Videos-
Mother Britain
The story of Canadian independence from Britain, Rick Green hosts a parade of “Canadian Prime Ministers” in this comedy special. -
Knights Templar
Knights Templar, France, 1307 AD A group who have dedicated themselves to charity and Christian works are suddenly accused of the vilest crimes imaginable. These crusading Christians known as the Knights Templar are rounded up by French authorities, and tortured into confessions. It’s an unholy crusade against some holy crusaders, presented by Bill Kurtis on […] -
Uncle Sam
This special episode is a satirical look at the love-hate relationships between Canadian prime ministers and their counterparts in the United States. From the glory days of the constantly intoxicated duo of Macdonald and Grant, through the turbulent times of Diefenbaker and Kennedy, right up to the Irish heydey of Reagan and Mulroney, host Rick […] -
Guy Fawkes
The Gunpowder plot by Catholic dissidents makes the Oklahoma City bombing pale by comparison. Or it would have had it succeeded. This near-tragedy is more farce, with evidence that the whole thing was a government conspiracy to incite anti-Catholic sentiments. While the Guy Fawkes story dominates all of the Renaissance News channels, decorating maven Debbie […] -
The Separatists
A special on the history of separatist movements in Canada from the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions to the Clarity Act. The History Bites gang spoofs a cornucopia of Canadian party leaders, political groups and Prime Ministers. -
Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark, USA, 1805 The Lewis & Clark expedition, the epic journey of the men who opened up the west for the whites and closed it for the Natives, as seen through a National Geographic-style documentary. Crews document the incredible journey into the unknown with all of it’s bizarre but true twists. Channel surf […] -
Sex & Power
This special episode shows how power and sex have been used by many figures in culture over the course of history. -
Filthy Stinking Rich
In this special episode, host Rick Green goes over the number of ways a person can become rich and cites people over the course of history who have used these methods.. -
Celine Dion
Famous Canadians Who Made Their Money in The USA In this special, the history of Canadians, in a wide range of expertise, who move to the U.S. for greater fame and fortune is examined. – Comedy -
Boadicea - Xena's evil sister
A Celtic warrior queen proves to the Romans that women can be just as cruel and blood thirsty as men. In a wicked parody of Thelma and Louise, Boadicea and her daughters seek revenge for a rape by Roman soldiers, that leaves 70000 people dead. Original Air Date: Jan 18, 2002 Transcript by YouTube Welcome […] -
Babel - Stairway to Heaven
The Tower of Babel Tower of Babel, The Stairway to Heaven The ancient Emperor Nebuchadrezzar talks to Barbara Walters about his amazing Hanging Gardens, his vast new empire, and his plans to rebuild the tower of Babel so that he can reach the Babylonian gods. It’s a look at the civilization of the Babylon and […] -
Kublai Khan - Kamikaze Save the Day
Live coverage of the the great typhoon that saved Japan from the invading armies of Kublai Khan. This incredible story of Mongols beaten by meteorology is presented in a droll spoof of The Weather Channel. We also tune in to ancient Japanese commercials, editorials, game shows, and a phone-in program on ritual suicide. Original Air […] -
The Gregorian Calendar
10 Lost Days – The Gregorian Calendar After 1500 years of counting days, the old Julian calendar has fallen behind. Under pressure to set things right, Pope Gregory simply cancels October 6th through 15th. When Catholic communities convert, and Protestant ones don’t, the result makes converting to metric system seem like a lark. Original Air […] -
Nostradamus - Psychic Celebrity
At the height of the Renaissance an obscure French doctor becomes an international sensation with his amazingly accurate predictions, such as “”The Lion of The East Will Meet the Dark Wind.”” Wow! An infomercial for Nostrodamus’s new book of predictions reveals this doctor is not much of a psychic. Original Air Date: Nov 29, 2001 […] -
The Olympics
Olympic History A look at the original Olympic Games reveals that even in Plato’s time athletes took money to compete, won prizes and accolades for their victories, and were surrounded by controversy. Original Air Date: May 6, 2002 Transcript by YouTube Welcome to History Bites I’m Rick Green. every four years the Olympics unite the […] -
