The Fiery Sports Riot That Nearly Destroyed Constantinople • Puppet History

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CREATED & HOSTED BY
Shane Madej
WRITER
Garrett Werner
PRODUCER
Lizzie Lockard
POST PRODUCER
Sam Young
DIRECTOR
Anthony Frederick
FEATURING
Ryan Bergara
and Ricky Wang
EDITOR
Charlie Clay
ORIGINAL MUSIC
Hughie Stone Fish
Patrick Volker
Shane Madej
RESEARCHER
R.J. Blake
COORDINATOR
Carter Lau
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Violet Rawlings
Brendon Ryu
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jay Tran
G&E / CAM OP
Brendan Yoo
SOUND
Ben Forman
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Billy Jett
ART DIRECTOR
Darren Dematteis
SET DRESSER
Arron Haro
PROFESSOR PUPPET BY
DLUX Puppets
GUEST PUPPET BY
Madison Girifalco
ADDITIONAL VOICES BY
Joyce Louis-Jean & Garrett Watts
MOTION GRAPHIC ANIMATORS
Mike Fox & Mattea Guldy
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Crystal Cheng
ILLUSTRATOR
Travis Purvis
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Frank Parker
HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
Katie LeBlanc
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
Lizzie Lockard
HEAD OF POST
Sam Young
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Steven Lim
Ryan Bergara
Shane Madej
Music Provided by Audio Network
SFX by Audioblocks
Logo Designed by Jennet Liaw
Logo Sound Design by Yuta Endo (@yuuutaendo)
Social:
/ wearewatcher
/ wearewatcher
/ watcherentertainment
/ wearewatcher
Business Inquiries:
[e-mail]
Watcher. A network from Steven Lim, Ryan Bergara, and Shane Madej.

[@flowerfloc]

ryan casually taking the professor's foot has me laughing so hard

[@WestrumVerus]

the LOOOOOOOORE XD

[@dressiestsphinxsebastian125]

And then yeeting it at Ricky is where I lost it xD

[@ZieleAych]

Same!

[@kowrow]

feel for ricky whenever he’s with he watcher bois, something gets thrown in his face ice, puppet legs - what nrxt? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@kowrow]

feel for ricky whenever he’s with he watcher bois, something gets thrown in his face ice, puppet legs - what nrxt? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lifu._]

You should have Shane as a guest on the show. Something tells me he would be good at this history trivia.

[@letyv9071]

I heard this rumor that the professor never invites Shane because reminds him of a certain genie. Pretty wild rumor if you ask me tho…

[@PapaTrike]

Sucks because shane has good chemistry with Ryan. Not sure if it's behind the scenes beef or whatnot tho

[@tiffanymann6193]

I totes heard it's cuz the Professor and Shane have beef cuz the Professor was hitting on Shane's girl 😂

[@literallystan]

youre right! i cant wrap my head around why they havent

[@emilybarclay8831]

I heard that the professor once suggested Odie isn’t the cutest cat in the world so him and Shane have serious beef

[@jhy8212]

Am I the only one that wants Puppet History bloopers? It could be an extra "episode" at the end of the season!

[@who_Is_faten_helmi]

Yeees please !!

[@jhy8212]

@@who_Is_faten_helmi maybe people will 'like' the shit out of this comment, and the boys will see it!

[@erikaalbert929]

They do them for mosts seasons of watcher shows for Patreon members

[@jhy8212]

@@jos_targaryen LOL. they are 58596 steps ahead of me. Ty for letting me know!

[@Ranger-over]

Absolutely! Why haven't they done this yet!?

[@Sabbathtage]

Ricky is such a kind, sweet person that it looks like acting mean and aggressive physically hurts him.

[@maureenlaneski2802]

For now...

[@MFBloosh]

He just needs to spend some more time around Ryan and Shane. I mean, Shane is a literal demon! The king of the demons, if you ask me.

