Paris’s Bloody Week

Summary

---

History Daily — "Paris’s Bloody Week" (May 21, 2026)

Host: Lindsey Graham
Episode Date: May 21, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of History Daily, hosted by Lindsey Graham, explores the dramatic and violent climax of the Paris Commune: Paris’s Bloody Week, which began on May 21, 1871. Through immersive storytelling centered on the fates of characters like National Guard leader Louise Michel and radical socialist Charles Delacluze, the episode traces the insurrection’s origins, its utopian ambitions, the ensuing siege by government forces, and the tragic end of the Commune.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Outbreak of Bloody Week (00:39–03:47)

• Re-enactment places listeners in Paris on May 21, 1871, as government troops re-enter the city to crush the Commune.
  • Quote: “[T]he French army began its long awaited counterattack. Albert was among the first to breach the city walls, and now he's determined to hunt the rebels down.” (00:39)
• The chaos and dangers of street fighting are rendered through the experience of a French soldier, Albert, illuminating the brutality ahead.
  • “Over the next week, Paris will become a battlefield as revolutionaries and the French army fight street by street for control of the city. Thousands will die, many more will be wounded, and the radical experiment known as the Paris Commune will come to an end in the deadliest battle in the city's history...” (01:44)

2. The Roots of the Paris Commune (05:15–11:06)

• Flashback to March 18, 1871: Louise Michel leads Parisians to confront the army, preventing them from seizing city cannons—a catalyst for the uprising.
  • Quote: “Louise Michel leads a crowd up a steep hill, a rifle in one hand and her other clenched in a raised fist.” (05:27)
• Background on the collapse of Napoleon III’s regime and France’s humiliation by Prussia, which set the stage for radicalism in Paris.
  • “French Emperor Napoleon III was overthrown and replaced by republican government. But this new regime came under pressure. France was already at war with Prussia and was soon forced to accept humiliating peace terms.” (05:53)
• The creation of the Paris Commune and its radical social programs: rents canceled, child labor outlawed, worker’s governance.
  • “Paris becomes an experiment in direct democracy, with neighborhoods governing themselves through elected assemblies and workers councils.” (09:02)
• Growing tension between radical self-governance and the need for military discipline as the city comes under siege.

3. Paris Under Siege & Internal Discord (05:15–13:13)

• The Commune’s attempt to march on Versailles fails disastrously, leading to a massacre; internal conflict over strategy and authority follows.
• Charles Delaclouze, a 61-year-old radical, is elected Delegate for War without military experience, reflecting the Commune’s idealistic but flawed faith in the power of the people.

4. The Fall — Bloody Week Unfolds (13:13–17:51)

• Back on May 21: Louise Michel and her battalion prepare barricades in Montmartre as government troops advance.
  • Quote: “Paris is burning. From up the hill, Louise can see the government soldiers creeping closer. Their advance is slow and methodical, street by street and block by block.” (13:18)
• Descriptions of desperate resistance and the heartbreak of defeat as the army methodically overwhelms each defense.
  • Vivid depiction of barricade battles, with makeshift fortifications buckling under cannon fire, amidst “bodies... and cobblestones ... slick with blood.” (15:46)
• Paris descends into devastation: “Throughout Paris, the commune is collapsing. Street by street, barricade by barricade. The army is taking the city back.” (16:37)

5. The Death of Delaclouze; The Commune’s End (19:41–22:46)

• On May 25, Charles Delaclouze is killed on the barricades.
  • Memorable moment: “Delaclouz climbs the barricade, unarmed. He stands at the top, his silhouette sharp against the setting sun. Then three gunshots ring out... falling on top of the barricade, dead.” (20:17)
• Final surrender of remaining Communards on May 28 after days of savage urban combat.
• Aftermath: mass executions, military tribunals, and exile for many. Louise Michel is deported to New Caledonia.

