The Movies Taught Us How to Drink: BACKSTAGE Encore With Ted Mandell

Hollywood gave alcohol a fabulous publicist. Ted Mandell is here to review the footage.

Ted returns to BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator on Tuesday, Oct. 20, for an encore conversation about how movies and television shaped our ideas about drinking long before we ordered our first round.

A Notre Dame professor who examines alcohol and popular culture, Ted breaks down the storytelling choices that make drinking look like the price of admission to friendship, romance and belonging. The party montage. The instant confidence. The girl who finally becomes “fun” once someone hands her a cup. Suddenly, those familiar scenes look a little different.

We’re giving this conversation the sequel it deserves. Expect pop culture, thoughtful discussion and a few “How did I never notice that?” moments.

Missed Ted’s first visit? This is your chance to get in the room. Already caught it? There’s plenty worth talking about after the credits roll.

Event details

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m. Eastern / 3 p.m. Pacific
• Location: Virtual, inside BACKSTAGE with The Sober Curator
• Guest: Ted Mandell
• Access: BACKSTAGE members please register on your BACKSTAGE Dashboard page

Get a preview of Ted’s first BACKSTAGE conversation.

Popcorn encouraged. Film degree entirely unnecessary.

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