RECENTLY VIEWED: HISTORY OF THE WORLD - PART 2

At 96, I did not think I would see a new production out of Mel Brooks. I mean he was an original writer on Sid Caesar's Your Show Of Shows, and Brooks' comedic movies like Young Frankenstein (1974) and Blazing Saddles (1975) caused a lot of my laughter growing up. However, Mel is back with History Of The World Part II! History of the World, Part II is an American sketch comedy limited series, which debuted on March 6, 2023 on Hulu. 

The series is a sequel to Mel Brooks's 1981 feature film History of the World, Part I, and is written and produced by Brooks, Wanda Sykes, Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen. Like the earlier film, it features sketches parodying events from different periods of human history and legend.

After 40 years, there is finally a sequel to the seminal Mel Brooks film, History of the World, Part I, with each episode featuring a variety of sketches that take us through different periods of human history. The cast features a large ensemble, including a core of several regulars who are also among the series writers: 

- Mel Brooks as Narrator
- Wanda Sykes as various characters
- Nick Kroll as various characters
- Ike Barinholtz as various characters

Despite the title History of the World, Part I, there were initially no plans for a sequel to the film. The title was a play on The History of the World by Sir Walter Raleigh, which was intended to be published in several volumes but only the first was completed. However, in October 2021, Hulu and Searchlight Television announced that a sequel series titled History of the World, Part II, was in the works, with production beginning in spring 2022. Mel Brooks would produce and write the series along with Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, and Nick Kroll, who would also appear in it.

I have seen four of the episodes now, and I think it is a good follow up to Mel's 1981 movie. Like the older movie, some of the skits fall flat, but as a whole I know what I am in for when I watch a Mel Brooks production. The 30 minute episodes is a way for me to escape and have a few cheap laughs along the way. Yes there are fart jokes, but they humor is also geered for 2023 audiences. 

If you are not a Mel Brooks fan, don't see this Hulu production. However, if you grew up on Mel, then I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure if this show warrants a part III, but it's a good reminder that Mel Brooks remains one of the most talented and funny men on the planet...

MY RATING: 7 OUT OF 10

MEL BROOKS AND HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 2

“History of the World, Part I” is finally getting a Part II, with Hulu ordering a variety series follow up to the classic Mel Brooks comedy film, Variety has learned exclusively.

“History of the World, Part II” is described as a sequel to the 1981 film. The film was made up of segments set during different periods of world history. Among those was the Stone Age, Ancient Rome, and the French Revolution. Like most of Brooks’ work, it also featured musical numbers, including one about the Spanish Inquisition and, of course, “Jews in Space.”

Brooks is a writer and executive producer on the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Kevin Salter. There is no word yet on which world events the series will cover. Hulu has ordered eight episodes of the show. The writers room is beginning in October with production slated to begin in Spring 2022. Searchlight Television and 20th Television will produce.

“I can’t wait to once more tell the real truth about all the phony baloney stories the world has been conned into believing are History!” Brooks said.

Brooks, a comedy legend and EGOT winner, wrote and directed “History of the World, Part I” in addition to appearing onscreen in five different roles. Those included King Louis XVI and his piss boy doppleganger as well as the stand up philosopher Comicus. The film also featured stars like Gregory Hines, Dom De Luise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, and many more.

Brooks’ comedy films are consistently ranked among the best of all time, such as “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Producers,” and “Spaceballs.” He later adapted both “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein” as critically-acclaimed stage musicals. He has also produced several hit films, most notably David Lynch’s “The Elephant Man.”

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