Comedy Central is reviving Drunk History today (15 September), with the Emmy-winning format returning as a short-form original series on the broadcaster’s YouTube channel.
The three new episodes are the first original instalments of Drunk History in several years and represent a digital-first reinvention of a show that previously ran for six seasons on linear television.
The first story explores Madonna’s performance at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards, with singer Meghan Trainor playing the pop star. Subsequent episodes will focus on Frances Perkins, the largely overlooked architect of Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal, and the rivalry between two men attempting to create the world’s largest ball of twine.
Created by Derek Waters and Jeremy Konner, Drunk History combines accounts delivered by inebriated storytellers with comic historical reenactments. Lisa Gilroy, Patton Oswalt and Marisha Ray are among the narrators in the new run. The cast also includes Steve Agee, Tim Baltz, Seth Green, Colin Hanks, Jack McBrayer, Chris Parnell, Johnny Pemberton, Daryl Sabara, Mae Whitman and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
The decision to bring the franchise back on YouTube reflects Comedy Central’s effort to extend its programming beyond linear channels and reach audiences through social and digital platforms.
Ari Pearce, EVP and head of Comedy Central original content, (pictured) said the new episodes demonstrated how the broadcaster could use established comedy properties in different forms. “As we expand our reach across platforms, Drunk History is a great example of how we’re delivering Comedy Central to fans in new ways,” he said.
Comedy Central is also expanding its digital comedy output through its Stand-Up Selects strand, original podcasts, one-hour specials and other multiplatform programming. Its wider portfolio includes South Park, The Daily Show and Beavis and Butt-Head.
The original Drunk History premiered in 2013 and received 17 Emmy nominations during its six-season run, winning for outstanding costumes for a variety programme or special. Series creator Waters said: “I’m so excited to be back making Drunk History again! We have a lot of catching up to do.”