6. Legacy of the Commune

• The brutality is not just physical destruction but the crushing of hope.
  • Survivors like Louise Michel persist in their ideals, returning from exile a decade later to inspire future generations.
  • Quote: “Louise will have lost none of her revolutionary beliefs. In her time away, she'll tour Europe delivering speeches and eventually become known as the Red Virgin of Montmartre for her devotion to her principles. Principles that many of her friends died for during Paris Bloody Week...” (22:00)

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Louise Michel’s Defiance:
  “Louise pulls a knife and slashes through a horse's harness. The soldiers push her back and seeing that, the crowd erupts, shouting and throwing bottles and stones.” (06:07)
• On the Commune’s Social Vision:
  “Past due rents are canceled, child labor becomes illegal, new trade unions are established. And Paris becomes an experiment in direct democracy...” (09:00)
• On the Battle’s Horror:
  “Bodies obstruct her path, and the cobblestones are slick with blood.” (15:46)
• On Delaclouze’s Death:
  “Delaclouz climbs the barricade, unarmed. He stands at the top, his silhouette sharp against the setting sun. Then three gunshots ring out. For a moment, De la Cluze remains upright. Then he slowly pitches forward, falling on top of the barricade, dead.” (20:17)
• On Michel’s Legacy:
  “She'll tour Europe delivering speeches and eventually become known as the Red Virgin of Montmartre for her devotion to her principles.” (22:00)

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Setting the Stage: The Army Enters Paris | | 05:15 | The Commune’s Origins — March 18, 1871 | | 09:00 | The Commune’s Radical Reforms | | 13:13 | The Beginning of Bloody Week | | 15:46 | Desperate Barricade Defense | | 19:41 | May 25: Death of Delaclouze | | 22:00 | The Aftermath, Exile, and Enduring Legacy |

---

Tone & Storytelling

• The narrative is immersive, using vivid imagery and character perspectives (“Louise’s eyes burn with fatigue…”).
• Tone alternates between admiration for the idealism of the Communards and somber reflection on the devastation and loss.

---

Conclusion

"Paris's Bloody Week" delivers a compelling and poignant narrative of the 1871 Paris Commune’s violent end. Through the stories of determined revolutionaries and their dramatic downfall, the episode illustrates the complex mix of hope, idealism, tragedy, and legacy. History Daily brings listeners to the streets of 19th-century Paris, reminding us of how ordinary people’s courage—and suffering—can define a moment in history.

Transcript

[Doug]

Neighborhood.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Then, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Narrator (Lindsey Graham)]

It's the afternoon of May 21, 1871, in Paris, France. Albert ans grips his rifle as his squad advances along a smoke filled boulevard. Albert is a soldier in the French army. His blue tunic and red pants stand out starkly against the blackened pockmark. Street glass and rubble crunch underfoot. Albert knows it all makes him an easy target. But if they're going to retake the French capital, he has no choice but to press on. Two months ago, radical insurgents rose in rebellion and seized Paris. Earlier today, the French army began its long awaited counterattack. Albert was among the first to breach the city walls, and now he's determined to hunt the rebels down. Up ahead, a shape takes form through the haze, broken furniture piled across the street. It's a makeshift barricade with a solitary red flag flying limply from the top. There's no sign of the enemy and Albert assumes they've retreated, leaving the barricade to slow the army's progress. But then a gunshot cracks through the air. Everyone scatters for cover. Ducking down, Albert scans the surrounding buildings, looking for the shooter. He spots movement in a second floor window and runs toward the building bursting inside. He dashes upstairs and within moments, he finds his man cornered. The sniper drops his rifle and throws up his hands. But Albert is in no mood for mercy and raises his weapon. But before he can execute the man, the window shatters. There's another sniper across the street. Albert drops flat as bullets ricochet off the walls. His captive seizes the chance and ignoring the flying shards of glass, he lunges for the door and scrambles away. Before Albert can react. Albert pounds his fist against the floor, furious. This rebel has escaped. But Albert won't let that happen again. Over the next week, Paris will become a battlefield as revolutionaries and the French army fight street by street for control of the city. Thousands will die, many more will be wounded, and the radical experiment known as the Paris Commune will come to an end in the deadliest battle in the city's history, which began on May 21, 1871. I was a bit curious, so I went looking for an answer. Does Santa Claus say ho, ho ho in Germany? Yes, it turns out he does. But what about France? Yes, there too. But they don't pronounce the h, so it's more of a o, o, O. And I assume the Austrians do as the Germans do. But I haven't. Look, still, why am I telling you all this? Because there are still some places left on my European Christmas market tour. A 10 day journey throughout France, Germany and Austria stuffed with Christmas tradition and history. You can join me too, but only if you act quickly. Over half of all available places are already taken. Tickets are on sale now, so reserve your spot. Go to historydaily.com and look for the Christmas market section. That's historydaily.com

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

and Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Book a loved by guest property with VRBO and you get a top rated vacation rental that's loved for all the right reasons like being in a great location or having great amenities.

