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★★★★★

4.9

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30 reviews

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Welcome to Reel History! On this podcast we talk about historical movies and television shows, anything that claims to be based on a true story, and we check – how bad did they mess it up? What was life actually like during that time period? That’s why we’re here – to separate the real history from the Reel History! Hosted by two Irish history buffs and a Swede who doesn’t know anything about history. Part of the Shows What You Know podcast network. Follow us @Reel_History and don’t forget to rate and review on Apple Podcasts!

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Check latest episodes from Reel History podcast

The Odyssey (2026) | Bronze Age Collapse (1200 BCE)

2026/08/20

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has finally arrived and we’ve got a lot to say about it. We start with the film itself — what works, what doesn’t, and how this new adaptation compares with Homer’s epic poem. Then we get into the good stuff, like how a simple concept like hospitality helped spread Greek influence across... The post The Odyssey (2026) | Bronze Age Collapse (1200 BCE) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Vive la Révolution (1789) | Marie Antoinette (2006) 2/2

2026/04/30

(This is part two of a double episode – listen to part one here. We also just released our Guillotine Special bonus episode at patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast Join for as little as 2.5 EUR and get access to dozens of bonus eps!) The powdered parties are over, the pastry crumbs swept aside, and the gates of Versailles... The post Vive la Révolution (1789) | Marie Antoinette (2006) 2/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Versailles Vibes (1770) | Marie Antoinette (2006) 1/2

2026/04/16

(This is part one of a two-part episode. Join patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast to support the show and access part two immediately!) Powder your wig, lace-up your corset and try not to lose your head as we cordially invite you to dine at Versailles and feast on Sofia Coppola ‘Marie Antoinette’ (2006)! Kirsten Dunst mesmerises as the divisive... The post Versailles Vibes (1770) | Marie Antoinette (2006) 1/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

House of Guinness (2025) | Brewing Rebellion (1868)

2026/01/14

Come with us down the pub. This is our longest episode ever – which probably isn’t surprising given that we live in Ireland, the subject matter is close to home, and, yes, a few pints of Guinness helped lubricate proceedings. In this episode of Reel History, we use Netflix’s House of Guinness as a jumping-off... The post House of Guinness (2025) | Brewing Rebellion (1868) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Gangs of New York (2002) | The Five Points (1863)

2025/07/31

‘Mulberry Street… and Worth… Cross and Orange… and Little Water. Each of the Five Points is a finger. When I close my hand it becomes a fist. And, if I wish, I can turn it against you.’ – Bill ‘The Butcher’ Cutting Jeeez…chill Bill, we were only asking for directions. We’re all friends here, so... The post Gangs of New York (2002) | The Five Points (1863) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

The Greatest Knight | William Marshal 2/2

2025/06/17

William Marshal returns from crusade older, wiser, and with silk burial cloths from Jerusalem tucked under his arm. But death is still a long way off. In part two of our special, we trace Marshal’s rise to power across three reigns — Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and finally King John — watching him navigate... The post The Greatest Knight | William Marshal 2/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

The Angevin Empire | William Marshal 1/2

2025/05/09

Before he was called “the greatest knight,” William Marshal was nearly used as a human catapult projectile. In the first of our two-part special, we follow the astonishing early life of William Marshal – a man who rose from near-execution as a child hostage during the Anarchy to become a knight of international renown and... The post The Angevin Empire | William Marshal 1/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Reel History Season 5 Announcement

2025/04/16

Hey Reelists! You might be wondering what’s going on with Season 5 of Reel History. Well, wonder no more – we’re here to fill you in! For our first four seasons, we spent a year recording ten episodes, then released them on a bi-weekly schedule in one big history blitz. It built hype and gave... The post Reel History Season 5 Announcement first appeared on Shows What You Know.

