have to be qualified by that fact. I also missed the end because I found it so disappointing, unwatchable even, that I switched off. Someone should be fired for this. What should have been a fabulous adventure, as we relived the past with the crew, turned into a fly on the wall 'reality' program. It was about as unbearable as Big Brother. The opportunity to make a thrilling exploration of the past was corrupted and dummed down by fashion.
Robert Howse, UK

I dont think you could ever recreate the atmosphere on board Cook's ship using modern men and women, particularly after watching one crew member on day three wanted to start a mutiny just because they were told to take their washig down from a line before it had dried! I do think however it will be a very interesting programe in a historical way as long as the people-watching part of the programe is kept to a minimum !
Nigel, England

I'm afraid I wasn't impressed by the first episode, it needs a flogging or two and the odd keel hauling to spice it up. I think this kind of thing has been done to death and the programme makers are going to have to try a bit harder.
Phil, UK

It's too early to say, but the 'costume drama' bits are an irritating waste of time.
Iain, UK

Very impressed. High spirits and fun-and-games will, no doubt, be replaced by the harsh reality of life; a mirror of land-based reality that many could learn lessons from. I wish them well, but know it will be very tough.
Chris, uk

My mum phoned from the UK to say it was great! I look forward to the series coming 'down under'
Stephen, Australia

Will we be asked to vote on who walks the plank each week?

Syd C, UK

Great show!
Bob Marshall, UK

Who cares about the ship or its crew? It has no relevance to me whatsoever. I like the majority of the population do not sail and have no interest in what is an upper class sport. The BBC must think that because The Onedin Line was once very popular, that they can recreate it in modern form. Sorry BBC, time has moved on. Please stop wasting our money on programmes that only appeal to a very small minority audience, and concentrate on making programmes of broader appeal.
Alan Horton, England

To Alan Horton, England: What programme were you watching? If indeed you did. It was not about Cowes week or regattas. It was about history where 95% of those onboard would have come from the lower classes. There is quite enough football and soaps and the like on the TV that have broader appeal as it is. A few quality, educational programmes can be fitted into the BBC2 schedules is hardly disrupting things.

Like others here, I hope it does not degenerate into Big Brother at Sea.
Stephen, UK

Educational. My kids loved it. A bit trite. Let's hope the crew knuckle down and just do what they are told (no whingeing please to spoil the adventure).
Hugh Scantlebury, UK

Yes its IS another so called reality show. Why women on board ? Will later episodes include the latest on their romances? And will we be asked to vote on who walks the plank each week ??
Syd C, UK

By far one of the better programmes from the BBC this year. It is factual in its historical content as well as educational. Well done and can't wait for the next instalment.
Colin Topping, Scotland

It looks like a good programme, but I think I'm suffering from reality TV/historic reenactment overload. Having recently enjoyed The Frontier House on C4, I doubt that I've got the staying power to watch another series so soon.
Mike Young, UK

Not too impressed with the first programme. I imagined that the building of the ship would have been included in the first programme, as it would be extrememly interesting! Instead we get Big Boater!! We learned nothing of sailing on a ship, just how people were scared to go up the mast, but did they show what they did up there? No! I agreed with the protests shown, Capt Cook was not a hero to the people who already lived there. I would have thought there were much more suitable voyages to undertake during such a series than this.
Neil, Netherlands

I missed it - will it be repeated!!!!!!!
James Bough, UK

The fact that no one is voted off is a positive thing as everyone will have to work as a team to get through this

Stephen, London

Is the big Naval chap the same one who was on the 'fly on the wall' documentary about a real Royal Navy ship broadcast some years ago? If he is this could be quite entertaining. Otherwise I agree with the majority of views expressed here and think this is going to be nothing more than a Big Brother/Survivor type experiment. In which case I will be watching something else.
Colin, UK

If this resembles anything it is Survivor not BB. The fact that no one is voted off is a positive thing as everyone will have to work as a team to get through this. I expect some serious conflict once the novelty wears off and the pain and grind of their daily life wears away their enthusiasm. Also thought the aboriginal protests were handled well - just a pity some people think that the genuine grievences of long ago have no relevance to today. They should keep watching, they may learn more about the effects of 18th century colonisation 200 years later.
Stephen, Kiwi in London

I wished they'd advertised this better when looking for crew - I'd have loved to give it a go!!
Andy McC, England

