Ep 8. Journalism

In season 3 episode 8 of Drunk History, titled "Journalism," viewers are taken on a hilarious and informative journey through the history of journalism in the United States. As always, the premise of the show involves the retelling of historical events by inebriated narrators, with actors lip syncing to their slurred words.

The episode starts off by introducing a young Benjamin Franklin, played by Michael Cera, who founded the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1728. After a few shots of whiskey, the narrator recounts how Franklin used the newspaper to criticize the colonial government and publish satire, ultimately shaping the role of the press in politics. The scene then cuts to Franklin drunkenly running through the streets of Philadelphia, printing press in tow.

Next up is Frederick Douglass, played by Jordan Peele, who was the editor of his own newspaper, The North Star, in the mid-1800s. As the narrator sips on more alcohol, he explains how Douglass used his platform to expose the atrocities of slavery and advocate for abolition. Despite facing censorship and violence from pro-slavery mobs, Douglass persisted in spreading the truth through his publication.

Moving into the early 1900s, the episode delves into the rise of yellow journalism, with Colin Hanks playing William Randolph Hearst and Jack McBrayer playing Joseph Pulitzer. The tipsy narrator explains how these two media moguls engaged in a fierce circulation war, sensationalizing headlines and fabricating stories to outsell each other's newspapers. The scene is complete with wacky sound effects and slapstick humor.

Of course, no episode on journalism would be complete without the story of Woodward and Bernstein's investigative reporting that led to the downfall of President Nixon. In this segment, Bob Odenkirk plays Bob Woodward and David Koechner plays Carl Bernstein as the narrator stumbles through the events of the Watergate scandal. The scene highlights the importance of journalists in holding those in power accountable, even when it puts their own safety at risk.

The episode ends with a brief segment on Hunter S. Thompson, played by Johnny Knoxville, and his gonzo style of journalism that blurred the lines between fact and fiction. As the narrator slurs his words, he recounts Thompson's wild escapades and fearless reporting, making for a fitting end to a boozy tour through the world of journalism.

Overall, "Journalism" is a hilarious and informative episode that highlights the important role journalists have played throughout history in shaping politics and society. With a stellar cast and plenty of laughs, viewers are sure to enjoy this drunken ride through the past.