[VRBO Customer]

Ugh, I love my VRBO for the view.

[Doug]

Good reason.

[VRBO Customer]

Ooh, and the sauna.

[Doug]

Sweet. Another good reason.

[VRBO Customer]

And that it's one of those good saunas with the hot rock thing.

[Doug]

Ugh.

[Narrator (Lindsey Graham)]

Love a good hot rock thing. Fancy.

[Doug]

That's also a reason. Don't worry about surprises. Book a verbo you'll love with the Love by guest filter if you know you verbo.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Narrator (Lindsey Graham)]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off and Grainger is your trusted partner offering the products you need all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done. From Noiser and Airship. I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History. Daily. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is May 21, 1871. Paris Bloody Week it's the morning of March 18, 1871 in Montmartre, Paris. Two months before the French army storms the city. 40 year old Louise Michel leads a crowd up a steep hill, a rifle in one hand and her other clenched in a raised fist. Even though dawn has only just broken, Louise and hundreds of other Parisians have answered an urgent call for help. At the top of this hill sits dozens of cannons. The artillery belongs to the city's militia, the National Guard. But this morning, the French army is coming to take the guns and and the people of Paris aren't happy about it. Six months ago, French Emperor Napoleon III was overthrown and replaced by republican government. But this new regime came under pressure. France was already at war with Prussia and was soon forced to accept humiliating peace terms. Now the government is worried that another enemy is about to show itself. This one comes from within. Paris and the city's National Guard have become a stronghold of working class radicalism. In the fall of the emperor and the weakness of the new government, these revolutionaries see an opportunity to tear down the old order and build a more equal system in its place. But over the last few hours, rumors have swept through Paris that the French army is planning a preemptive strike. They seek to seize the city's cannons before the people of Paris can use them against the government. So as Louise reaches the top of Montmartre hill, she sees it for herself. A company of soldiers already at work hitching the cannons to horses and preparing to drag them away. But Louise and the rest of the crowd aren't going to let them go so easily. They form a human barrier in the road, blocking the soldiers path. This tense standoff soon turns violent. Louise pulls a knife and slashes through a horse's harness. The soldiers push her back and seeing that the crowd erupts, shouting and throwing bottles and stones. The commotion draws more people to the scene and soon the soldiers are completely outnumbered the officer in command senses that he's losing control, and he gives the order to retreat before things get out of hand. A roar of triumph sweeps across Montmartre, and word soon spreads across Paris that the people have defied the army and won. And in the face of the public's fury, the French government flees. The capital ministers retreat a few miles to the old royal palace at Versailles. There they regroup and consider their next steps. But that leaves Paris in the hands of the people. Workers spill into the boulevards, celebrating that the city now belongs to them. And as night falls, a red flag is hoisted above city hall. Less than a week later, on March 26, elections are held to form a new city government that becomes known as the Commune. And its leaders are determined to seize the initiative. They order a march on Versailles, banking on a repeat of Montmartre when the power of the people overwhelmed armed force. But this time it goes terribly wrong. The hastily assembled Commune army marches out of Paris, only to be gunned down by government cannons outside Versailles. It's a massacre. The surviving rebels scramble back to Paris, broken and bloodied. Still, the capital remains firmly under the Commune's control, and the radical government begins to reshape daily life in the city. Past due rents are canceled, child labor becomes illegal, new trade unions are established. And Paris becomes an experiment in direct democracy, with neighborhoods governing themselves through elected assemblies and workers councils. But beyond the city walls, the republican government plots its return. It calls in reinforcements from every corner of France. Troops gradually encircle Paris and begin to bombard the city. And by April, the mood begins to shift in the capital. Some revolutionaries demand stronger leadership, a powerful central authority to coordinate the defense of the city. But not everyone agrees. Many argue that they didn't fight for a socialist page paradise, only for it to be replaced by another dictatorship within a few weeks. But with soldiers massing outside the city, that opposition fades. A five man Committee of Public Safety is formed and they have sweeping powers. Among the five men is the 61 year old radical Socialist Charles Dela Cluz, who was elected Delegate for War and made responsible for the Commune's defense. What? De La Cluze has not no military experience. And with the full force of the French army bearing down on his city, the fate of the Commune will instead rest in the hands of the people of Paris.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his. What is this your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[VRBO Customer]

