Drunk History (TV Series 2013–2019) Poster

(2013–2019)

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9/10
Sincerely funny
GrislyBloodfeast17 July 2013
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.
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8/10
Love it!
rzajac21 August 2013
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"!
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9/10
Never Gets Old
davidsonira3 February 2020
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
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10/10
The best (and probably only) educational comedy every made!
Top_Dawg_Critic13 October 2017
OK this show is addictive! This has to be the best (and probably only) educational comedy every made! There isn't one episode I didn't learn something, or laugh out loud! Want to make America smarter? Add this show as required curriculum at every high school in America. For that matter, create more shows like this for every subject! Bravo to the creator and producers of this gem of a show! A perfect 10/10 (also my History test score!) from me
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Have to watch this high.
13SecondFilmReviews25 April 2020
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.
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9/10
unfortunately on my own behalf
chipdfctoo7 June 2014
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.
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9/10
Very cool. Wish they had this show when I was in HS.
sellzmktng0120 March 2015
A very unique approach to telling history, I must say. I like how they usually start off at a bar and get some introspection from intelligent people regarding what the ultimate discussions will be about.

Just watching a bland, dry documentary there is a loss as to what regular people think and feel about a particular subject. This series offers that in spades.

The actual story is great because not only is it appealing to a college crowd and fun people, the story tellers go into details and even discuss historic figures who never make in the regular history books, and deserve some credit not administered by the mainstream.

If you like South Park and Family Guy, you'll definitely enjoy these shows, and maybe learn something new in the process.
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10/10
Brilliant...
chimpsonson10 December 2015
Some of these reviewers are absolutely clueless. This show is hilarious. "Uneven"??? They're drunk, you ding dong. The one who wrote "I love history and I love comedy" - dude, maybe Bob Hope is more up your alley if you're not getting Drunk History...Paget Brewster is...genius. Love this show - keep 'em coming, Derek. i do some college teaching and when the kids are a bit stressed I'll show them a scene or two from drunk history to lighten their mood a bit - this show is the best. I usually watch episodes multiple times because at first, I find myself more engaged by the story itself; after re-watching I can fully appreciate the pure comedy. Loved the First Ladies episode and Laura Dern's episode as well.
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6/10
Very uneven but generally fun
planktonrules27 April 2015
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.
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10/10
Hilarious and informative
sonia_mas30 July 2020
I really cannot believe how much I have learned from this show. I remember watching it years ago when it was on Funny or Die. It was one of my favourite segment. I'm so glad to know that it was tuned into a full blown show and still running. The acting and the star power, The history, and the sheer hilarity is a force to reckon with. I cannot see a single problem with this show, I really hope they never cancel this show. It's the best. Please watch and oyu will be learning so much!
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6/10
Good for a laugh, but not overly accurate
Odintodd27 January 2019
Don't use this show as a source for historical facts or accuracy, just chill out and enjoy the laughs, as few as they are.
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8/10
Honest and funny
el-mar-martinez18 April 2015
The title says it all: a drunk person will tell you his version of some of the best pieces of American history. This is as honest as can be. And it's funny!

There are things only drunk people will say, and this show is all about that: what if we put drunk people's thought in a sober people mouth? Furthermore, what if we put it in historically famous people's mouths? Add to the mix a fairly famous cast (on the sober side) and comedy central's budget, and the result is deliciously funny

If the semi-incoherent babbling of drunk people gets on your nerves, if you expect some high level third degree intellectual Monty Pythonnesque humor or if you can't condone making fun of American symbols like Abraham Lincoln or Rosa Parks, then this show is not for you, but then again, you ought to ask yourself :"what was i expecting from a show called drunk history?"

In a few words, let's not kid ourselves and let's take the show for what it is: a funny idea like the ones you get when you're drunk with your friends put together by people who have the talent to make it funny.

Well done comedy central, and well done Derek Waters.
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1/10
Sad and Pathetic
Johnny_West10 July 2022
Instead of making real history entertaining, some lowlifes decided to drag culture and education down another couple of notches and make this show. Not all the information is totally wrong, but a lot is. The only plus is watching tools slurring their words as they discuss history, and the really pathetic acting out of the stories.
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I LOVE YOU DEREK WATERS!
LauraAnnG23 February 2020
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.
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8/10
Fun and Interesting
kjmagan-455-8490717 May 2019
This is a fun and interesting show. Nice and light!!
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8/10
This show consistently cracks me up
s081754611 January 2018
If you are looking for a show that is uniquely funny, Drunk History is the show for you. The concept is so fresh and original that I find myself telling people to check out the show without telling them anything about it. I feel as though going into this show blindly (as I did) makes for a better first-watch and intrigues you to want to watch more.

Without giving too much away, the show has inebriated people telling their version of historical events. While the person is telling the event chronologically, there is a reenactment of the event happening on screen simultaneously coinciding with what the drunk person is saying. I won't say any more than this because I really recommend going into this show as blindly as possible.

