Horrible Histories (2009)
The anarchic CBBC sketch comedy that turns history's bloodiest, funniest, and most outrageous moments into unmissable television for the whole family.
Horrible Histories - Series Information
- Original Title: Horrible Histories
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Terry Deary
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (92 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 154
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 16, 2009 (United States - TV-PG), April 16, 2009 (Canada - C8), April 16, 2009 (United Kingdom - PG), April 16, 2009 (Germany - 6), April 16, 2009 (France - 10), April 16, 2009 (Australia - PG), April 16, 2009 (Brazil - 10), April 16, 2009 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: CBBC
- Alternative Titles: 糟糕的历史 (CN), Horrible Histories: The Six Idiots (UK)
- Production Companies: Lion Television, Citrus Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Horrible Histories - Plot
Based on the best-selling children's books and liberally splattered with guts, blood and poo, a group of British comedians offer an anarchic and unconventional take on some of history's most gruesome and funny moments, with topics including the Stone Age, the Middle Ages, the Egyptians and the Romans, among others.
Horrible Histories - Trailer
See the anarchic historical comedy in action with the official trailer:
The history they don't teach you in school.
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Horrible Histories - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Terry Deary
Main Cast
- John Eccleston
- Jon Culshaw
- Jim Howick
- Simon Farnaby
- Ben Willbond
- Mathew Baynton
- Jess Robinson
- Martha Howe-Douglas
- Laurence Rickard
- Jalaal Hartley
Writers
- Susie Donkin
- Ben Ward
- Laurence Rickard
- George Sawyer
- Dave Cohen
Executive Producers
- Richard Bradley
- Simon Welton
- Melissa Hardinge
- Kim Shillinglaw
Horrible Histories - FAQs
Where can you stream Horrible Histories online?
Horrible Histories is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. It can also be rented or purchased through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads.
Is Horrible Histories based on a true story?
Horrible Histories is based on Terry Deary's enormously popular children's book series of the same name. While the sketches are comedic and irreverent, the historical events, figures, and facts depicted are rooted in real history, making the show both entertaining and genuinely educational.
How many seasons does Horrible Histories have?
Horrible Histories has 11 seasons, comprising 154 episodes in total. The series began in 2009 and is still a returning series as of 2025, with additional specials collected under a separate season. Each main season typically contains between 12 and 15 episodes.
Who are the main cast members of Horrible Histories?
The main cast includes Jim Howick, Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard, and Martha Howe-Douglas, who form the core ensemble. John Eccleston voices the rat narrator Rattus Rattus, while Jon Culshaw and Jess Robinson provide additional voices throughout the series.
Did Horrible Histories win any awards?
Yes, Horrible Histories has been exceptionally well-decorated. The series won the BAFTA Children's Award for Best Comedy multiple times and made history by becoming the first children's programme ever nominated for the prestigious BAFTA for Best Sketch Show, competing alongside adult comedy programmes.
What is Horrible Histories about?
Horrible Histories is an anarchic sketch comedy series in which British comedians dramatise the most gruesome, bizarre, and funny moments from across human history. Covering eras from the Stone Age to the World Wars, it blends sharp writing, musical parody, and irreverent humour to make history genuinely entertaining.
Is Horrible Histories still running or cancelled?
Horrible Histories is currently a returning series and remains in production as of 2025. The show has continued well beyond its original core cast era, with newer seasons introducing fresh performers while maintaining the anarchic sketch comedy format that made the series a beloved institution on CBBC.
What is the content rating for Horrible Histories?
Horrible Histories is rated TV-PG in the United States, making it suitable for general family viewing with parental guidance suggested. In the United Kingdom it carries a PG rating. Despite its comedic focus on blood, guts, and historical brutality, the content is presented in a light-hearted, age-appropriate manner.
More About Horrible Histories
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