Ty Burrell raises a glass to 'Speakeasy'

If you've ever watched a talk show and thought it might be more interesting if alcohol was involved, check out "Speakeasy," a new series of short-form episodes with celebrity interviews. "Modern Family" star Ty Burrell is up first in this new series from website Made Men and hosted by comedian Paul F. Tompkins. Each episode is set at a Los Angeles watering hole as host and guest both drink and talk about drinking.

It's a pretty slick piece of branded entertainment with Barcardi+ on board as sponsor. The integration isn't exactly subtle considering the alcohol has better lighting than the humans. Nevertheless, Burrell shines through with some fun alcohol-inspired anecdotes like his revelation that there are no teetotalers among entire adult cast of his sitcom. "There are two people living so hard that they're shortening their lives," he jokes, not specifying which actors in particular could use AA's help.

"Speakeasy" is the first of a slate of original programming from Made Men parent company Break Media, which is part of a broader trend among the players in digital content who are trying more premium-style fare to lure more advertising dollars.