The Salem Witch Trials
Salem Witch Trials A complex trial involving many witnesses, many accusers, many defendants, and invisible magical evidence tests the corporeal powers of Judge Judy (parody). This parody of a courtroom sends up the travesty of justice that shook the early American colonies with reports of scandal, devil worship, and rampant evil. Original Air Date: May […] -
The Greekles - Rock and Roll Has Got To Go
In this spoof of a Beatles documentary we learn about four real Greek musicians who championed a new kind of music, that celebrated wine, women, and song. Or wine, young men, and song. Young people and their loud, sexy music! It’s a story as old as Plato. In ancient Athens, Greek elders were outraged by […] -
Thomas Becket - A Canterbury Murder Tale
In 1170, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in an act that sent shock-waves through English society. The main sketch for this episode focuses on the investigation and subsequent trial of the ones alleged to have done the deed. Air Date: April 8, 2002 In the 12th century controversial clergyman Thomas Becket was […] -
Ivan The Terrible - Terror for the Sake of Terror
Oprah invites Ivan the Terrible on her show to talk about the reign of terror his black-shirted secret police have inflicted on Russians for the past 20 years, including the massacre 60,000 in Novgorod, and the murder of his own son. When Ivan proves reluctant to take ownership of his actions, and won’t “”confront his […] -
The Donner Party - Out Wit, Out Walk, Out Eat
The infamous story of the Donner Party stranded in the Rocky Mountains is done as a parody of Survivor. In its time, the Donner story was a huge scandal. Its intrigue and ruthlessness caught the public’s attention as members of the expedition did anything to stay alive. Original Air Date: May 8, 2002 This episode […] -
The Norman's - Leaving Norman
The Domesday Book Twenty years after the Norman’s invade and occupy Britain, the new King of England decides to do a survey to find out what he’s conquered, who he’s conquered, and how much tax he can charge them. It’s the first real census in history, and it’s presented as a parody of CBC classic […] -
Elizabeth The 1st
It’s the rival regents of the Renaissance, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth the 1st, battling it out on Jerome Springer (Jerry Springer Parody) There’s surprise guests waiting back stage, shocking revelations, and plenty of mud slinging in a battle royal for the throne. -
The War of 1812 - A Win Win War
Who Won The War of 1812 The War Of 1812 as reported by CNN’s Crossfire. We hear from generals and politicians on all three sides: British, American, and Native American. It appears the British and Americans are claiming victory, while the Natives are claiming foul. Original Air Date: July 24, 2004 YouTube Transcript Hello and […] -
The Osborgias
The shocking story of the dysfunctional family who bullied their way into the Papacy and almost destroyed the Catholic church with their scandalous vices. In a deadly parody of The Osbournes, we follow Pope Alexander as he battles with his favourite mistress and most important bastard children. -
Pope Formosus: Dug Up and Put on Trial
The incredible story of Pope Formosus who was dug up, and put on trial by an angry, and apparently crazy rival. -
The French Revolution
The French Revolution began with high ideals. Very quickly, like most political movements, the movement splintered over differing points of view, beliefs, and goals. For example, men's pants. -
The Puritans
The first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims at Plymouth is done as a parody of All In The Family. Other parodies include a Batman-like cartoon called ‘Captain Puritan’, George on Seinfeld worrying about whether to emigrate to the New World, and Woody Allen obsessing on the persecution of his people, the Puritans. -
Little Bighorn
Custer’s defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn as seen through the eyes of the X File’s team. Agents Mulder and Scully confront the evidence and then head west because ‘the truth is out there.’ -
The Cathars
The Cathars were a break away group of French Christians who rejected most of the Catholic Church’s practices and beliefs. And they were persecuted to death for it. Their story is presented as a 20/20 look back at the history of the Cathars, which becomes a parody of Communism and the McCarthy hearings. -
Marco Polo
