Based on Scholastic's tremendously popular children's books written by Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles, Horrible Science finds a lovable family of characters trying to put on a spectacular science show. Unfortunately for them this often results in on-screen chaos, blazing backstage rows and gooey slapstick.

Each episode has a central scientific theme (Gruesome Guts, Vicious Veg, Bulging Brains, Chemical Chaos etc) which is explored with comedy sketches, experiments, and songs.

There is also an interview with a 'celebrity guest', where a guest actor plays a celebrated scientist from history (eg. Marie Curie, Robert Hooke, Edward Jenner). Guest actors lined up for these parts include Marcus Garvey, David Armand and Alexander Armstrong.

Horrible Science delights in the messy, gory and macabre, but as well as wallowing in all things yucky, it is full of fascinating science. Although primarily aimed at children, adults will also find plenty to wonder and laugh at.

The series is jointly funded by ITV, the Wellcome Trust, ABC Australia, and Discovery Asia and thus will be shown in many countries. The initial broadcast of each episode in the UK is simulcast on CITV.