The Peek with Samuel Pepys

The Peek with Samuel Pepys is a scripted fiction, historical-comedy podcast inspired by the diaries of British writer Samuel Pepys (1633-1703), which provide one of the only first-hand accounts of life in England’s Stuart Restoration, under the rule of King Charles II (1660-1685), through the eyes of a time-traveling celebrity gossip reporter. Irreverent and anachronistic, The Peek joins other absurdist, semi-factual historical comedies, such as The Great (2020-2023, Hulu) and Oh, Mary! (Broadway). Accents may vary – oftentimes within the same sentence. But, hey. It's not like we really know what they sounded like back then, now do we?

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The Peek with Samuel Pepys

005 | Boys

September 13, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 5

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Celebrity gossip has NEVER been juicer than this.

Like, literally. It’s the 1660s. We just invented celebrities last week.

Valentino reaches out to Edward "Ned" Kynaston, star actor of the King's Company, who was once the most revered and adored "boy player" of the pre-actress era. Convinced he can help Ned with modern ideas, he hopes their conversation will be the key to getting back home...no matter how jealous Valentino and Ned's chemistry might make Samuel. But when things go awry, Jane steps in with an intriguing offer...an offer that definitely isn't a trap, no way.

S1 of The Peek Stars:

Samuel Pepys – Ethan Peña Mock

The Stranger / Valentino – Charlie B. Foster

Jane Birch – Melissa Bautista

This episode also guest stars:

Major Curda as Edward "Ned" Kynaston

Celeste Samson as Prologue Boy

Written and Directed by Lee Melillo

Additional Script Edits by Charlie B. Foster

Executive Produced by Anna Mayo & Lee Melillo

Associate Produced by Adeline Blue

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