The Ship did not explain adequately why the Aborigines were protesting. Many viewers will go away with the belief that Cook was a bad man. In reality he was famous for his kindness in dealing with the peoples he came across. He treated natives with as much respect and understanding as could be hoped for from an 18th century man. Cooks only crime was to explore and as a result bring Australia into Britain�s awareness. After his death it was suggested it be used as a penal colony and the locals problems stem from this and not Cook himself.
John Walmsley, Liverpool, England

I'm looking forward to the Professor getting keel hauled!
Andy GM Wood, UK (London)

Despite all its shortcomings, it makes a pleasant change from endless sport.
Robert, UK

From what we've seen so far they might as well have filmed it on a pleasure cruise

Dennis, UK

Watched the beginning but turned over after seeing the cameraman being taken up a 'secret' aboriginal path to be shown a cave painting of the Endurance, what a lovely story to start this TV show. Yeah right! I suspect this cave drawing was painted on only a few hours before. Please BBC stop dumbing down TV and give us a factual program we can learn some real history, not a load of claptrap.
Stuart Wilkinson, England

Bad choice of crew will make this a pointless and 'repetitive' program. I agree with a few other postings in that it would have been better to man the ship with naval cadets so establishing a clear order of command on board that would have existed. From what we've seen so far they might as well have filmed it on a pleasure cruise.
Dennis, UK

I'm surprised at the comments regarding sailing as an upper class sport, there are only two big participation sporting events in the UK, the London Marathon and Cowes week.

Today's sailors encompass all social strata with thousands of weekend sailors recreating their own versions of Cook voyage every week!! The sheer determination of the sailors of the period rightly or wrongly made this country what it is today, learning their history is far from irrelevant. Much more please.
Ian Smith, UK

It's high time the BBC started producing some decent comedies again and stop wasting money on these 'reality shows'. It's a joke!
Tony Jackson, UK

What a disappointment! I concur with most of the adverse comments above about the similarity of this programme (at least in the first episode) to any number of other 'reality' TV shows. And what about the history professor who waxed lyrically about the chance to re-live an 18th Century experience, only to be the first to complain because on a sailing ship there is a need to keep things tidy. What planet does he come from? On the original journey he would have been punished rather barbarically for his dissent. That of course would be extreme, but it looks like he is a prize whinger who should go back to his books. And where do all the women come from? How very historically accurate - not!! The only interesting bits were the reconstructions, and they were a bit too 'arty' with soft focus etc.
Gerda Mamott, U.K.

I disagree with the comment about the average person having no interest in sailing because of its upper class connotations. Our whole history is involved with the sea. After all we are an island!
Anne Cawood, UK

This will only represent a flavour of life on board ship. There won't be any 18th Century discipline or real hardship. Food is probably better, the current crew have suncream and sunglasses. So-what. They still have to climb the rigging in all seas, and sleep in hammocks with another 44 people, some snoring. Should be good to see the conflicts rise over time. I am looking forward to the next one.
Dave Davies, Hants, UK

I will give it another chance next week, but if it turns into a personality show then it gets the Heave Ho - please don't let it become Big Brother on a ship.
Terry Parker, England

How can we have a program about Cook's navy with women involved? Sex is what turns something potentially realistic into this. The bit where the girl asked the deckhand carrying the tape measure to "measure me?" some it all up. Sure this is not PC, but if you want realism...
Adam, London

Ian Mansfield UK. BB in space! Love it! Can we leave them there though?
Gj, UK

Sadly, the hype was more interesting than the actual programme. Having spent most of my working life at sea - much of that time as a delivery skipper, which has included sailing a couple of square-riggers - I can vouch for the fact that The Ship has thus far ignored most of the practical aspects involved in the running of a sailing vessel of this type, and has offered a sketchy and distorted impression of those points which it has embraced. In terms of authenticity and offering a true representation of the facts, I begin to understand why Cap'n Cook didn't bother taking a film crew with him!
Chris B, England

The makers clearly set out to make a people watching lightweight show that was given gravitas by referring to well known history

Tim Graham, UK

lAthough entertaining I wish the BBC would make sure they research the historical accuracies of these documentaries and educate the people taking part before filming. One of the most obvious blunders was when it was stated that no women were aboard ships in this period. There were in fact three categories of women aboard ship: cross dressers, prostitutes and captain's wife or marines' wives. I suggest your crew read a very enlightening book by Suzanne J Stark called Female Tars and Women Aboard Ship in the Age of Sail. This programme could be informative and educational however, from what I saw last night it is misleading and inaccurate which is a great shame!
Laura , UK