[@elizabethlovett4318]

I'm a fan of Ricky for that. And for that too, Ryan is suddenly scary. He may be the actual demon at haunted places he and Shane visit in secret.

[@elle_rose_xx]

He’s so cute it acc makes me feel like a complete bitch in comparison 😂

[@highvoltagegaming2924]

We love Ricky!

[@amberbauswell8828]

I actually get so unreasonably excited when the professor talks about a topic I know about

[@juhjaybrums1119]

Same!

[@sadunicorn3863]

Same! I felt the same way when the Wu Zeten vid came out!

[@logancampbell7924]

Same!!!

[@rezzerx5315]

It’s even better when it’s an obscure topic you know about

[@vesperfromtheinternet5588]

SAME!

[@jraz1714]

Ricky becoming increasingly more bloodthirsty throughout these past 42 minutes was a surprising but welcomed development

[@errrr_001]

Character development

[@D44RK_Iced_Yogs]

The development of Ricky becoming slightly anarchistic is what I live for in these episodes. Ryan and The Professor changing someone to be more like them is wholesome.

[@gillygull]

And a little terrifying

[@kazuhirokawamoto7213]

I think its more on terrifying after all the mess up crap they covered in their investigation's

[@Jem640]

Saw this comment before watching the episode and thought some new lore dropped about Ryan’s alter ego Ricky Goldsworth 😂

[@thrasherali-ns2842]

Because of murder and arson? 🤔😅

[@Ranger-over]

I love that Ricky has begun to embrace some elements of anarchy, and it's so great to see Ryan and The Professor supporting him in this! Awn7mFktpB4

[@deadringer444]

“That probably would scare a lawmaker more than anything - people in unity” well-timed remark, go current strikers!!

[@angiegibson6598]

Honestly Ryan is right, they should give him a sports show. Him and Steven could teach us stuff about sports history while playing 1-on-1 basketball. Shane just sits in a lawn chair on the sidelines with a lemonade or something

[@Fanney47]

Yeah. Totally.

[@sandpiperr]

Love it!

[@adcon00]

If Ryan could make sports history interesting, I'd watch it.

[@justdrop]

@@adcon00 There are some absolutely insane stories in nearly every sport. Not curling though, that one stinks.

[@erikaalbert929]

He did a sports history thing on BuzzFeed for a bit tho

[@pawprawks]

"Yeah but you have a new adversary which is THE GOVERNMENT" in reaction to Ricky and Ryan's discussion of rivalry at 19:30 just got me - I love this show so much.

[@MaxGreen111]

Professor, as an American in the 21st century, the phrase “how an artificially exploited society is exploited by the powerful to keep themselves in power” damn near triggered my fight or flight

[@weakanklesfornamjoon]

I just nodded yup bc I’m mostly dead inside by now 💀✌️

[@kaedetachibana3884]

It’s scary at how history keeps repeating itself isn’t it

[@anironsidh]

What I'm getting from this is time for Nika riots 2 😂

[@callumjohnston858]

@@anironsidh The vanguard of the revolution shall be NFL fans. Or AFL. Or...my god, this is why they separated the footballs! No one fan base can ever gain as much power as the demes.

[@jessicazaytsoff1494]

History might not repeat but holy hell does it remix to the same beat.

[@Teelenth]

I hope someday that we have a puppet history episode on The Battle of May Island, if for no other reason than to see Ryan's reactions to learning about the simultaneously most horrific and most comedic event in naval history.

[@ars_moriendi]

Love your icon. I actually use that painting for other socials and I got confused for a sec like “I didn’t post here…” 😅

[@MissBeeBonnet]

OH ABSOLUTELY I would love “The Battle of May Island”

[@AnarchyStockers]

This was the best episode to put Ricky on, we love seeing him forced into senselessly confrontational situations

[@tinaperez7393]

Great comment! 👍😂 Totally agree!

