Watch Night Class
- 2016
- 1 Season
Night Class is an innovative and quirky late-night programmation block that was aired by the History channel in 2016. Known for its unique mix of educational scope infused with a comedic flavor, Night Class sought to take viewers on an enlightening and entertaining journey through topics ranging from history, popular culture, to esoteric facts about the world around us. The unconventional structure of the show consisted of multiple television series bundled into one stimulating program. The show on offer included "Great Minds with Dan Harmon," "Crossroads of History," and "How to Lose the Presidency."
The lead-off series "Great Minds with Dan Harmon" was one of the most exciting facets of Night Class. Dan Harmon, the notable creator of the famous television series "Community" and co-creator of "Rick and Morty," hosted this show. It followed a unique concept wherein Dan, through his BIOTA - a make-believe, time-traveling device, would bring back one celebrated historical figure every week to our present time. Alongside his brilliant sidekick Spencer and his assistant Erin, Dan would interview these historical icons in a modern setting, engaging in a lively, comedic, and thought-provoking discourse. The show gave an entertaining twist to history, fusing it with science fiction and comedy, while simultaneously showcasing the impact these figures had on shaping the world that we know today.
Another aspect of Night Class was the show "Crossroads of History.” This award-nominated short-form comedy series was created by Elizabeth Shapiro. The premise of this show was focused on the often-overlooked moments of history, far from the spotlight of mainstream historical significance, but ones that quietly changed the course of human civilization. It highlighted these peculiar junctures through a comedic lens, often presenting a hilariously altered perspective on moments that shaped the timeline of our world. It showed how those who were on the right side of history were not always the brightest or the best but were often just at the right place at the right time.
Lastly, Night Class also featured "How to Lose the Presidency," which added a humorous edge to political blunders, debacles, and slip-ups that have been caught on tape throughout history. This show offered a collection of the unforgettable, embarrassing moments experienced by those who've attempted to ascend the rungs of power, and the resulting hilarity ensued. Combining clips from the archive with contemporary comedy, it showed how these politicians, while striving for a noble goal, ended up in often humorous yet instructive situations.
The binding factor amongst all these shows was their shared commitment to presenting knowledge in an engaging and light-hearted manner. At a glance, Night Class was often irreverent, always smart, and precisely intriguing. Each episode was a delicate balance of providing historical context, blending humor, and maintaining an intuitive connection with the viewers.
Night Class is a testament to History channel's efforts to redefine traditional educational programming. By combining historical figures and events with a humorous twist, it appealed to a more diverse, younger audience, without alienating the channel's traditional viewers who indulge in straightforward factual history. Night Class was a spot where comedy, education, and late-night viewing converged - making learning about history a fun, nightly escapade.
The artsy and engaging aesthetics, coupled with the eclectic mix of topics covered, made for an appealing visual treat. The narration style was distinct and spent a fair effort in debunking commonly held notions and injecting a new perspective on understanding history. By making the elites of history and their highbrow undertakings more accessible and amusing, Night Class managed to whittle down the distance between timelines, cultures, and scopes of understanding.
In essence, Night Class promised an enjoyable yet educational experience, striving to show that history isn't just a tedious collection of past events. Instead, it can be a lively, vibrant, and engaging subject that, when presented right, could be filled with laughter, surprises, and valuable insights into our past, present, and future.