If the world were like a Sleep Number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body changes, Sleep Number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now everything's on sale during our Memorial Day event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses, plus free delivery when you add a base ends Monday. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a Sleep Number store or go to sleepnumber.com sleep number to a good life. Sleep.

[Doug]

Sleep.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[VRBO Customer]

This is the new Weight Watchers built for real life and real results, no matter what mode you're in. Madi went all in for her big day and lost 33. Emily lost 85 pounds and hit her goal while still living her life. Weight Watchers gave me the tools and I feel amazing. Join the millions of members and lose weight with the number one doctor recommended weight loss program. Lose more@weight watchers.com at six months, participants in the clinical trial of Weight Watchers program lost an average of £12.

[Narrator (Lindsey Graham)]

It's 9pm on May 21, 1871, in Montmartre, two months after the revolutionary commune sees Paris. Standing at the top of the hill, Louise Michel slings her rifle over her shoulder and gazes down at the city below. The sky glows a sickly shade of orange and thick smoke coils upward, gathering into dark clouds that block out the moon. Paris is burning. From up the hill, Louise can see the government soldiers creeping closer. Their advance is slow and methodical, street by street and block by block. She turns to the gunners behind her. They nod grimly, ready to fire into their own city. After weeks camped outside Paris, Republican troops finally breached the city walls this morning. Church bells rang all across the Capital calling Parisians to the barricades. But the response was scattered and disorganized. And as thousands of soldiers cautiously swept through the city, they only met pockets of resistance. Now, as darkness falls, the army is closing in on Montmartre, the symbolic heart of the Revolution. Only two months ago, the uprising began on this very hill, and Louise is determined that it won't end here, too. She gives the order to fire and covers her ears. Explosions ring through her skull as the first shells streak through the darkness toward the distant enemy. But Louise frowns. The barrage should have been even bigger. Several guns have failed to fire. Their crews move in cautiously, checking the weapons, wary of a delayed blast. Then they turn back to Louise with a helpless shrug. It might be damp powder. It might be rusty firing mechanisms, but whatever the cause, these weapons are useless. Louise curses under her breath and turns back to the city. The French army soldiers continue to advance, unfazed. She sighs. This fight won't be decided from up here. The real battle is waiting for them in the streets below. So at dawn, Louise and her battalion descend from Montmartre and into the streets. Posters plastered on walls flap in the breeze. Proclamations from the delegate of war, Charles de la Cluz, calling for every man and woman to take up arms. Louise and her battalion reach Place Blanche without meeting any resistance. A crude barricade stretches across the square, a low wall of broken tables, chairs and paving stones. Right now, it's little more than a pile of debris. That wouldn't delay any determined soldiers long. But Louise is determined to transform it into a formidable line of defense. So over the next few hours, they haul carts, carriages and barrels into place, building the barricade higher and stronger. By dusk, it stands ready for the enemy. Louise's eyes burn with fatigue, but she doesn't dare rest. Instead, she watches the dark streets for any sign of the enemy, her gun at the ready, until she can no longer fight off her exhaustion and she falls into a deep sleep. At first light, Louise is gently shaken awake. The enemy is finally here. Instantly alert, Louise scrambles to the top of the barricade and down the narrow street. Blue uniforms weave between buildings, edging closer. Louise raises her rifle. Beside her, a comrade plants a red flag. A gunshot cracks in the distance, and a bullet whistles overhead. The battle has begun. Louise leans over the top of the barricade, taking potshots at the advancing soldiers. Return fire slams and into the wood around her, sending splinters knifing through the air. Louise ducks back as the gunfire intensifies. Their makeshift wall is holding for now. But then the soldiers bring up a heavier gun. A single blast from it punches a hole in the barricade and sends Louise sprawling. As the smoke clears, French soldiers storm through the breach. Louise drags herself upright, but pain shoots through her foot and she can only only limp desperately toward cover. Bodies obstruct her path, and the cobblestones are slick with blood. There's another deafening blast of the heavy gun, and Louise stumbles, coughing and choking, as a thick cloud of dust rolls down the street. Her rifle is gone, dropped in the chaos, and all she can think about now is escape. Throughout Paris, the commune is collapsing. Street by street, barricade by barricade. The army is taking the city back. And within days, the fighting will be over and the dreams of the revolutionaries of Paris will be reduced to ashes.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. This is the Chase Sapphire lounge of Boston. Logan, you got clam chowder in New York, dirty martini over 1300 airport lounges, and one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve. Now even more rewarding.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a quote@liberty mutual.com or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[VRBO Customer]

