How the States Got Their Shapes is an American television series that aired on the History Channel.

It is hosted by Brian Unger and is based on Mark Stein's book How the States Got Their Shapes.

Each episode has a particular theme, such as how the landscape, language, or natural resources contributed to the borders and character of various U.S. states.

Interspersed with these segments are brief historical synopses by notable U.S. historians.

Season 2 premiered in the fall of 2012, with a slightly reality-oriented format and episodes shortened to 30 minutes, airing Saturdays on H2, with encore showings on Friday night on the History channel.