[@staytuned2L337]

10:30 😂

[@loser12837]

Love how Ryan is being so brutally competitive and then Ricky is just like "yeah, well blue sucks" Ricky is so sweet lmao love you guys :))

[@pinpacita]

I love how the professor's dad doesnt know what a camera is but somehow knows about Nolan

[@kowrow]

father and son have fought about film before too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kowrow]

father and son have fought about film before too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kowrow]

father and son have fought about film before too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@g00dbunny]

@@kowrowschizophrenia

[@ars_moriendi]

The Leda and the Swan thing has some dubious historicity since Procopius wrote that when he was well and truly on the outs with Justinian and Theodora. Also, my favorite translation of what Theodora said was that “Purple makes a fine shroud” and that always struck me as incredibly badass. Live a coward or be buried an empress? Hell yeah.

[@FascistPastry]

They're really pulling out the stops with the guests this season, but I wanna know is where is 5 time winner Katie to ascend from History Master to Master History Wizard.

[@jmason1770]

Perhaps they are saving her for the season finale??

[@innermoppet3378]

Love her. They should make her the equivalent of the ladies of wrestling who circle the ring with signs showing the round #s ❤

[@weakanklesfornamjoon]

Kate! Love her miss her

[@flameshadowwolf5387]

It’ll be funny if she tries to take over the show

[@johanvajse8410]

I was very sad we didn't see her last season if Kate Peterman isn't in this season, we riot

[@mariacopley2128]

I want all of the puppet history songs to be in an album, like this one is such a slapper. Those harmonies??? The synths??? The fusion??? The mixing??? Effervescent

[@DanGamingFan2406]

Ryan's reaction to pulling the Professor's leg is hilarious. Also, I love how Ricky starts off to pure for this world and gradually starts to adopt Shane and Ryan's anarchy. I hope he becomes a regular returning guest.

[@ultimateninjaboi]

Hes clearly got a taste for blood and jellybeans, now. So heres hoping

[@weakanklesfornamjoon]

I love Ricky a healthy amount 💜

[@watershipup7101]

It's my favorite part.

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

a little concerning that his leg can just... pop off though. Is... is the professor a zombie?

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

​@@autumnsfablekeeper4419the stuffing war left nothing behind

[@anabananapopana]

Not gonna lie - I‘d kill if they would release a „puppet history“ history book. Like the big colorful ones you had as a child that acutally looked fun. With a lot of illustrations and pictures and the same style and humor as the show. Maybe I‘m just too big of a nerd, but I‘d love that.

[@prof_parahelix2390]

I like that Ryan calls calling an actual hit that not only intended to but succeeded in killing the Prof "making a mistake"

[@fenglade]

well to be fair he wanted the professor sent to another time, not killed. the killing was by chance of the fact the professor's mom ate him and then turned into a puppet by effect

[@Cryptamen]

he was feeling a little silly

[@hopeseoknamgivminkook]

You're a professor too? But watch out for Ryan

[@rockaidenator9941]

​@@fengladeyou'reuiu8u. il

[@rockaidenator9941]

​@@fengladejut dxc75fv iiiuj8I.4igteu up

[@OUATDW]

Puppet History has been making my day since it first started in 2020. I absolutely love it. It's like an adult version of Horrible Histories, which was one of my favourite shows growing up.

[@elle_rose_xx]

Horrible histories taught me basically everything I know about history, and even at university I’ll fact drop something I learnt from like Spartan School Musical lmfao

[@maddyheughins5711]

If they did an extra episode of where Ryan was telling a sports story and the professor was one of the contestants I would be so happy lol

[@whoahdude9742]

Ryan’s gotta have his head in the theatre when he does it tho

[@gudkush420]

They should do this for 10 cent beer night

[@crepusculo4ever]

I hope this series isn’t discontinued 😭 tbh Puppet History is the only series I’m invested in, and if it’s discontinued, my heart will break. I’ll still cherish the Puppet History playlist 💓

[@someoneunknown7655]

It’s good to see the professor’s parents are doing good

[@North_West1]

Ricky’s evolution over 20 minutes was incredible.

