Blackadder (1983)
The definitive British sitcom — four series, four centuries, one magnificently scheming Edmund Blackadder, and a servant with a turnip for a brain.
Blackadder - Series Information
- Original Title: Blackadder
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 32 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 15, 1983 (United States - TV-PG), June 15, 1983 (United Kingdom - 15), June 15, 1983 (Germany - 12), June 15, 1983 (Australia - PG), June 15, 1983 (Brazil - 16), June 15, 1983 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Den sorte snog 2 1558-1603 (DK), Blackadder II (UK), A ilustre casa de Blackadder (PT), Svarta Ormen (SE), The Black Adder (US), Fekete Vipera (HU)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, Australia
Blackadder - Plot
Black Adder traces the deeply cynical and self-serving lineage of various Edmund Blackadders throughout British history, from the muck of the Middle Ages to the frontline of the First World War.
Blackadder - Trailer
Preview the series with this clip from the classic British comedy:
Watch Blackadder video on YouTube ↗
The most gripping sitcom since 1380.
Where to Watch Blackadder
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Blackadder - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Curtis
- Rowan Atkinson
- Ben Elton
Main Cast
- Rowan Atkinson
- Tony Robinson
- Tim McInnerny
- Hugh Laurie
- Stephen Fry
- Miranda Richardson
- Tony Aitken
- Patrick Allen
- Robert East
- Brian Blessed
Writers
- Richard Curtis
- Ben Elton
- Rowan Atkinson
Blackadder - FAQs
Where can you watch Blackadder online?
Blackadder is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BritBox, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home, or watched with ads on The Roku Channel.
Why is the Blackadder Goes Forth finale so famous?
The final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth, “Goodbyeee”, is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in British television. Its sudden shift from comedy to tragedy — as the characters go over the top into almost certain death — left audiences devastated and is still cited as a masterclass in tonal storytelling.
Who are the main cast members of Blackadder?
The series stars Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder and Tony Robinson as his hapless servant Baldrick. The ensemble also includes Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie as the Prince Regent, Stephen Fry as General Melchett, Miranda Richardson as Queen Elizabeth I, and Brian Blessed as King Richard IV.
What is Blackadder about?
Blackadder follows the deeply cynical and self-serving Edmund Blackadder through four distinct eras of British history — the medieval period, the Elizabethan court, Regency England, and the WWI trenches. Each series features a new incarnation of Blackadder scheming his way through absurd historical circumstances with razor-sharp wit.
How many seasons and episodes does Blackadder have?
Blackadder ran for four main series, each containing six episodes, for a total of 24 episodes. The four series are: The Black Adder (1983), Blackadder II (1986), Blackadder the Third (1987), and Blackadder Goes Forth (1989). A collection of specials is also available.
Who created and wrote Blackadder?
Blackadder was created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, who wrote the first series together. From the second series onward, Ben Elton joined as co-writer alongside Curtis, bringing a sharper satirical edge. All three are credited as creators of the series.
Did Blackadder win any awards or critical acclaim?
Blackadder earned widespread critical acclaim and won multiple BAFTA Awards over its run, including Best Comedy Series. It is consistently ranked among the greatest British sitcoms ever made. In a 2004 BBC poll, Blackadder Goes Forth was voted one of the best British TV programmes of all time.
Is Blackadder suitable for all ages?
Blackadder carries a TV-PG rating in the United States, making it generally suitable for most audiences, though some episodes contain mild adult humour, satirical content, and wartime themes. Parents may wish to preview the later series, particularly Blackadder Goes Forth, which deals with the realities of World War I.
More About Blackadder
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