IamA (Derek Waters, Creator of Drunk History) AMA!

The show looks consistently amazing and always tack sharp on that focus. You must have the best camera guys in the business. How do you do it!?

Hi Blake

Can I ask questions here?

I'M NOT SURE DEREK

Who are you talking to?

Will Jen Kirkman be back this season? She is pretty reliable for bringing herself to tears in all her segments and I really think that adds to the story line.

YOU BET YOUR ASS! How could we not bring the QUEEN of Drunk History back?! She's in the Season Finale

Thank god. Can we get her involved in some Women's Suffrage and/or Gloria Steinem shit? I want her in maximum passion mode.

She's in an episode called. FIRST LADIES.....so get ready

How does it feel knowing that one episode of your show contains more actual History than a full night's worth of programs on the history channel?

It's like having a boner and you don't have to cover it up. U get me

Hey Derek! Huge fan of Drunk History, really looking forward to the new season. I was wondering if there are plans to do some international history? Just imagine Patrick Stewart acting out some drunken British history - it would be incredible.

Drunk History: International needs to happen!

You me and my one bedroom apartment agree! Thank you! WE PLEASE (FRENCH for yes please

How do you pick your drunk historians? Do you poll folks you know, look for experts on stories you want to tell...? (I am a historian. I'm not drunk now, but I can become drunk on very short notice.)

Most are my friends or people I know from the comedy world. Lots of people know history but few people know how to tell a story in history. OH, and they have to love drinking

What do I have to do to become one of the drunk storytellers?

Move to LA and send an email to my therapist. And or my life coach.

Are people actually drunk when you film them or are they acting drunk? Are you allowed to film people while they're drinking alcohol?

Yes they're really drunk. I don't lie and wouldn't want to make a FAKE. We got enough of those #CATFISH

How does Davy Crockett like his Pie?

Alamode

Do you ever say "hey tell us about a certain historic event" or do the people choose what they're talking about?

I ask, "What's your favorite story in history that you think more people need to know about?"

Is there any one guest star that stands out as really fun to work with?

Johnny Knoxville

How hard does it get to lip sync perfectly with the drunk audio?

12 hours

Jack Black played a good Elvis. Can you tell me about some of the other actors coming up soon on Drunk History? And when can we get Schwarzenegger to play George Washington?

I will let you know that Steven Merchant is back...but this time he won't be ABE....He's gonna be George Washington. and obviously with a beard and glasses

Will Rich Fulcher be back?!? He was by far, my favorite drunken story teller.

Rich is the best! He's BAAACK....But not as a narrator. He's an actor and does an amazing job! LINCOLN!

Any plans to do a "Baked History" where pot is legal?

GREAT SHOW!

no way. That show would never end.

It would be boring and very slow. Trust me.

As someone who has told stories drunkenly about history, I really love this show and its stories, so thanks! Has there been any story someone has told that you haven't aired? Will there ever be an "outtakes" episode of these unaired stories?

There will be deleted scenes on the Comedy Central APP and we got a DVD of Season 1 and 2 coming out in November! Lots of Extras. TONS

I just marathoned the first season and it was brilliant. I learned, I laughed and I loved it! I guess my question would be, how do you get a pet project like this produced? What was the process from brain baby to Comedy Central show? Also, will you produce my brain baby?! :D

making it in our friends' backyard and posting on youtube. Just never stopped and somehow got here. Do what you love and don't stop.

The show is so funny! Why don't more people know about it? I try to tell everyone I know how funny it is, but you've got to help me out!

please help. All I got is you and My mom

Are there any actors you've wanted to have in your re-enactments that you've been unable to get so far?

Yes. Dustin Hoffman and Eddie Vedder.

Hey Derek, Can you do a Drunk History on JFK and the Moon Landing?

no. But only because I want to avoid anything that has "Theories" behind. Just facts. All these stories are true on the show. The dialogue is the only off a little. But dates and events are true. Google that shit. Thanks for your smart question!

In the last episode of the first season, where was that guy peeing? Was that inside his own house?

no that was in his backyard. Peeing where a real gentleman pisses. And that man's name is Preston Flagg. Happy to say he'll be back this new season

What kind of advice can you give to fans that are going through bullying?