[@GraceCreatesLivingSpace]

Shane, it would be a very different world if rival sports team fans engaged in dirty talk rather than trash talk to each other.

[@justmonika1229]

imagine how american football would've gone down. better yet, WRESTLING

[@mallk238]

The reason why the two guys survived two hangings in a row is because it was really common for a hanging not to take. It often took multiple tries before it worked. If I remember right, theres was a prison turned museum i visited once where the guide told us that one particularly infamous criminal was hanged 15 times before the rope snapped and he survived. He didn’t last long though, and i believe he died of suffocation right after. You’ll find that there were a couple of methods of death that were considered ineffective. Beheading by axe sometimes took multiple swings (it was common for friends or relatives of the one being beheaded to bribe the executioner to sharpen their axe to give them a swifter death). The electric chair would vary in how much time you had to be exposed to it before it would do its deed; it took some people several hours before their hearts gave out. All of these deaths were considered very painful specifically because it didn’t always work immediately and the longer one had to be exposed to fatal conditions the more painful it would be. That’s one of the reasons most of them were outlawed as “cruel and unusual punishment” in america.

[@mitollea]

The Hippodrome song is already one of my favorites. It's really nice seeing Ricky on this show too, I like how he progressively got more bloodthirsty throughout the episode.

[@teeh9826]

I live in a country where our two biggest political parties are the blue and the green, so this episode is very on point for me, and I now have this uncontrollable urge to set fire to bathhouses.

[@Logan_Zimmerman]

Is that country Brazil?

[@lollabunyxxx]

​@@Logan_Zimmerman what?

[@Logan_Zimmerman]

@@lollabunyxxxI was making a joke.

[@ChaoticHoly]

Once again, I have to congratulate Shane's skill at puppeteering. Lip-syncing hand movements consistently well is harder that it looks. This is always top-notch and never jerks or drags the viewer away from the show. Also, Ryan got totally/ robbed, and I'm seeing Bronto Burgers in the near future.

[@Hello_Spaceboy]

Ricky is so precious, I adore him. Also I feel like not nearly enough people are talking about how impressive it is that Theodora let a dang swan eat from her lady parts. That would be terrifying hahah

[@fathimamardiah5124]

Ricky is that one innocent friend that we always fail to protect and ended up training them to be the nastiest one.

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

They left him around Steven for too long.

[@LuxxeVonKarma]

Hey dears, in the Puppet History playlist this episode is mistakenly at the bottom instead of mid-season where it belongs :3 just a heads up!

[@courtneyhoward2370]

Thanks cause I was VERY confused 😂

[@HeisenbergFam]

I giggle and kick my feet whenever Watchee uploads Puppet History

[@krissysetzer5053]

Same!! I get so excited

[@Lalalala22233]

REAL

[@D44RK_Iced_Yogs]

This bot can’t even spell it right. So sad.

[@bluebawls]

Watchee🤭

[@HTFWSFWWE]

Justinian and Theodora are my history OTP cuz they stayed true to each other, even after she died and Justinian was expected to remarry he didn't because he loved her too much to dishonor her by replacing her even though they didn't sire any heirs. Because it's so rare for a man to stay loyal to his wife after her death, I've always idolized Emperor Justinian and the man can do no wrong in my eyes.

[@loverboymadita7811]

This week's song gave MAJOR "Uprising" by Muse with hints of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" in the bridge and I'm SO here for it, this might be my new favorite puppet history song

[@anitralarae_mahjacat]

Def a jam

[@TheSylverLining]

You're so right, I heard both of those too! (Also a little Pompeii by Bastille, I think)

[@botsharing1702]

Love how Ricky looks uncomfortable with violence, but realizing mid show, he's enjoying it.

[@worldofhunter1636]

Ryan pulling off the professor's leg at 7:45 was pure comedy i never thought i needed until now...