Marco Polo’s book about his adventures across Asia and the court of the Kublai Khan was a huge hit across Europe. So this hot author guests on Letterman to defend his work against claims that it’s fabrication and exaggeration. -
Goethe
The incredible story of how German author/playwright Goethe's first novel, a romantic tragedy, inspired a wave of real-life suicides amongst Europe's upper classes. On ""The Rosie O'Donnell Show"" Goethe wants to talk about his newest work, an ambitious adaptation of Faust. Rosie wants to talk about his first big hit, The Sorrows of Werther, and the rabid fan reaction. -
Samurai
One of the most enduring stories of Japanese history is the legendary tale of the 47 Ronin. When these Samurai lost their leader to a ritual suicide, or Seppuku, they became leaderless Samurai, known as Ronin. They vowed to avenge his death, before committing ritual suicide themselves. This tale of treachery and honour, in which a mob of tough guys avenge the death of their boss, is presented in a wicked parody of The Godfather. -
Peter Abelard
Sex & Scandal involving the church. Peter Abelard, a brilliant religious philosopher whose writings helped reform and strengthen the Medieval church, appears on the Howard Stern show (Parody) -
Francisco Pizarro
In 1524 Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro's journey to Peru in search of gold and how he handled the Incan civilization he encountered is portrayed in this episode. Includes a Star Trek parody called "Sea Trek" with Spanish conquistadors standing in for the Enterprise crew. -
Ulrich von Liechtenstein
The story of a bizarre but chivalrous knight who toured Europe in a white dress and blonde wig jousting and battling for ladies honour. Ulrich promotes his 'Venus' tour on Live With Regis & Kelly, where he ends up brawling with a famous Christian theologian who claims that the Church believes women are far from pure. -
Leonardo Da Vinci - ADHD in 1510
The original Renaissance man meets the original Renaissance woman as Martha Stewart visits Leonardo Da Vinci's workshop. Leo demonstrates painting, anatomy, dissection, fortress building, weapon design, and much more. -
The Boston Tea Party - Laugh In Parody
"Live from beautiful downtown Boston..." America's political and social upheaval is presented in a parody of the hottest show from a later upheaval, with the American Revolution on 'Laugh In'. Guest political figures such as Ben Franklin yuck it up with regulars Dick and Dan, giggling Goldie Hawn, Artie Johnson, and Lily Tomlin. -
Julius Caesar
The assassination of Julius Caesar is so fixed in our imaginations as the precursor of all political assassinations that it needs no introduction. All it really needs is some controversy some conspiracy theories and some television journalism. -
Ludwig Van Beethoven
In a spoof of every damn award show going, all of the hottest music stars gather to honour the recently deceased Ludwig Van Beethoven. The cream of the Romantic Era present awards, perform their symphonies, and gab with Joan Rivers on the red carpet outside the theatre. In a parody of the Elton John/Eminem duet, the anti-Semitic maestro Richard Wagner sings with converted Jewish composer Felix Mendelssohn. -
Girls Girls Girls
A dead-on parody of The Bachelor explores the Mormon's early practices of polygamy. As the eager Bachelorettes discover, being wife number four isn't all it's cracked up to be. -
The Upper Canada Rebellion, Francis and Me
The second Upper Canada Rebellion lead by Scottish-born journalist & political rabblerouser William Lyon Mackenzie. A parody of Michael Moore, the rebellion becomes Roger & Me meets The Awful Truth meets a few hundred well-armed red-coats. Other early Canadian TV fare includes commercials, game shows, and a spoof of the Crocodile Hunter who’s after the […] -
Isaac Newton - A Newtiful Mind
Original Air Date: July 31, 2004 At The Movies With Ebert & Roeper reviews and shows clips from the new biographical film, ‘A Newtiful Mind.”” We learn how the mathematical and scientific genius spent most of his life working on biblical prophecy, and died a virgin. This episode centers on Isaac Newton and the time […] -
Christopher Columbus
It's the discovery of America from the perspective of the Americans who were discovered. The Arawak view of Columbus' arrival as a sharp parody of the black and white sci-fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still. -
The American Civil War
The story behind President Abraham Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation to give the Union forces the high moral ground in a brutal and bloody war is revealed in a parody of West Wing.
