Watch Tales of Titans

Tales of Titans is a satirical show produced by Funny Or Die that parodies the story-telling format of traditional history documentaries. The show is divided into short, standalone episodes, each of which profiles a different famous figure from history. However, rather than provide a straight biography, these episodes are all presented in a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek manner that pokes fun at both the subjects and the tropes of historical documentaries.

One of the main features of Tales of Titans is the use of animation to bring these figures to life. Each episode begins with a faux-serious introduction that establishes the historical context of the subject. However, once the spotlight is turned on the figure, the animation takes over, turning the figure into a cartoon character. The animation is delightfully silly, exaggerating the quirks and flaws of each subject in a way that is both absurd and endearing.

For example, the episode on Napoleon Bonaparte depicts him as a tiny, sausage-fingered man with an enormous head who is constantly scheming and plotting. In the episode on Cleopatra, meanwhile, the queen is portrayed as a seductive, manipulative figure who is always up to something nefarious. These depictions are clearly over the top, but they work well within the context of the show, making each figure feel like a caricature rather than a dry historical subject.

Another standout feature of Tales of Titans is the voiceover work. The show is narrated by J-Dub, a self-proclaimed "history buff" who delivers each episode's exposition with the same level of faux-seriousness as the animation. The contrast between the seriousness of J-Dub's narration and the silliness of the animation is one of the key sources of humor in the show. Additionally, the show frequently incorporates voiceover work from celebrity guests who provide the voices for the historical figures. For example, the episode on Mozart features Aziz Ansari voicing the composer, while the episode on Joan of Arc features Aubrey Plaza as the legendary warrior.

The humor of Tales of Titans is primarily rooted in its irreverent attitude toward history and the figures it profiles. The show is not afraid to poke fun at sacred cows, and it frequently takes the historical accounts of its subjects to absurd extremes. For example, the episode on Thomas Edison features him as a mad scientist who spends all his time electrocuting cats, while the episode on Isaac Newton portrays him as a socially awkward misanthrope who is constantly falling up stairs. These exaggerated characterizations are clearly meant to be taken with a grain of salt, but they also serve to give the show a distinct voice and tone.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Tales of Titans is how it manages to find humor in history without being crass or insensitive. The show is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects like racism or oppression, but it does so in a way that is both clever and respectful. For example, the episode on Gandhi portrays him as an ascetic figure who is constantly fasting and meditating, but it also acknowledges the importance of his non-violent resistance movement in Indian independence. Similarly, the episode on Nikola Tesla depicts him as a brilliant inventor whose genius was often overshadowed by Thomas Edison, but it also acknowledges the anti-immigrant sentiment that Tesla faced during his time in the US.

Overall, Tales of Titans is a wonderfully entertaining show that manages to be both informative and ridiculous. Its irreverent humor and playful approach to history make it a must-see for anyone who enjoys satire or animation. And while the show is clearly not intended to be taken as a serious historical account, it still manages to convey a surprising amount of information about its subjects in an accessible and entertaining way. Whether you're a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, Tales of Titans is definitely worth checking out.