[@tanukitsuki4883]

The scream from Ryan though 7:47

[@tanukitsuki4883]

Olga of Kiev reference 10:35 10:52

[@johnecoapollo7]

Props for diving into Byzantine History. It has so many kickass and positively absurd moments that could fill an entire season of puppet history. I am honestly surprised that there is not a single tv show like the Borgias or the Tudors set in Byzantium, it would absolutely be a contender for House of the Dragon or whatever the Vikings are doing this Season.

[@hwhy2]

The character development from wholesome ricky to wholesome slightly anarchist ricky was very fun

[@actuallyrandomperson]

The fact that Ricky was surprised Istanbul, Constantinople, and Byzantium were the same place after literally referencing the song Istanbul (Not Constantinople) is so fucking funny to me

[@LizzianaJones]

I love that Ricky is too sweet for this world to actually trash talk

[@randobeantv7712]

I love that Ricky is just like “I’m here in the middle of this chemistry… let’s go” 😂

[@misslittledove]

I like to think he’s our universes version of Ricky Goldsworth. Instead of being evil and robbing you he teaches you how to make really nifty drinks and compliments your mixing skills.

[@lllamalamoa5072]

Sweet? He's an arson lover! He literally admitted his guilt!

[@AriaAR]

Excuse you, the proper sports term is “dirty talk.”

[@Kellyzebras713]

I love everyone in the watcher universe. Ricky, Kate, Garrett, Joyce and Lim all bring so much to the already ridiculously talented table.

[@Michael-zc7nm]

Can't forget Sarah!

[@saynotzai]

Ricky being all for arson while Steven attacks with ice, there's something poetic about that.

[@mortua_conjuga]

'a song if ice and fire' is actually about ricky and steven

[@annalivingtv]

I wanna make a suggestion for a topic! The Nobel peace price winning poet and Irish political figure William Butler Yeats had an INSANE life!! He’s well known for his poetry, especially that about a woman he pined after for 30 years, proposing and being rejected 5 times. But his image has been pretty sanitized. He was a devout believer in the supernatural and occult and even got in a WIZARD BATTLE with a famous magician that was widely considered evil, which culminated in Yeats KICKING THE MAGICIAN DOWN THE STAIRS of their temple! Yeats also spent a lot of time privately casting spells and curses on the man. He was a crazy guy and this isn’t a very well known subject or would be so cool to see covered!

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

I would very much like to see the story of the noble prize-winning wizard yeat champion, please.

[@bittertroll7476]

the Professor made it into our D&D game, to provide pirate history and facts while they had a good style adventure

[@annalivingtv]

Omg that’s a great idea

[@H.P.93]

This is my favorite start to a riot. Two sides uniting over the freedom of two people who survived two hangings.

[@Only1Noodle]

Ryan actually has a point about the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. It did save the NBA and bonus fact: The Lakers and Celtics combined have won almost half of the NBA Finals which started in 1947. Let that sink in, there have been 76 NBA champions, the Lakers and Celtics have won 34 of them.

[@CleverUsername69420]

But it is most definitely not the biggest rivalry in sports history. That’s Sox and Yankees 1000%. Lakers probably don’t even make Boston’s top 3 rival teams. The bad blood just isn’t there between the two.

[@Only1Noodle]

@@CleverUsername69420 Eh...debatable, Bears/Packers have been going at it since the NFL was created. I rank Red Sox/Yankees number 2, if it weren't for the curse of the Bambino, the rivalry wouldn't have the acclaim that it does now. As for LA sports, the only threat to Boston are the Lakers, everything else sucks. So I will partially agree with you on that one.

[@anonymouseggy6837]

i know yall may never see this, but i want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. i have sleep issues, but putting this puppet history playlist on shuffle every night helps me so much with falling asleep. its also comforting to watch when i truly cant sleep and it keeps me calm when i feel frustrated because of it. this silly little puppet show has changed lives (and sleep!) thank you so much Watcher team

[@ferisera]

26:55 This is probably my favorite conversation from Puppet History. The way the Professor made sure we all knew he was also at the late-night protests outside Steven Lim's windows, at the founding of the company.

