Drunk History
Why just read about history when you can have it served up with a side of humor and a dash of spirits? As an experienced educator and advocate for engaging educational content, I believe that history doesn't have to be dry or boring. Parents who homeschool or seek to enrich their children's education need resources that spark interest and make learning stick. That's where "Drunk History" stumbles beautifully into the picture.
Grades: "Drunk History" is best suited for older teen and adult audiences, typically ages 16 and up.
Cost: Available for free on YouTube or via most streaming series
About Drunk History
Derek Waters created "Drunk History" with a simple, if slightly tipsy, idea: what if history lessons were given by someone who's had a few too many? The result is a hit TV series where inebriated narrators recount historical events, while actors—lip-syncing and all—bring these blurred visions of the past to life. Despite the hilarity, the show nails the facts (the dates and events are accurate), even if it plays fast and loose with what Benjamin Franklin might have actually said to King Louis XVI.
Who Drunk History is for
This series is perfect for older students who can think critically about the blend of fact and fiction. It's an excellent tool for parents looking to break up the monotony of standard textbook learning with something that packs a comedic punch.
Why I recommend Drunk History for History
From my two decades of teaching history across the globe, I've learned that laughter is a powerful tool for memory. "Drunk History" uses humor to make historical events memorable and digestible. It turns what could be a monotonous topic into a lively discussion starter. Imagine trying to keep straight the many causes of the American Civil War when suddenly, you're watching a tipsy narrator mix up General Lee with Bruce Lee. It's incorrect, sure, but unforgettable—and a great way to engage students in correcting and discussing historical facts.
How to use Drunk History in your homeschooling
Integrate "Drunk History" into your lessons by pairing an episode with traditional materials covering the same events. Watch the episode, laugh, and then debrief. What got twisted? What was spot-on? This approach not only cements historical facts but sharpens analytical skills.
Drunk History’s most popular episode of all time, featuring the story of Cleopatra’s younger sister.
What Drunk History covers
American History:
The tales of figures like Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington.
Key events like the Watergate scandal, the American Revolution, and the Civil War.
World History:
The story of Cleopatra and her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Events like the disastrous Arctic exploration by Sir John Franklin.
The impact of historical figures like Rasputin on Russian politics.
Cultural History:
The creation of iconic cultural elements like Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein."
The influence of music stars like Elvis Presley and influential movements like Motown.
Science and Innovation:
The contributions of scientists like Nikola Tesla and the contentious relationship with Thomas Edison.
Historical breakthroughs such as the creation of Coca-Cola.
Civil Rights and Social Movements:
Stories of pivotal figures in civil rights movements, including Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin.
Significant events and movements, such as the Stonewall riots.
Unique and Obscure Historical Tales:
Lesser-known yet significant events like the competitive feud to reach the South Pole.
The bizarre story of Eddie Aikau, a legendary lifeguard and surfer from Hawaii.
Updates and Additions
While the show wrapped in 2019, its relevance endures on streaming platforms, continually offering fresh laughs and insights on historical events.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Drunk History
Pros of Drunk History:
Hilariously Educational: Where else can you find a sloshed storyteller breathlessly weaving through the annals of time with the accuracy of a dart thrown in a college bar—mostly hitting the board!
Memorable Storytelling: Forget monotonous dates and stale narratives; "Drunk History" injects life, laughter, and a bit of stumbling into historical events. You might forget your keys, but not these stories.
Star-Studded Reenactments: Featuring a rotating cast of famous faces who lip-sync to the slurred speech of drunk narrators. It’s like Hollywood and your local pub had a historical baby.
Surprisingly Accurate: Amidst the hiccups and beer goggles, the dates and events remain as steadfast as a tipsy patron clutching the bar at last call.
Engagement Booster: Perfect for capturing the attention of students (and adults) who thought history was just a series of snooze-worthy facts recited by Ben Stein.
Potential Cons
Not for the Young or Tender-Hearted: With language as colorful as an HBO special, it might make a sailor blush and isn’t suitable for young audiences without some serious parental guidance.
Can Blur the Lines: Sometimes it's hard to tell where the history ends and the happy hour begins. Viewers might need a sober follow-up to separate fact from fermented fiction.
Historical Liberties: While the essence of the stories is accurate, expect some creative liberties. History purists may cringe as much as they chuckle.
Irreverent Humor: If your sense of humor doesn’t include a tipsy romp through history, this might not be your pint of beer.
Potential for Misunderstanding: The show’s casual dismissal of historical figures’ gravitas could lead to misunderstandings about their importance or the seriousness of historical events.
Tips from Parents on how to get the most out of Drunk History
It may go without saying that many parents recommend using "Drunk History" as a conversation piece rather than a standalone educational resource. After the giggles erupt, dive into a discussion or a more detailed study to separate the historical wheat from the chaff.
Select Reviews from Parents and Teachers
"Beautiful concept, amazing execution, and very thought-out comedic beats that always have me giggling. A way to learn - kind of - and entertain yourself at the same time."
"I think the show is informative and interesting, but the drunk antics are dumb and, in my opinion, mess up the show.”
"Seriously educational and funny. My favorite ones have African American narrators. My absolute favorite is the Alcatraz story acted out by native Americans."
"Don't use this show as a source for historical facts or accuracy, just chill out and enjoy the laughs.”
"Caught my niece watching this show, she is a 10 year old and the content you guys run are NOT recommended for kids or minors... now she is thinking it's okay to behave like your cast members behave."
Why Trust Me
With a career spanning over 20 years, teaching in diverse settings from Paris to NYC, and a background in American studies, I’ve honed my ability to identify what makes educational media compelling. Plus, my stint as a film and theater actress gives me an edge in evaluating performances—even drunken ones.