Mother Britain
The story of Canadian independence from Britain, Rick Green hosts a parade of “Canadian Prime Ministers” in this comedy special.
Knights Templar
Knights Templar, France, 1307 AD A group who have dedicated themselves to charity and Christian works are suddenly accused of the vilest crimes imaginable. These crusading Christians known as the Knights Templar are rounded up by French authorities, and tortured into confessions. It’s an unholy crusade against some holy crusaders, presented by Bill Kurtis on […]
Uncle Sam
This special episode is a satirical look at the love-hate relationships between Canadian prime ministers and their counterparts in the United States. From the glory days of the constantly intoxicated duo of Macdonald and Grant, through the turbulent times of Diefenbaker and Kennedy, right up to the Irish heydey of Reagan and Mulroney, host Rick […]
Guy Fawkes
The Gunpowder plot by Catholic dissidents makes the Oklahoma City bombing pale by comparison. Or it would have had it succeeded. This near-tragedy is more farce, with evidence that the whole thing was a government conspiracy to incite anti-Catholic sentiments. While the Guy Fawkes story dominates all of the Renaissance News channels, decorating maven Debbie […]
The Separatists
A special on the history of separatist movements in Canada from the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions to the Clarity Act. The History Bites gang spoofs a cornucopia of Canadian party leaders, political groups and Prime Ministers.
Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark, USA, 1805 The Lewis & Clark expedition, the epic journey of the men who opened up the west for the whites and closed it for the Natives, as seen through a National Geographic-style documentary. Crews document the incredible journey into the unknown with all of it’s bizarre but true twists. Channel surf […]
Sex & Power
This special episode shows how power and sex have been used by many figures in culture over the course of history.
Filthy Stinking Rich
In this special episode, host Rick Green goes over the number of ways a person can become rich and cites people over the course of history who have used these methods..
Celine Dion
Famous Canadians Who Made Their Money in The USA In this special, the history of Canadians, in a wide range of expertise, who move to the U.S. for greater fame and fortune is examined. – Comedy
Boadicea - Xena's evil sister
A Celtic warrior queen proves to the Romans that women can be just as cruel and blood thirsty as men. In a wicked parody of Thelma and Louise, Boadicea and her daughters seek revenge for a rape by Roman soldiers, that leaves 70000 people dead. Original Air Date: Jan 18, 2002 Transcript by YouTube Welcome […]
Babel - Stairway to Heaven
The Tower of Babel Tower of Babel, The Stairway to Heaven The ancient Emperor Nebuchadrezzar talks to Barbara Walters about his amazing Hanging Gardens, his vast new empire, and his plans to rebuild the tower of Babel so that he can reach the Babylonian gods. It’s a look at the civilization of the Babylon and […]
Kublai Khan - Kamikaze Save the Day
Live coverage of the the great typhoon that saved Japan from the invading armies of Kublai Khan. This incredible story of Mongols beaten by meteorology is presented in a droll spoof of The Weather Channel. We also tune in to ancient Japanese commercials, editorials, game shows, and a phone-in program on ritual suicide. Original Air […]
The Gregorian Calendar
10 Lost Days – The Gregorian Calendar After 1500 years of counting days, the old Julian calendar has fallen behind. Under pressure to set things right, Pope Gregory simply cancels October 6th through 15th. When Catholic communities convert, and Protestant ones don’t, the result makes converting to metric system seem like a lark. Original Air […]
Nostradamus - Psychic Celebrity
At the height of the Renaissance an obscure French doctor becomes an international sensation with his amazingly accurate predictions, such as “”The Lion of The East Will Meet the Dark Wind.”” Wow! An infomercial for Nostrodamus’s new book of predictions reveals this doctor is not much of a psychic. Original Air Date: Nov 29, 2001 […]
The Olympics
Olympic History A look at the original Olympic Games reveals that even in Plato’s time athletes took money to compete, won prizes and accolades for their victories, and were surrounded by controversy. Original Air Date: May 6, 2002 Transcript by YouTube Welcome to History Bites I’m Rick Green. every four years the Olympics unite the […]
The Salem Witch Trials