[@Werevampiwolf]

Theodora is one of my favorite historical figures, so I'm always thrilled to see her get some attention

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

She sounds rad as hell! Anything else we should know about her that wasn't covered here?

[@Rynfection]

theres a whole animated history type of thing about justinian and theodora thats pretty good@@autumnsfablekeeper4419

[@marlisghost000]

Ricky saying “Party!” and Adore popping up behind him had me squeal 2:25 My two favorite series 🥹🥹

[@emilyhoran1575]

I WAS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COMMENT THIS!!

[@leemiller29]

1- this song absolutely slapped this week 2- you guys should cover the justinian plague sometime! You can reuse everything since it's dealing with the same guy. He had a busy reign, now that I think about it lol

[@haileewilliams6875]

I think Ryan, Shane, Steven and Ricky are now legally required to play Istanbul (Not Constantinople) on Just Dance

[@Alienmojo]

Holy crap. That song ROCKED! Whoever wrote that is a genius. Loved it!

[@CattyKittenQueen]

This is absolutely my favorite song to come out of this series. Shane really outdid himself this time!!

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

It really is a banger! One of my favorites for sure!

[@mars_mayday]

I remember learning about the Byzantine Empire over a decade ago in my Honors history class and I had a huge hyperfixation on it for some reason. I think I was able to answer all of these questions correctly! The capitol names trick question I got right, the first time Hypatius was mentioned I thought "oh isn't he going to be the emperor next?", and when the amphitheater was brought up I remembered reading about over 30,000 people being trapped and killed. I am SO happy with everything I retained from this part of my history class

[@bethanythatsme]

Is it just me, or are Ryan's curls extra voluminous today? I dig it.

[@theepumpking1396]

This comment was made by the Professor's mom.

[@bethanymichaels4023]

Is this a Ryan secret account

[@justmonika1229]

this is ryan's alt

[@JCPolarBear]

We'll miss you most of all, Professor, as Watcher leaves KZbin.

[@firewolf0065]

Did you even watch the newest video? 😂

[@JCPolarBear]

@firewolf0065 the video posted after this comment was made? 😂

[@jenw980]

This colosseum banger is my favourite one so far! Love Ricky’s conversion to violence in this episode.

[@jenw980]

Also very interested to know how the blue v green thing started? Like I feel like those two colours are quite easily mixed up.

[@ioannaff]

as a Greek that studied this in school i loved how new it felt through your story telling.

[@CieraMychele]

Im SO GLAD the professor's parents are recurring characters. I have become very attached to this lil family

[@venerandoalamaresjr.8910]

Same here, I love them

[@novenadragon]

You should do an episode about Lewis and Clark, their expedition has such potential for hilarious skits and discussions and questions.

[@opheliaismyname9180]

I mean, considering Leda and the Swan is essentially about a woman being assaulted by a swan (technically a god, but it's Zeus, so, freaky), I'm not shocked that she had grain in her parts (Leda is, in some myths, the mother of Helen of Troy)

[@DarkQueenHelba]

In some? In what legends is she not?

[@opheliaismyname9180]

@DarkQueenHelba Apparently in some of them, Helen is a daughter of Nemesis

[@ferretyluv]

All the tellings of it have Leda quite enjoying herself.

[@Oujibug]

I was today years old when I learned what the title of Hozier’s new song meant

[@explodingmangos3416]

I love that Ricky is truly just along for the ride. Whatever vibes are happening, Ricky matches them

[@BroRecon]

Just to note that we don't really know if Theodora was a sex worker or just some form of actress unique to the time. Procopius is a dubious historical narrator/author, especially in his "secret histories".

[@feagel]

Yeah the secret histories is flatly untrue conspiracy theories.