How I Vetted
I dove into "Drunk History" headfirst, consuming episodes, reading viewer and critic reviews, and discussing its content with fellow educators and historians. My thorough approach ensures my recommendations are robust and reliable.
What I Looked For and How Drunk History Stacks Up
When evaluating "Drunk History" against specific educational criteria, it's essential to understand the show's primary intent is entertainment, often with a humorous slant on historical storytelling. Here’s how it stacks up against each point:
Comprehensive: "Drunk History" covers a broad range of topics and figures from various historical periods and cultures, but it does not systematically cover the breadth of a comprehensive history curriculum. It’s more of a supplementary resource.
Secular: The series maintains a secular approach to history, focusing on historical events without promoting any religious viewpoints, making it suitable for a secular curriculum.
Accurate: While the core historical facts in the show are generally accurate, the details and dialogues are embellished for comedic effect. It’s important to fact-check and discuss the episodes for educational use.
Decolonized: "Drunk History" does attempt to share lesser-known stories from marginalized groups and perspectives, contributing to a more decolonized view of history. However, its coverage is not comprehensive in this area.
Inclusive: The show makes a concerted effort to include diverse figures and stories, often highlighting individuals and events that are less commonly featured in traditional history textbooks.
Anti-racist: "Drunk History" addresses racism in some of its episodes and makes efforts to celebrate racial diversity and justice through the choice of stories and narrators. However, the focus on humor can sometimes undermine the depth needed to fully address these complex themes.
Mastery-based: The show does not follow a mastery-based learning model. It is designed for entertainment and, while educational, does not provide structured learning or reinforcement necessary for mastery.
Aligned with School Standards for History: "Drunk History" is not specifically designed to align with school standards. While it can be used to spark interest and complement standards-based education, it should be paired with more formal resources for standard alignment.
Fun and Engaging for Kids: The series is highly engaging and fun, making history accessible and entertaining with its unique format. However, its appropriateness varies depending on the age and maturity of the audience due to the use of alcohol and adult humor.
The Bottom Line
Who is Drunk History an ideal fit for?
"Drunk History" is a fantastic choice for homeschooling families eager to add some zest to their history lessons. It suits middle and high school students best, especially those who enjoy a good laugh and can engage critically with the content.
Who is Drunk History not a fit for?
It's not the best fit for younger kids or families preferring a straight-laced approach to history education. The show's irreverent humor and occasional crassness might not sit well with all audiences.
Alternatives and supplements to Drunk History
"Drunk History" might leave some learners with more questions than answers. Here's a rundown of which types of learners it might not suit and some sober alternatives that could be a better fit:
Young Learners:
Alternative: Horrible Histories
Why: "Horrible Histories" offers a kid-friendly blend of humor and history, perfect for younger audiences who need age-appropriate content with a similar comedic approach but less of the adult-themed humor found in "Drunk History."
A comprehensive history curriculum
Alternative: Curiosity Chronicles
Why: For those who thrive on comprehensive curricula, Curiosity Chronicles provides an engaging, secular exploration of world history that builds knowledge systematically, unlike the episodic and varied nature of "Drunk History."
Learners Seeking In-Depth Analysis:
Alternative: Crash Course (YouTube Channel)
Why: For learners who appreciate a more serious, yet accessible approach to history, Crash Course offers well-researched and detailed explorations of historical events and periods, providing depth that "Drunk History's" quick sketches may lack.
Students and Educators Needing Robust Academic Resources:
Alternative: Digital Inquiry Group (Formerly Stanford History Education Group)
Why: This resource provides free, high-quality, research-backed history education materials that foster critical thinking and deep understanding, suitable for academic settings where rigor and educational standards are priorities.
Value for the Money
Considering "Drunk History" is available on multiple streaming services and for free on YouTube, it’s a cost-effective way to enhance your history curriculum. The entertainment and educational value it provides outweighs the cost of a subscription, which also opens the door to a plethora of other educational content.
Popular Episodes
Here are some of the most popular episodes from the series:
Alexander Hamilton’s Salacious Sex Scandal (feat. Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Lin-Manuel Miranda narrates the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, which is particularly popular due to Miranda's involvement and the massive success of his musical, Hamilton.
Harriet Tubman Leads an Army of Bad Bitches (ft. Octavia Spencer)
Octavia Spencer powerfully recounts Tubman's daring Civil War raid that freed over 700 slaves.
Unbelievable Spy Stories
Stories of historical espionage and intrigue, including that of Harriet Tubman, who led an armed expedition in the Civil War, and Virginia Hall, a notable American spy in WWII.
Coca-Cola Was Invented Using Cocaine (feat. Bill Hader & Jenny Slate)
This episode dives into the stories behind influential American music icons such as DJ Kool Herc and the birth of Hip-Hop, and the Judson Dance Theater's role in the contemporary dance movement.
Rosa Valland Takes on the Nazis
Tiffany Haddish narrates the tale of Rose Valland, an assistant curator in Paris who played a crucial role in rescuing thousands of artworks looted by the Nazis during World War II.
Ways to Get Drunk History
You can catch "Drunk History" on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel, through streaming services like Hulu, or buy episodes from digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
Affiliate Disclaimer
This review is unbiased and independent. However, I may earn a commission from purchases made through links included in this review, which helps support the content provided.
Sources
Google Reviews of Drunk History
The Sober Reality of 'Drunk History' | Complex
All About Drunk History - Network Ten
We’re fact checking ‘Drunk History’ so you don’t have to | SBS What's On
'Drunk History' Serves An Educational Cocktail, With Comedic Twist : NPR
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