The Battle of Clontarf | Brian Boru 2/2

2025/04/16

In part two of our special on Brian Boru, we chart the extraordinary reign of the most ambitious king in Irish history — from regional warlord to the first ruler with real, island-wide power. (Listen to part one at showswhatyouknow.com or scroll back in the podcast feed!) Brian’s ascent didn’t end with Munster. Through ruthless... The post The Battle of Clontarf | Brian Boru 2/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Gladiator II (2024) | Geta, Caracalla, Macrinus (200)

2024/12/18

Surprise! A rogue Reel History appears like a fistful of sand to the eyes! We covered Gladiator in our second episode, almost exactly 5 years ago. Ridley Scott took 24 years to return with Gladiator II and while the Reel History HQ usually operates at a similar glacial pace, we have – thanks to our... The post Gladiator II (2024) | Geta, Caracalla, Macrinus (200) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

The Rise of the Dál gCais | Brian Boru 1/2

2024/09/13

Today, we dive into the rise of one of Ireland’s most iconic and celebrated leaders—Brian Boru, the High King. In the popular psyche, Brian Boru is known as the King who would unite the Irish clans and stand against the Viking invaders. But was this really true? What is the Real History of Ireland’s most... The post The Rise of the Dál gCais | Brian Boru 1/2 first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Reel History Season 4 Finale

2024/05/23

Welcome to the finale of Season 4 of Reel History! In this episode we look back at our past season, answer listener questions and hand out the Mel Gibson Awards to the least historically accurate films. With the assistance of some colourful buzzers, Mark and Jakob face off in a film/history quiz that proves once... The post Reel History Season 4 Finale first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Napoleon III | FALL (1806-1815)

2024/05/10

‘What a pity the man wasn’t lazy ’ remarked the wily French diplomat Talleyrand as he later lamented on how Napoleon’s restless energy had led him to dominate Europe and the age against all odds. But of course, you know all this dear listener as you’ve already accompanied us on the first two episodes of... The post Napoleon III | FALL (1806-1815) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Napoleon II | REIGN (1799-1805)

2024/04/25

“The revolution is over… I AM the revolution!” proclaimed Mark dramatically as we recently sat down to record this second sortie into our trilogy on the man behind the myth – Napoleon! No, but seriously, these were the confidently spoken words of a 30-year-old 1st Consul Bonaparte in 1800 as he presented himself as saviour... The post Napoleon II | REIGN (1799-1805) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Napoleon I | RISE (1769-1798)

2024/04/11

Load the canon, survey the battlefield and hold onto your bicorne as we take aim at Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ (2023)! Much like Napoleon’s Grande Armée in Russia, we’ve bitten off more than we can chew (in just one episode) so will be delivering up a thrilling trilogy to do justice to the triumphs and follies... The post Napoleon I | RISE (1769-1798) first appeared on Shows What You Know.

Podcast reviews

Read Reel History podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

30 reviews

★★★☆☆

Hufflepuff Potterhead 2023/10/08

An Interesting History Podcast, But …

It’s a really interesting podcast, really informative, really detailed analysis in the “REEL” history of the time. However … Can I make a suggestion? ...

★★★★★

Satine285 2023/06/19

I want to join your club!!

I just found your podcast and I love it!! I love watching historical movies based on a true story and after I watch it I always go back to check inter...

★★★★★

Quirkeegurl 2022/09/08

I'm hooked

I've listened to all of Season 2 and am working my way through Season 1, really love these guys. They're super knowledgeable and are very entertaining...

★★★★★

playerdoc1127 2021/08/10

Amazing!!

I found this podcast when I did a deep dive on Hamilton with which I am obsessed (finally seeing it live in November). These guys combine two of my fa...

★★★★★

Chels375 2021/07/15

Fun and Educational

I’ve been binge listening to your podcast, and have really enjoyed it. Thanks for the great listen! ps. The word your looking for on cartoonish villa...

★★★★★

Jake and Mike VGS 2021/03/24

Secretly smart

You think this is gonna be a goofy look at poking holes in movie plots. It’s actualy an entertaining history lesson that youll love.

★★★★★

ACENYC 2019/12/09

Another hit from the master

Another great podcast!

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