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

I could see this. I know that in England in the 1800's actors were often compared to and thought of as sex workers. At the time acting was seen as a form of selling oneself. This caused the comparison, as well as a negative stigma around acting. Actresses were especially shamed, so maybe something similar is happening here. P.S. This should go without saying, but don't shame actors or sex workers, ya'll. Treat everyone with respect.

[@feagel]

@@autumnsfablekeeper4419 The English conception of actors and prostitutes probably stems from Rome where they had similar opinions, actors, barbers and prostitutes were three of the lowest occupations. There are a few records to back it up of actors also working as prostitutes and it's not likely that Theodora did. The swan thing though is just definitely untrue I'm kinda surprised Shane used it as a source without a "legends are usually made up" warning. Likely just to shame her as "a evil debauched sex worker ".

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

@@feagel Thanks for the lesson! That all makes sense. Especially the bit with the swan being fake. I know the myth that she was acting out would require something.........similar, but it definitely sounded a bit too outlandish to be true!

[@BroRecon]

@@autumnsfablekeeper4419 If the source of the "Swan" act was Procopius then it definitely was fake. That man HATED Theodora. He also hated Justinian, and described him in his secret history as a man who would walk around the Imperial palace as some headless demon.

[@deluxdiamluxamber8924]

Ricky's face at the violence of chariot racing had me *dying*

[@midoriya-shonen]

Between the fascinating history, the obvious (and foreboding) foreshadowing of new alliances burning away into a violent rampage, and the absolute masterpiece of a special performance (both the handiwork of the puppet and the song itself) this episode is one of the best to date. Thank you all at Watcher!

[@jman1234533]

The Professor deserves a bigger stage now that he grew.

[@annabelle4655]

When he was first describing chariot racing as this brutal sport with the clashes and dragging and dismemberment, I said, "NASCAR!"

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

That's actually a fair comparison!

[@pleasantnezumi4909]

Once, just once, I want Ryan to win. Not a tie, not a separate hat, just actually be recognized. That being said, it is a fun bit.

[@juliart_1073]

27:04 what a coincidence that both shane and the professor were both present, they have similar chaotic energy :)

[@VeonySyndrome]

ryan is uncharacteristically chipper and friendly with the prof in this ep! love it as always

[@someoneunknown7655]

This season finale is gonna be Ryan giving a 30 minute presentation on sports and at the end they summon a ghost

[@oopsiebuttery]

I burst out laughing at ricky “arson lover admits guilt!“ 😂😂😂

[@ImekaSF]

This entire episode is like a fever dream, and I love it.

[@tyffaneelavely8087]

I think it's insane the immense talent Shane has. I mean seriously, this man's creativity, intellect, humor, acting talent, including voice acting, singing, music playing, puppeteering, CREATING the actual puppets himself...Not just thinking them up, designing, and naming them; but actually creating the puppets, and bringing them to life. Skilled also at writing in song form, along with many other types of forms...I mean, look at this entire thing he created.... This entire universe. The characters, the plot, the music, the storytelling, the lore, the acting...It's all incredible, and one of the most entertaining things on YT to watch, if not THE most entertaining. Hell, not just YT, but in general. Marvel Universe who? Everything he is in, is going to be unique, and tears in the eyes hilarious. That's always a guarantee. The saying One of A kind was made for people like him. He is also brave as hell, does so many things without so much a twitch of fear. He is also possibly a touch insane (in the best way possible of course...) and has a huge heart. He is a genuinely good person. Very caring about all of those he loves, but so nice to everyone. Thaat's what everyone says, and you can see it, and know it's genuine. He has dark humor, and you know I can honestly say, that almost everyone I have found to be insanely funny, with dark humor, were all actually really good people. I think that's almost the only way to pull off the dark humor, and it be so damn funny. U can feel the person doesn't actually think those things; maybe some of the dark humor jokes about someone that is actually an awful person. Besides dark humor, he's incredibly funny in every way, always makes me laugh. Just one of these things alone most of us don't have; especially at this level. He is not just good at all these things, he's AMAZING at every single one of them, and more. Idc if I sound like a kiss ass, I genuinely mean every word I am saying. Feel blessed to be living on the earth the same time as Shane. Shane. You are very much appreciated Shane! Thank you for bringing so much joy, laughter, entertaining, and gosh dang learning at the same time! You maniacal genius. Ryan's cool too I guess. 😏