I was bullied and still get bullied. My advice is to always remember the strong will always win. And the strong turn the other cheek. Believe in yourself. There's nobody else like you. Embrace that. (Yeah, I can be serious)

Hi Derek.

First, I'm from Baltimore and also went to THS (and also love Mr. Stange). I just wanted to say hi and thank you. Every time I see you on TV with your Orioles hat on it makes me happy. I love that Baltimoreans (or Baltimorons, depending on the circumstances) show love for their city no matter where they are. Truth be told, I'm currently wearing a 2013 Super Bowl jersey (Ngata) in central PA right now (in Steelers country). It's especially funny that your last name is Waters - just like another quite famous Baltimore native. (Speaking of him, I grew up in the neighborhood where Serial Mom was filmed. Good times). Anyhow - keep up the good work. Ravens and Old Bay, O's and Boh's, hon!

Second - my question. Have you asked John Waters to direct an episode? Because you should ask John Waters to direct an episode. Would be the best. Just don't go eating any dog poop.

Sincerely,

Another Baltimore local and enthusiast

Thank you! 410 for life. John Waters only directs his own stuff. And I have nothing but respect for that. #hon

When do you decide to have the storyteller start talking? Once they are buzzed? Properly drunk? Slurring words? I'd imagine it's a slippery slope for some light weights.

When they are comfortable. I'm drinking with them and I can tell when they aren't worried about being filmed and ready to teach.

Hi Derek! Have you ever had to scrap footage because someone could just keep drinking and drinking and yet remain lucid and by all appearances sober?

many times. We shot 420 hours of footage. You will see 3.5 hours of it on TV. NOT TO BRAAAAG

Has anyone gotten too drunk to finish the story? There's a fine line between being drunk enough to tell a story humorously, and being too drunk to be conscious. On a side note, my friend hadn't seen the show and we watched the whole first season last night, and she loved it. Keep up the good work!

All the time. But we take care of them, and never leave a man or woman down. Thanks for your support!

Do you have any medical staff standing by, incase they get way too drunk?

YES. We have the best medic. Everyone is always in good hands.

Who would you like to get to do a drunk story telling that hasn't already?

Edgar Allan Poe

One time I got wasted in a pub in Scotland and recounted the entire Will Wallace story while my friend recorded me on her flip camera. How much will you give me for the footage?

zero. Post it and let me know how it goes

I just wanted to say thanks for giving me an excuse to drink on Tuesday nights. Any chance you do one mega drunk reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg with famous comedians just hammered out of their mind?.....With blanks, of course...

No, it's just the Narrators that are drunk not the re-enactors. Thanks for supporting the show. Please spread the word. We gotta get higher ratings than 16 and pregnant or I'll get kicked out of my apartment.

What's your favorite drink ? :D

WATER

So, did you get drunk before your AMA?

no, I interview them. But the idea came from drinking with my friend Jake Johnson from the NEW GIRL. He told me a 3 minute story that took 45 minutes to tell. I knew I wanted to try a show called the Drunk History Channel, and have people re-enact word for word whatever the drunk narrator says

No, but waking up at 7 makes me feel like I'm drunk.

Hey Derek! If you could retell a story from the past, what story would you talk about?

History of Pearl Jam

Are you sure your dad is your real dad?

Hi Duncan. I hope you saw I said your podcast was one of my favs

Thank you for being here Derek Waters, you're a huge inspiration to me. As an aspiring writer and history buff, do you have any words of wisdom for someone trying to make it in the industry? Also, what's one of your favorite moments in history? Also, 13th Grade is underrated and extremely true.

Thank you for saying that! My advice is to always be yourself and do what you believe in no matter what the odds are. (aren't I funny?) God bless you for saying that about 13th grade! I will make it someday. And this is my favorite moment in history. Besides being up this early.

Hey, you're truly awesome and I can't wait for the premiere of season 2!

What are your favorite books and or podcasts?

Thanks for doing the AMA!

Duncan Trussell's, Brody Stevens and a brand new one called Plz Advise hosted by Molly McAleer

Hey Derek! My friends and I LOVE drunk history. We are having a pizza and beer party tonight to celebrate season 2s premier. You should come!

