Drunk History: Season 3

It's no wonder that Comedy Central has kept Drunk History going: nearly every episode manages to evoke at least a low running chuckle throughout. The politically incorrect premise, as created for the Funny or Die website in 2007, has a creative type—comedian, actor, writer, raconteur—relaxing at home and getting drunk on camera with host Derek Waters. Gradually, the guest recounts a favorite historical story with all of the loopy diversions and digressions that a shaker of martinis, box of wine, or quart of tequila will provide. The tales are actual vignettes from American history apparently chosen by the tellers who strictly hew to their impaired memories, whether conjured from an ancient elementary school lesson or an unreliable source. The drunken banter is then brought to life in recreated scenes that are cast with vaguely famous people who lip-sync the slurred and often profane dialogue. It is very silly, and often stupid, but almost always funny. Part of the formula's success comes from the technical brilliance of the actors' line readings and the staging of historical events that often contain some real educational value. The storytellers include Paget Brewster, Cameron Esposito, and Fortune Feimster, with guest appearances by Maya Rudolph, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Michael Cera, and others. Topics covered in the 13 episodes from the 2015 third season compiled here include the Union Army Balloon Corps, Ponce de León, the 1972 World Chess Championship, the creation of the LAPD, and the times of Wernher Von Braun. Extras include “Unblurred” episodes, and deleted and extended scenes. Recommended. (T. Fry)