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.

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"!

Derek Waters brings his hilarious web series to comedy central, with bigger production values and entertainers replacing historians as the drunken storytellers. The two episodes I've seen of Drunk History are some of the most hilarious and entertaining television I've ever seen. The premise is actors/writers/comedians get drunk and tell a story from history, and the scenes described and narrated are acted out. So far, my favorite was where Adam Scott played John Wilkes Booth in the recreation of the Lincoln assassination. Some recognizable names play some of the historical figures; Jack Black was great as Elvis, Dave Grohl as Elivs's lackey, Jonathan Ames, Adam Scott, and Will Forte as Junius, John Wilkes and Edwin Booth, and Fred Willard as 'Deep Throat' in the recreation of the Watergate scandal. The funniest part, to me, is the dialogue the drunken historians give the historical figures that the actors then lip sync. I could use a bit less of the storyteller's vomiting...though, I'm aware that usually goes over well with comedy central's young male demographic. This series has great potential, and I hope it will find the success it deserves.

Admittedly, this show is pretty dumb. But, I guarantee you that if you try firing up the ol' bong, that after five or six hits this show is ROTF funny! There, I said it. Sorry mom.

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