Salem Witch Trials A complex trial involving many witnesses, many accusers, many defendants, and invisible magical evidence tests the corporeal powers of Judge Judy (parody). This parody of a courtroom sends up the travesty of justice that shook the early American colonies with reports of scandal, devil worship, and rampant evil. Original Air Date: May […]
The Greekles - Rock and Roll Has Got To Go
In this spoof of a Beatles documentary we learn about four real Greek musicians who championed a new kind of music, that celebrated wine, women, and song. Or wine, young men, and song. Young people and their loud, sexy music! It’s a story as old as Plato. In ancient Athens, Greek elders were outraged by […]
Thomas Becket - A Canterbury Murder Tale
In 1170, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in an act that sent shock-waves through English society. The main sketch for this episode focuses on the investigation and subsequent trial of the ones alleged to have done the deed. Air Date: April 8, 2002 In the 12th century controversial clergyman Thomas Becket was […]
Ivan The Terrible - Terror for the Sake of Terror
Oprah invites Ivan the Terrible on her show to talk about the reign of terror his black-shirted secret police have inflicted on Russians for the past 20 years, including the massacre 60,000 in Novgorod, and the murder of his own son. When Ivan proves reluctant to take ownership of his actions, and won’t “”confront his […]
The Donner Party - Out Wit, Out Walk, Out Eat
The infamous story of the Donner Party stranded in the Rocky Mountains is done as a parody of Survivor. In its time, the Donner story was a huge scandal. Its intrigue and ruthlessness caught the public’s attention as members of the expedition did anything to stay alive. Original Air Date: May 8, 2002 This episode […]
The Norman's - Leaving Norman
The Domesday Book Twenty years after the Norman’s invade and occupy Britain, the new King of England decides to do a survey to find out what he’s conquered, who he’s conquered, and how much tax he can charge them. It’s the first real census in history, and it’s presented as a parody of CBC classic […]
Elizabeth The 1st
It’s the rival regents of the Renaissance, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth the 1st, battling it out on Jerome Springer (Jerry Springer Parody) There’s surprise guests waiting back stage, shocking revelations, and plenty of mud slinging in a battle royal for the throne.
The War of 1812 - A Win Win War
Who Won The War of 1812 The War Of 1812 as reported by CNN’s Crossfire. We hear from generals and politicians on all three sides: British, American, and Native American. It appears the British and Americans are claiming victory, while the Natives are claiming foul. Original Air Date: July 24, 2004 YouTube Transcript Hello and […]
The Osborgias
The shocking story of the dysfunctional family who bullied their way into the Papacy and almost destroyed the Catholic church with their scandalous vices. In a deadly parody of The Osbournes, we follow Pope Alexander as he battles with his favourite mistress and most important bastard children.
Pope Formosus: Dug Up and Put on Trial
The incredible story of Pope Formosus who was dug up, and put on trial by an angry, and apparently crazy rival.
The French Revolution
The French Revolution began with high ideals. Very quickly, like most political movements, the movement splintered over differing points of view, beliefs, and goals. For example, men's pants.
The Puritans
The first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims at Plymouth is done as a parody of All In The Family. Other parodies include a Batman-like cartoon called ‘Captain Puritan’, George on Seinfeld worrying about whether to emigrate to the New World, and Woody Allen obsessing on the persecution of his people, the Puritans.
Little Bighorn
Custer’s defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn as seen through the eyes of the X File’s team. Agents Mulder and Scully confront the evidence and then head west because ‘the truth is out there.’
The Cathars
The Cathars were a break away group of French Christians who rejected most of the Catholic Church’s practices and beliefs. And they were persecuted to death for it. Their story is presented as a 20/20 look back at the history of the Cathars, which becomes a parody of Communism and the McCarthy hearings.
Marco Polo
Marco Polo’s book about his adventures across Asia and the court of the Kublai Khan was a huge hit across Europe. So this hot author guests on Letterman to defend his work against claims that it’s fabrication and exaggeration.
