We Are History

I wasn't quite sure what to make of We Are History. First of all it is a take-off of the many UK history shows (you know, Elizabeth I, the wives of Henry VIII, that kind of thing). Second, well, the humour is a cross between absurdist and slapstick. Third, a key feature is the use of real life locations and volunteer participation by enthusiastic members of the public in recreations of famous historical events. The episodes are about 10 minutes long, and the history is the concise version with gags.

So does it work? When it works it works well, but when the jokes fail they fail dismally. As a distraction between main event programming the show works well, but I doubt it could be promoted by itself.

I recommend it to anyone with an insane sense of humour, or, alternately, anyone watching late-night weekend programming (that's when the show normal airs here on Australia's ABC) who's had a few drinks.