“History Of Swear Words” is a documentary series looking at the origins of swearing and their impact on culture. It definitely has an intriguing concept yet I was ultimately left very disappointed by it. I can’t help but think that folks like Bill Maher (“Religulous”) or the guys behind “South Park” could have done a better job.

Nicolas Cage (“Ghost Rider”, “Honeymoon In Vegas”) hosts this series looking at the history of profanity. Each episode deals with a different word as we learn about the word’s beginning and how it has been used through the years with info from linguistic and sociological experts as well as opinions from comedians.

Whoever hired Nicolas Cage for this made a terrific choice. Besides Samuel L. Jackson (“Snakes On A Plane”), I cannot think of a better celebrity suited for this role. The scenes with Cage are usually quite funny and the highlight of the show. Some of the experts are a little bland but some do provide useful insight. The comedians though are just awful. Jim Jefferies is okay but Sarah Silverman (“Wreck-It Ralph”, “School Of Rock”) and London Hughes are terrible. I hadn’t even heard of most of the comedians and a lot of them were really nauseating. They were very politically correct and when you’re doing a show about swearing, it just doesn’t feel right.

Maybe if the selection of comedians had included the likes of Eddie Murphy (“Beverly Hills Cop”) and Bob Saget then we might have got some opinions that were actually vaguely interesting. As it is, this is a program all about being offensive with people that don’t want to offend. It’s amazing that a show about swearing with Nicolas Cage hosting could be so bland and underwhelming. I cannot recommend this show but those very interested in the origins of swear words may learn a few things.