My question is what is your favorite skit from Season 1?

What's your address? Thanks for the E-vite. My favorite was Stetson Kennedy

The show is funny as hell! props for it. If you could get rid of 1 U.S. state, which would you pick?

My name is Derek Waters NOT Michael Moore.

Are you currently drunk?

no. I just type like I am.

What does Eddie Vedder smell like?

hahahaaha!

What parts of history are the upcoming episodes covering?

We got 6 cities this year and 4 themed episodes. I'm very excited about AMERICAN MUSIC EPISODE

Is Crispin Glover really THAT weird in person or is he just misunderstood?

Crispin is the best. PERIOD

How about "Drunk Future"? Will we ever see that shit?

I'm into a "Drunk BACK TO THE FUTURE" but I can't predict the future. Only my Physic.

From genesis (like the band) up until now, what's absolutely the WEIRDEST and COOLEST thing that's ever happened on Drunk History?

Getting to meet my heroes. INCLUDING Terrell Suggs of the BALTIMORE RAVENS. #SPOILERALERT HI MEALS

Are they actually drunk?

YES YES YES! Why would a show be funny if they weren't really drunk. ps. Nobody can ACT drunk. EXCEPT Catherine O'Hara in Waiting for Guffman. Don't believe me watch it. Never seen it? RUN to one of the two video stores left and grab it.

Hey, Derek. I've enjoyed Drunk History since the first episode premiered online. The first season was great; my roommates and I would have a few drinks and watch it every week.

I do have a question though: are there any episodes planned for Louisiana? As a life-long Louisianian, I can assure you that our entire history is drunk history!

Thank you! Not for now. I need to sleep after making this show for 11 months. But I would love to come to Louisiana

in your opinion, which interviewee had the most dramatic personality change going from sober to drunk?

Great question. But these are my friends and I don't rat anyone out. but it was a dude.

Hi Derek! My husband and I are big fans. My being pregnant for approximately 87 months has made me feel a bit alienated from our friends who are "social drinkers." Watching Drunk History makes me feel like one of the bunch. :)

Will Kyle Kinane be making an appearance again this season? His episode last season was hilariously disgusting!

Glad we could help. Congrats. Unfortunately Kyle couldn't do it this year. But I promise the narrators this year won't let you down.

Can there please be a High History spin off?

no thank you. Shows are only 30 minutes long. That would be a 18 hour show.

I don't really know who you are, so what is the most impressive thing about yourself that has nothing to do with your work or show?

My tits

Hello, Derek.

Big fan of your work!

Do the actors get audio to memorize ahead of time, to maximize the synching? Is it playing live while you film?

So curious. Thanks for the stuff.

Great question! They get a script and an edited cut of the Narrators doing the audio they will move their lips to. Thanks for watching! Tell your friends please! Don't watch 16 and pregnant. and more importantly if you're 16 DON'T GET PREGNANT! #MTV

Do you have any regrets?

THIS

Hey Derek, super excited for Season 2.
What was the process of making the web series into a full blown show like?

More than 3 people helping you. And getting paid. Thank you for your excitement! 2nd season blows 1st season out of the water

Hey Derek, how does it feel to be an Orioles fan these days, you C-section baby?

I know who you are. Thanks Levy

Hey Derek! Will Matt Gourley return this season? Or is he too much of a hot shot because of his fame from the VW commercials?

Hi Matt. Your commercials are great and you did two stories last year. Needed some new faces. But I love yours. See you at the Crash Test Dummies concert tonight!

Sup?

Supper

When will Seth Grahame-Smith -- the undisputed King of Alt-History and all-around incredibly handsome, telegenic and witty gentleman (and college classmate of Jen Kirkman), be on your show?

Hi Seth. Whenever you want buddy. When are you putting me in the sequel to Beetlejuice?

Which Power Ranger deserves his own page in history?

none. But POE from the telitubbies does

Has there ever been a "drunk personal history" attempted...having someone get drunk and telling a historical event they witnessed themselves?

In the Boston episode Chris Romano told a true story about his father..who just so happened to be Arsonist. All true.

What's it like dating MOLLS?! Y'all are cute.

Best girl in the world. No more personal questions. JK ask me ANYTHING