It looks like History (the channel, not the past) is done letting Comedy Central’s Drunk History have all of the fun of mocking historical figures. Later this month, History is launching an ambitious late night comedy block called Night Class, with Community creator Dan Harmon taking the spotlight in Great Minds with Dan Harmon.
While Harmon was largely a behind-the-scenes presence on Community and Rick and Morty, Great Minds with Dan Harmon casts Harmon as a fictionalized version of himself, who builds a time machine that allows him to bring history’s most accomplished minds into the present. With the announcement, History debuted a clip of Harmon with Ludwig Van Beethoven, as played by Jack Black.
Sarah Silverman, Jason Sudeikis, Dana Carvey, Aubrey Plaza, Kristen Schaal, Nick Kroll, Scott Adsit, Andy Dick, Ron Funches, Paul F. Tompkins, Thomas Middleditch, and Robert Smigel are all slated to appear in guest roles on Great Minds with Dan Harmon. But only Adsit’s role was confirmed: he’ll be playing Ernest Hemingway.
Elizabeth Shapiro’s Crossroads of History will also rely on famous guest actors as they star in comedic shorts based on real historical incidents, including Adolf Hitler’s failed attempt to get into art school and Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard picking the wrong night to sneak out for a drink at Ford Theater. Lou Diamond Phillips, Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey, Keir O’Donnell, Jack McBrayer, Wayne Knight, Lloyd Ahlquist, and Paul Scheer are confirmed to appear in the first season.
The third series in History’s new comedy lineup is called How to Lose the Presidency, which will utilize actual footage of Presidential candidates as they committed the unforgivable gaffes that sank their political aspirations. For example, Howard Dean’s scream on the campaign trail and Rick Perry’s primary debate “oops” will be featured, among with many other unintentionally funny and disastrous moments.
All three series will debut next week, on Thursday, February 25 on History. According to History, additional comedy series are in the works.
Are you intrigued by History’s move into comedy? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Image Credit: History/Matador Content
And while you’re here, check out Kyle Hill’s chat with Harmon and Justin Roiland from SDCC 2015!