I noted no mention of the fact that the reproduction Endeavour has an engine, although I could clearly hear it running in one scene.
Eddie Walder, UK

Fine except the awful music that BOOMS OUT, deafening me

KC, UK

Captain Cook and The Endeavour are totally irrelevant to this programme.The makers clearly set out to make a people watching lightweight show that was given gravitas by referring to well known history.Big Brother all at sea!
Tim Graham, UK

After the hype I was interested to see how this would work as an true experiment. However the point I thought was lost with the inclusion of women on the ship. Just another reality TV show I'm afraid.
Daniel Corkin, UK

Fine except the awful music that BOOMS OUT, deafening me. That and the 'flashbacks' to 18th century garb. Why not do it all with actors for the 'authentic' feel?
KC, UK

In reading the watching public's comments, I note the common thread that the documentary should be more realistic (in terms of costume, discipline etc). Don't people realise that the volunteers (let alone the permanent crew) would not be 'hard' enough to finish the filming? The original crew members would have had a different set of values and outlook on life than those of their modern day emulators. Genuine realism would have ended in a failure to complete the programme.

Perhaps it's time for the viewers to get real!
Dai, UK

Er...pointless?
John Hall, England

I was looking forward to an insight into the Cook voyages, something like the Kontiki recreations. I agree, it was however another excuse for a docusoap. I for one am not interested in the characters and their whingeing. I won't tune in again.
Chris, UK

The outgoing ITV chief was right - the BBC is concentrating too much on grabbing ratings and the quality is being left to the past. Sad to say this is just another example.

Quote from the BBC Chairman a few months back : Mr Davies said: "These programmes, which I suppose you can call semi-factual programmes, have become too significant in the schedules." I hope that we see a return to serious documentaries, quality comedy, in-depth news analysis and ground-breaking comedy/drama which is what the BBC should stand for."
Dermott, UK

It is a shame that so many people focus on the negative aspects of the programme. I too find the 'whingeing' irritating but it took up less than 10 minutes of the total programme. Also, as it would be impossible to exactly recreate the actual voyage (i.e. you have to have safety wires as it is unacceptable today for someone to die from falling of the rigging), the programme did a pretty good job of approximating the conditions.

As to the many comments regarding women on board, 21st Century people (both men and women) are so different from their 18th Century predecessors that it makes little difference whether they are male / female or white / black. The programme is by no means perfect, but it will show how much about our world we take for granted these days and how pioneering and brave some of our ancestors were.
Catherine, UK

I wish people would stop whingeing about what the BBC does. If you can do it better then go ahead and do it. If you can't then shut up. You don't have to watch it if you don't want to. I personally enjoyed the programme very much, a bit of easily digested history (just enough to keep me interested, and not too much to be indigestible after a hard day at work) some nice views of Northern Australian coastline, a sensitive mention for the Native Australians, an interesting ship to look at and a few idiots on board to laugh at.
Dave, Wales

Without the skills and strict discipline and hierarchy of the original crew and set-up the modern re-enactment could not possibly succeed unless heavily doctored for TV purposes
Rolf, UK

Nothing more than a teenage outward bounds course, and a chance for the participants to top up their suntans

Tim Harding, UK

I feel that this series is going to have a good stab at recreating life aboard Cook's vessel. I for one enjoy this type of retro programme and reading over the mail, I'd agree that the period flashbacks need to be axed. I'd also love to be aboard, thumbs up to the Beeb.
Peter O'Donnell, UK

Come on people, let's get realistic here. Would you want them to have permanent eye damage by not wearing sunglasses and get skin cancer without suncream?? Those comments are just plain silly.
Beth, England

I had great hopes from seeing the trailers for the series. Once I realised it was just one man waving a handycam around I gave up. How about some production values and a few facts for a documentary, rather than just opinions?
D Bowskill, UK

Three words - A big disappointment. After reading the reviews and waiting with anticipation, I was left with feeling that this could have been so much better. Nothing more than an teenage outward bounds course, and a chance for the participants to top up their suntans
Tim Harding, England

Was Colin Topping watching the same programme - 'factual in its historical content' - I dont think so. Or maybe I'm wrong, maybe they did wear Raybans and training shoes on board then. Maybe they did fritter away the time by measuring the busts of female crew members. If I had wanted my hard earned money spent on something useless like this I would have designed and built a big dome that no-one wanted. Sorry, but on reflection my earlier, kinder opinion has changed about this drivel.
Pete, Scotland