I urge you to give this show a chance; it often has me in stitches and I am not one who easily laughs at 'comedy.' Hope you enjoy.
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9/10
Hilarious
drammed10 August 2017
Let me assure you, as you read through these reviews, those that rated this series low have no sense of humor whatsoever. They think they know what they're talking about, they don't. This series is absolutely hilarious. Those that gave this bad reviews are certainly taking things far too seriously. The condescending, pretentious, asinine reviews some gave are utterly ridiculous; and an exercise in douchebaggery. Do not believe the d-bags and the pompous brit reviews. Judge for yourself. Sit back with a drink and enjoy this truly funny take on history.
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10/10
I can't believe they canceled this show. One of the only shows that's ever been made where you will actually learn a LOT.
johnnybravoctk24 December 2021
Super sad times. As this was one of the only shows that had both humor and actual educative properties to it. The only others I can think of that were actually good are Vikings, The Crown and both those are specific eras. Drunk History covered all eras! I begged in the reviews on here for Drunk History to go to the 1 story per episode format. All their best reviews were when they had only 1 story. Trying to cram in multiple stories was just difficult to follow and not enough story to sink your teeth into. Regardless, no more Drunk History is kind of sad for humanity. I guess more Marvel will fill the void, which though entertaining, has no lasting effect like actual education, even if given while drunk.
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10/10
Currently my favorite television series
MrPositive110 July 2017
Being a tad of a teetotaler myself and an extremely avid history fan (I have my bachelor's in history), the show feels made for me. The best part of the show is when the actors are mimicking the drunk storyteller's words. It's so random and comical. I've actually learned a great deal about history from this show while being ultra entertained with humor. Not many shows can boast that they actually teach people something without it coming off as ultra boring. In fact, this show may be the first of it's kind, a maiden voyage of connecting knowledge and humor in television. I guess my one critique would be that I've enjoyed it more with 2 stories per episode (or even 1) instead of 3, so the storyteller can delve deeper into the topic and characters. With 3 stories an episode, it feels a bit more flimsy information wise. For example the Hamilton by Lin Manuel Miranda. Which by the way, that Hamilton episode is seriously one of the greatest things ever created by man. The two girls Aubrey and Alia are simply off the chain and Lin's account has so much depth. We can just get so much more connected with the characters when it's a 1 or 2 story episode. Regardless, I love it, and keep em coming.
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10/10
So funny, and I learned. Please make more!
jaeshika19 April 2021
Absolutely one of my favorite comedic shows to watch. This is so fun to watch with friends, or alone. (It's not just watching someone be drunk and tell a story.) Most of what you see is other (not drunk) actors in full costume acting out and lip syncing (pantomiming?) what the storyteller is describing.

I see that the last season was 2019. I really hope that it was just a 'pandemic pause' and they make more in the future. So many brilliant actors participated in this, and there are so many little know stories to tell. Please make more seasons!
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2/10
A piece of SH*T!!!!
elmag10114 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is by far the worst show on Comedy Central. I have loved all of their other shows that I have seen. Tosh.0 is good as well and Inside Amy Schumer and the Jeselnik Offensive. This show is not funny in away way. I was not expecting a history show but I was expecting some comedy. It is COMEDY central after all.

I am only giving this two stars because some how they were able to get people with real talent such as Fred Willard and Jack Black to be part of this sh*t.

They could do soooooo much better. Maybe they can work out the problem and work in something good. The idea of the show has great potential. I will be giving this another chance if they have a second season.
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10/10
Getting to of know History - and laughing all the way
lambiepie-211 August 2019
Frankly, I don't care if these people are drunk or sober playing drunk, this is a today's concept for History to get through.

This is all the new generation has. They're not going in droves going to look at the History Channel documentaries, or any History documentary at all. They may not have History Teachers like I had that went all out, dressed up, took you to places -- gave you an experience about History beside the book. However, this is fun, entertaining and...they'll learn something in 30 minutes about History. And maybe take a minute to Google it to learn more.

The History is basically correct. The entertaining part are the actors retelling it from the drunken teller. I have laughed at each and every episode. It's like your drunk uncle, being in a bar or a barbershop with the drunk who knows everything sitting in a corner and chipping in when you didn't ask him/her. But later you find out, they were ....correct! So if they're not really 'drunk', so what, it's a hoot.

I recently watched one that I am so glad they did as it was on Cleopatra and her sister Arsinoe IV. I remember 'back in the day in elementary school the watered down version of the two, but it was great they chose this. Aubrey Plaza was Cleopatra, and was hilarious (as she has been in many of these Drunk History skits). This story was a crazy and devious as anything happening in government today -and that is why it's so important to study History, all of it. It's just more entertaining coming from someone who is lit-up and telling it, than your straitlaced teacher who is probably bored on the 100th telling of it. Let's be real, you'd probably retain more of it and talk more of it as it came from ...a drunk.

And that is the beauty of the program. Funny and educational.

I know we are never going to go back to
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Zero Rating
cuzz-123824 August 2018
I feel dumber for watching this sitill waiting to laugh
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10/10
love it!
yennytheunicorn19 February 2017
Love it, can't wait for more. If you watch this and you hate it, you have no goddamn sense of humor. If you're spending the time to pick it apart, you're bored & dull as f. This sheet is absolute gold, seriously can't wait for more ;D Please keep it up and do not listen to the negativity - loving this (as i said 1000x previously)
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10/10
Best History show on tv
bardnightingale15 December 2022
Seriously educational and funny. My favorite ones have African American narrators. My absolute favorite is the Alcatraz story acted out by native Americans.

You forget it is just one voice speaking, the acting is so good. I wish I could see how they are doing the voice syncing.

Can't believe Comedy Central didn't renew for a 7th season over their stupid cartoons. This is one of the most original shows on their network. I've watched every episode numerous times. The show never gets old. Tried watching UK version, but it sucked. No visible host and boring stories we all know. But the US 1 is a total 10/10.
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