Goethe
The incredible story of how German author/playwright Goethe's first novel, a romantic tragedy, inspired a wave of real-life suicides amongst Europe's upper classes. On ""The Rosie O'Donnell Show"" Goethe wants to talk about his newest work, an ambitious adaptation of Faust. Rosie wants to talk about his first big hit, The Sorrows of Werther, and the rabid fan reaction.
Samurai
One of the most enduring stories of Japanese history is the legendary tale of the 47 Ronin. When these Samurai lost their leader to a ritual suicide, or Seppuku, they became leaderless Samurai, known as Ronin. They vowed to avenge his death, before committing ritual suicide themselves. This tale of treachery and honour, in which a mob of tough guys avenge the death of their boss, is presented in a wicked parody of The Godfather.
Peter Abelard
Sex & Scandal involving the church. Peter Abelard, a brilliant religious philosopher whose writings helped reform and strengthen the Medieval church, appears on the Howard Stern show (Parody)
Francisco Pizarro
In 1524 Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro's journey to Peru in search of gold and how he handled the Incan civilization he encountered is portrayed in this episode. Includes a Star Trek parody called "Sea Trek" with Spanish conquistadors standing in for the Enterprise crew.
Ulrich von Liechtenstein
The story of a bizarre but chivalrous knight who toured Europe in a white dress and blonde wig jousting and battling for ladies honour. Ulrich promotes his 'Venus' tour on Live With Regis & Kelly, where he ends up brawling with a famous Christian theologian who claims that the Church believes women are far from pure.
Leonardo Da Vinci - ADHD in 1510
The original Renaissance man meets the original Renaissance woman as Martha Stewart visits Leonardo Da Vinci's workshop. Leo demonstrates painting, anatomy, dissection, fortress building, weapon design, and much more.
The Boston Tea Party - Laugh In Parody
"Live from beautiful downtown Boston..." America's political and social upheaval is presented in a parody of the hottest show from a later upheaval, with the American Revolution on 'Laugh In'. Guest political figures such as Ben Franklin yuck it up with regulars Dick and Dan, giggling Goldie Hawn, Artie Johnson, and Lily Tomlin.
Julius Caesar
The assassination of Julius Caesar is so fixed in our imaginations as the precursor of all political assassinations that it needs no introduction. All it really needs is some controversy some conspiracy theories and some television journalism.
Ludwig Van Beethoven
In a spoof of every damn award show going, all of the hottest music stars gather to honour the recently deceased Ludwig Van Beethoven. The cream of the Romantic Era present awards, perform their symphonies, and gab with Joan Rivers on the red carpet outside the theatre. In a parody of the Elton John/Eminem duet, the anti-Semitic maestro Richard Wagner sings with converted Jewish composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Girls Girls Girls
A dead-on parody of The Bachelor explores the Mormon's early practices of polygamy. As the eager Bachelorettes discover, being wife number four isn't all it's cracked up to be.
The Upper Canada Rebellion, Francis and Me
The second Upper Canada Rebellion lead by Scottish-born journalist & political rabblerouser William Lyon Mackenzie. A parody of Michael Moore, the rebellion becomes Roger & Me meets The Awful Truth meets a few hundred well-armed red-coats. Other early Canadian TV fare includes commercials, game shows, and a spoof of the Crocodile Hunter who’s after the […]
Isaac Newton - A Newtiful Mind
Original Air Date: July 31, 2004 At The Movies With Ebert & Roeper reviews and shows clips from the new biographical film, ‘A Newtiful Mind.”” We learn how the mathematical and scientific genius spent most of his life working on biblical prophecy, and died a virgin. This episode centers on Isaac Newton and the time […]
Christopher Columbus
It's the discovery of America from the perspective of the Americans who were discovered. The Arawak view of Columbus' arrival as a sharp parody of the black and white sci-fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still.
The American Civil War
The story behind President Abraham Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation to give the Union forces the high moral ground in a brutal and bloody war is revealed in a parody of West Wing.