Comedy Central International hasannounced that Drunk History is back in the form of a new digital series, Drunk History: Black Stories, premiering Thursday, April 15, at 6:30pm GMT/1:30pm EDT across Comedy Central UK’s digital platforms (YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram).
Drunk History: Black Stories follows a similar format to its US predecessor, in which iconic stories in history are told by an inebriated narrator, while actors reenact the narrator’s tale and lip-sync their dialogue. Hosted by rapper, producer, and director Rapman, the six-episode series spotlights Black icons and their cultural influence, using comedy as the vehicle. New episodes will roll out weekly on Thursdays at 6:30pm GMT/1:30pm EDT.
“This series combines the power of the Comedy Central brand and outstanding talent to put front and center decentered Black voices and their influence on global history, all through a comedic lens,” says Kerry Taylor, EVP, Youth & Entertainment Brands, ViacomCBS Networks International. “Black creatives, crew members and talent brought this show to life so we can celebrate the incredible contributions of Black figures from across the African diaspora.”
“My entire career has been focused on telling authentic, Black stories,” says Rapman, host of Drunk History: Black Stories. “I’m excited to be a part of a show created by Black people where viewers can be entertained while learning about these unsung Black heroes.”
The cast features Scorcher, Zeze Millz, Leticia Hector, Lola Jagun, Femi Oyeniran, Sheila Atim, CJ Beckford, Natey Jones, Tom Moutchi as reenactors in tales narrated by Amma Asante, Jamali Maddix, Kevin 'KG' Garry & Travis Jay, Desiree Burch, Tom Moutchi & Ty Logan and Thanyia Moore.
Featured stories include (in air order):
● Len Johnson (UK) - Mixed race boxer denied the chance to compete for a championship in Great Britain because of the color bar.
● Mary Seacole (Jamaica) - British-Jamaican nurse who set up a hotel on the frontlines of the Crimean War in 1853 and nursed soldiers back to health.
● Benin Bronzes (Africa/UK) - A story of the men behind the reclamation of looted art from the Kingdom of Benin.
● Sons of Africa (UK) - 18th century abolitionist group in Britain that campaigned to end the African slave trade.
● Sister Rosetta Tharpe (US) - Godmother of Rock N’ Roll who some historians consider to have recorded the first Rock N’ Roll song.
● Yaa Asantewaa (Africa) - Female soldier who led the War of the Golden Stool against British Colonialism in Ghana’s Asante Empire.
The 6x8 minute episodes, from producer/director Stephané Alexandre, Femi Oyeniran, and Adjani Salmon, are executive produced by Collins Harris and Rebecca Hewett of Comedy Central International. Developed by Gwendolyn Elliott of ViacomCBS Networks International Communications. The series is commissioned by Craig Orr and Kerry Taylor for Comedy Central International.