At vrbo, we understand that even the best of plans sometimes need a little support. So we've planned for the plot twists. Every booking is automatically backed by our VRBO Care guarantee, giving you confidence from the very start. Whenever you need help, it's ready before your stay, through the moments in between and after your trip. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind. And maybe a good playlist. But we've got the peace of mind part covered.

[Narrator (Lindsey Graham)]

It's 7pm on May 25, 1871. In a square in the center of Paris, four days after the French army entered the capital, a young rebel slumps against a wall pocked with bullet holes, a cigarette trembling between his lips. He strikes a match, but his hands won't steady. Over the last few days, he's watched too many of his friends die, and he expects to join them soon. Then, through the drifting smoke, a figure emerges. A white haired man wearing a frock coat and red sash. Rebel stares and recognizes him from the posters all over the city. It's Charles Delaclouz, the delegate for War. De la Cluze nods a greeting at the young rebel, but he doesn't stop. He walks straight past, heading for the barricade that blocks the street ahead. The rebel calls out, urging De la Cluze to take cover. Enemy snipers are everywhere. But the old man ignores him. Instead, Delaclouz climbs the barricade, unarmed. He stands at the top, his silhouette sharp against the setting sun. Then three gunshots ring out. For a moment, De la Cluze remains upright. Then he slowly pitches forward, falling on top of the barricade, dead. Despite the loss of the Commune's military leader, the fighting in Paris continues for another three days. And only on May 28, 1871, do the rebels finally surrender. But by then, Paris is left shattered. Entire neighborhoods are in ruins. Thousands are dead, killed in some of the most brutal fighting the city has ever seen. And the bloodshed doesn't end there. Surviving rebel fighters are rounded up and dragged before military courts. Many are executed. Others, like Louise Michel, are transported to a prison colony in New Caledonia, on the far side of the world. But this thirst for vengeance will fade with time. By 1880, under a general amnesty, former rebels like Louise will be permitted to return to France. But Louise will have lost none of her revolutionary beliefs. In her time away. She'll tour Europe delivering speeches and eventually become known as the Red Virgin of Montmartre for her devotion to her principles. Principles that many of her friends died for during Paris Bloody Week, which began on May 21, 1871. Next on History Daily, May 22, 1968. 99 men are feared dead when an American nuclear powered submarine disappears in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. From noiser and airship. This is History Daily Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammad Shazi Sound design by Molly Bach Music by Throne this episode is written and researched By Angus Gavin McCarth Edited by Scott Reeves Managing Producer Emily Burke Executive producers are William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Nouser.

[VRBO Customer]

Get a jump on next summer with vrbo's early booking deals. Don't wait to claim your dream summer spot, whether that includes a good porch swing or a poolside lounger. When you book early, you get the best places at the best prices. But back to poolside loungers. With vrbo, you don't have to reserve any loungers. They're all yours. In fact, the whole private home is yours. Book with early booking deals and you can lounge around all summer long, however you please. Book with VRBO

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

and Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Doug]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Doug]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Doug]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Premier hosts on VRBO deliver quality vacation rental stays with fast responses and clear instructions so you don't have to worry about surprises.

[VRBO Customer]

I asked our host a question about the house last night and he got back to me super quick.

[Doug]

See, that's the Premier host move right there.

[VRBO Customer]

I wish I had a Premier group chat. I asked them where we should have dinner last night and they left me on red. I know you saw it. It says it.

[Doug]

Classic group chat move. Don't walk into a surprise book a top rated verbo. Stay with a Premier host. If you know you versus.