[@nilryth]

Shane is so powerful as a musician, please drop an album

[@TheDBPhantom]

I think you guys released this episode at quite possibly THE funniest time. It was One Piece day when this dropped, and there was a huge event and trailer drop for a thing related to a character named Nika. I had to do a double-take when I saw this thumbnail on my feed because I was sure I was seeing things after spending 8 hours in the livestream lol. Phenomenal episode as always tho!

[@Marcario]

"I'm one of those people that just wants both teams to have fun! ✨️😃" "I despise you, then." There are 2 types of people

[@rowanmarlow7402]

Episodes like this are when I am reminded that Shane is actually insanely talented, much like getting struck by a bolt of electricity. Awesome song! My favorite one yet (the other involved throwing people out of windows or snitching on the rich... I guess I have a preferred theme lol)

[@claireredfieldgfie]

RYANS REACTION TO THE LEG COMING OFF I WASNT EXPECTING IT TO ACTUALLY DETACH

[@sugarberreh]

The professor randomly getting eyebrows is always hilarious

[@fennadangermond6555]

I would love to see a sports history show tbh! I think sports history is a super cool subject tbh even though I don't watch a lot of sports, and it would be fun to see Ryan host

[@qg4720]

Buzzfeed unsolved did similar years ago, with ryan on it but another co host. It covers sports scandals. Actually good!

[@animated_emm]

Ricky: "Now that I've experienced a rivalry, I kinda miss it!" * Steven seething quietly in the corner, a drink glass shattering in his grip *

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Ricky is such a lovely guest to have. The vibes are everything ❤

[@gentlecatfishgcf7308]

This episode feels like it boils down to Ricky vs Rick Goldsworth.

[@autumnsfablekeeper4419]

SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHH........... DO NOT SPEAK HIS NAME. Y O U W I L L S U M M O N H I M

[@WileyCoyotE53]

For a reason as to why the men didnt die from hanging is probably due to the nature of older hanging. The classic trapdoor "short stop, sudden drop" hanging wasnt used till much much later. Most people who underwent that just snapped their necks. The older form was just setting up an elevated pole, tieing a rope around the neck and letting you swing. So it possible if they just didnt tie it tightly they could still breathe and thus not strangulate. Fun with execution

[@yoomizoomi4098]

This song changed my life.

[@hanna.r.h]

i’m still at the beginning of the video but Ricky trying to be mean in his cheering is adorable. he’s just so sweet! it’s clearly hard for him to be ruthless

[@North_West1]

Wait 5 minutes.

[@alyssafigliano3994]

It was great seeing Ricky really get in touch with his inner rage

[@lisabeloved]

13:00 when Ryan and Ricky had the exact same reaction to the Professor's religious politician joke 😂😂😂

[@lindsayhartje6678]

The final song was a real banger on this episode.

[@sof338]

bad days turn into good days when a new puppet history episode drops

[@sdramw]

When the Professor says sexy drawing to Ryan at 0:34 I immediately thought “omg it’s an enemies to lovers slow burn arc”

[@ripphunter8872]

I can't wait until I'm lulled into a false sense of security that this season won't have any lore right before the professor reveals that there has been little things going on in the background the whole time

[@justmonika1229]

i'm convinced that one day they'll put lore in the intro captions. one day.

[@TSSuppository]

When are we getting an official CD and vinyl release of these songs? That's what I want to know. xx

[@gamberlane]

Love the They Might Be Giants shoutout! I assume you're aware they didn't write the song, they just did a famous version of it. Great episode!

[@Uncreative_Thoughts]

We need to get these puppet history songs on a music streaming platform, I want a playlist on my Spotify with these chaotic songs xD