Horrible Histories. Image shows from L to R: Gemma Whelan, Ryan Sampson, Tom Stourton
Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories

  • TV sketch show
  • CBBC / BBC One
  • 2009 - 2024
  • 136 episodes (10 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.

  • Due to return for Series 11
  • Series 10, Episode 8 repeated at 2:20pm on CBBC
  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 962
Horrible Histories

Key details

Genre
Sketch Show
Broadcast
2009 - 2024
Channels
CBBC, BBC One
Episodes
136 (10 series), plus 9 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
George Sawyer, Mathew Baynton, Colin Swash, Howard Read, Benjamin Partridge, Daniel Peak, Justin Edwards, Steve Punt 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
Location
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Thursday 16th April 2009 at 4:35pm on BBC One
Next repeats
  1. Series 10, Episode 8: Today at 2:20pm on CBBC
  2. Series 10, Episode 9: Tomorrow at 2:15pm on CBBC
  3. 2016 Specials: Sunday at 1:15pm on CBBC
  4. Series 10, Episode 10: Monday at 2:15pm on CBBC
Most recent repeats

Recording details

  • Dorney Court, Ham House and Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham)
  • West London Film Studios
  • Twickenham Film Studios