Itâs hard to think of a figure in the history of television more deserving of media tributes than Fred McFeely Rogers (thatâs Mister Rogers to you). And weâre likely to see more and more of them cropping up, as this month marks 50 years since Mister Rogersâ Neighborhood debuted on WQED in Pittsburgh. But Iâm certain we wonât see many quite as indelible, unique, and hilarious as Drunk Historyâs take on Rogersâ trip to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communication. In the pitch-perfect segment, characteristically tipsy host Derek Waters listens as comedian and frequent Drunk History storyteller Solomon Georgio weaves the remarkable tale. Colin Hanks plays Rogers, which seems appropriate, given that his dad Tom (who you may have heard of) was recently cast as Rogers in the upcoming You Are My Friend.
(Note: Georgio curses a bit more than Rogers might have, so have your earmuffs ready.)
So, in sum: Rogers sees childrenâs television lacks merit; Rogers lands a job at NBC and decides itâs not the place for him; Rogers returns home to start his own show on a shoestring budget at his local station; and Rogers throws a massive fundraiser in Boston that catches the attention of President Lyndon B. Johnson. LBJ gets in on the public broadcasting game with stacks of cash, his successor Nixon tries to put the kibosh on it, Rogers moonwalks into the Subcommittee meeting and straight-up nails his presentation, and the Subcommittee totally gets it.
(Oh, David Koechner plays Senator Pastore, because why wouldnât he?)
As with many Drunk History segments, you may actually learn something here you never would have otherwise. And even if youâre familiar with the story, and the actual testimony Rogers gave that day, youâre still going to laugh, Consider that a guarantee from your neighbor (in this case, thatâs me).
How are you celebrating the anniversary of Mister Rogersâ Neighborhood? Let us know in the comments!
Images: Comedy Central/Drunk History
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