Horrible Histories
- TV sketch show
- CBBC / BBC One
- 2009 - 2025
- 154 episodes (11 series)
Hit sketch show based on surprising facts from world history, inspired by the hit children's book series. Stars Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas and more.
- Continues today on CBBC at 5:30pm with Series 11, Episode 8
- Series 8, Episode 6 repeated at 10:55am on CBBC
Key details
- Genre
- Sketch Show
- Broadcast
- 2009 - 2025
- Channels
- CBBC, BBC One
- Episodes
- 154 (11 series), plus 11 highlights programmes
- Creator
- Terry Deary
- Stars
- Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Laurence Rickard, Sarah Hadland, Tom Stourton and more
- Writers
- Ben Ward, Dave Cohen, Lucy Clarke, Laurence Rickard, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, George Sawyer and more
- Directors
- Simon Gibney, Ian Curtis, Steve Connelly, Dominic Brigstocke, Chloe Thomas, Matt Holt, Gordon Anderson, Céin McGillicuddy and Paul Taylor
- Producers
- David Staite, Jack Cheshire, Simon Wilson, Tom Miller, Caroline Norris, Lisa Mitchell, Ben Rogers, Matt Lamont and more
- Companies
Childrens' BBC comedy series based on the best-selling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown.
Starting out in the Savage Stone Age, Horrible Histories progresses through the Awful Egyptians, Rotten Romans, Vicious Vikings, Measly Middle Ages, Terrible Tudors, Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians, right up to the Woeful Second World War.
Liberally splattered with guts, blood and poo, Horrible Histories romps through the ages in a collection of sketches, cartoons and quizzes.
Each episode features a mixture of sketches from different ages, played by the ensemble cast, and commentary from the show's host Rattus Rattus - the talking rat.
The show also includes pastiches of some familiar TV formats such as Historical Wife Swap, Historical Hospital and Ready Steady Feast; and various spoof songs, for example a musical journey through 18th Century British history in the style of a Westlife ballad, sung by four King Georges.
Stream and download
Additional details
- Also known as
-
- Horrible Histories: 'Orrible Opera (2023 special)
- Production setting
- Location
- Camera set-up
- Single camera
- Picture
- Colour
Website links
- Official Horrible Histories Website
The official website for the the series of books. Featuring fun facts and more. - CBBC Horrible Histories Website
The CBBC website to accompany the show. Features clips, computer games and more. - Horrible Histories On Soundcloud
Composer Richie Webb has uploaded the latest Horrible Histories songs to Soundcloud. - IMDb
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Thursday 16th April 2009 at 4:35pm on BBC One
- Next repeats
-
- Series 8, Episode 6: Today at 10:55am on CBBC
- Series 7, Highlights Special: Today at 2:35pm on CBBC
- Series 1, Episode 3: Today at 3:05pm on CBBC
- Series 11, Episode 8: Tomorrow at 9:40am on CBBC
- Series 5, Episode 7: Tomorrow at 1:15pm on CBBC
- Series 8, Special: Sunday at 12:35pm on CBBC
- Series 8, Special: Sunday at 1:05pm on CBBC
- Series 8, Episode 7: Monday at 10:55am on CBBC
- Series 1, Episode 4: Monday at 2:55pm on CBBC
- Most recent repeats
-
- Thursday 15th May 2025 at 3:05pm on CBBC - Series 1, Episode 2
- Thursday 15th May 2025 at 2:35pm on CBBC - Series 7, Highlights Special
- Thursday 15th May 2025 at 10:55am on CBBC - Series 8, Episode 5
Recording details
- Dorney Court, Ham House and Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham)
- West London Film Studios
- Twickenham Film Studios