The word “history” in the title of a movie or a TV show typically implies a true story, but for Hulu’s History Of The World, Part II, it’s difficult to tell where the history ends and the jokes begin. A sequel to Mel Brooks’ comedy movie History Of The World, Part I that is 40 years in the making, History Of The World, Part II is a Hulu sketch comedy show that lampoons different periods throughout history by showing how they might have actually happened. Taking viewers from the American Civil War to the 1970s, History Of The World, Part II manages to teach about history and be humorous.
The original History Of The World, Part I was obviously historically inaccurate, but with the Mel Brooks sequel, it’s more difficult to tell how real its stories are. Some of History Of The World, Part II’s bits, like its Jackass parody featuring Rasputin or the infamous "Hitler On Ice" sketch, are clearly played for laughs, but others feel a bit closer to reality. As a comedy show grounded in real history, Mel Brooks’ History Of The World, Part II sets out to prove whether truth is always really stranger than fiction.
History Of The World Part 2 Isn't Historically Accurate (& That's Good)
Despite what the Hulu original’s name implies, History Of The World, Part II isn’t 100% historically accurate. It is true that History Of The World, Part II and its predecessor have their basis in real stories and people from throughout history. However, many aspects of the sketches in History Of The World, Part II - from Ulysses S. Grant going on a secret mission in pursuit of whiskey to Princess Anastasia of Russia being alive and an influencer - are dramatized for the show. While these exaggerations are what make History Of The World, Part II entertaining, they aren’t accurate to life.
For most TV shows and movies, it’s considered bad to be historically inaccurate, but for History Of The World, Part II, it’s an asset. Obviously, the Mel Brooks sequel being inaccurate to real life is what allows the Hulu show to showcase such wacky and comedic skits. The dramatization of the Hulu show allows the cast to blatantly poke fun at the real historical figures, although occasionally some of the funniest aspects of History Of The World, Part II’s comedy comes from how true it actually is.
Why History Of The World Is Still More Accurate Than You Might Think
Despite being a dramatized sketch show on Hulu, History Of The World, Part II is startlingly accurate in aspects audiences might not immediately recognize. The core of the jokes are firmly in history, such as Ulysses S. Grant’s alcoholism or Shirley Chisholm’s (played by Wanda Sykes) 1970s presidential bid. History Of The World, Part II proves that there is a fine line between dramatizing history and glamorizing it, as the Hulu show doesn’t pull any punches. The historical portrayals in the Hulu original could even be considered more accurate, as it shows certain figures’ rough edges. This ability to poke fun while being accurate is what makes History Of The World, Part II so unique.