Drunk History

Wow. I'm normally a bit hypersensitive to "make-work" programs for talented thespians, and "Drunk History" could sorta be described that way.

But it somehow comes off like a genuine labor of love. And, for that, I can forgive a lot of things.

And, speaking of things needing forgiveness, what else may need to be forgiven in these productions of "Drunk History"?

Not much, if'n you asks me! The production is excellent; the adaptation of the drunken interviews to screen action is ingenious. Skilled folks are brought to the task of polishing up the final product. The sound and camera work are fine. The selection of lively targets of inebriation and exhortation to hold forth lovingly (if a bit sloppily) on fascinating bits of history seems inspired.

I've seen 6 of the produced episodes, and they're all winners. There are typically 3 segments per episode, which is impressive; this represents a lot of hard work! Maybe not every segment scintillates, in my mind, but each show has at least 3 or 4 "wow" moments, which make the shows well, well worth watching, in my book.

Check it out. If you're a history buff, you might find yourself secretly wishing Derek Waters would come a-knockin' on your door, with camera crew in tow, offering *you* an opportunity to dip our toes in yet-another limpid pool of "Drunk History"!

The premise of "Drunk History" is simple. You have someone sit down and talk about important historical moments in American history....but first you get them drunk and keep them drinking throughout the episode. As they (often) terribly narrate history, various actors (often very famous folks) act out the history and spew the profanity-laden dialog.

At times, this show is very funny. But, other times the humor is very thin. Much of this seems to depend on the narrator as well as how drunk they get. Because of this it's very hit or miss. Now here's the weird part, generally the history they spout is correct-- and filled with interesting tidbits. I say generally because although IMDb says it's all 100% true, it isn't (trust me on this, I am a retired history teacher and have spotted a few flaws and urban legends). But it IS as accurate as many of the History Channel shows...and it's often funny. Overall, I see this as a great show to watch if you just want a time-passer--a show that required little in the way of deep thinking or if you're doing something else at the same time.

Drunk History is very entertaining while also being real. It is factual obviously, but I love how the narrators put their on twist on the story. Hilarious show

This show... I just don't know how it can even exist.

It is so strange. So bizarre. We've got Derek and his compatriot both (apparently) drunk as skunks, talking history while famous actors like Jason Mamoa act out the scenes in a sort of pantomime.

Sometimes Derek and his pal get into trouble and you see snippets of the production crew who have to intervene before things really go off the rails.

It is way funny. And apparently totally for realz.

I think as I write this in early 2020 I've seen most of the episodes available (6 seasons). I have favorites, of course. Probably my absolutely favorite is the one where this crazy dude named Larry Walters uses weather balloons to go up IN A FREAKING LAWN CHAIR to... God knows how high into the atmosphere.

But really, I have many favorite episodes -- too many to list. They are brilliant and a wonderful diversion to reality (which is really sucky here in 2020).

I'm glad this show exists. I hope Derek continues to make them for a long time to come.

as my summary states, unfortunately on my own behalf... i can attest to the multitude of drunken states of our narrators. i am and always have been (at least of the comprehensible age) been "that drunk guy". the thing that makes me love this show so damn much, the drunker i get... the smarter i feel, the more i know, the absolute truth comes from deep within.

i get a good giggle out of the naysayer that claims "oh it's staged", i might be a drunkard but i am not naive. sure enough the script is read in a relatively sober state, and drunken context is added. right up until "the i'm feelin' so good, it's bad" state of inebriation. i do not doubt for a second if a gentlemen showed up with a quality fifth of scotch, asked me to polish it off and then "read this" that i would more than likely spit out some quality comedy gold.

this show, with the wonderful acting and pantomiming is without a doubt the funniest show on TV. it will only gain in greatness if, and when, it branches out into the international circuit of this amazing planet. just imagine the wonderful accents! cheers my friends, drinks up to a good evening.