Horrible Histories

The early series of this show were superb. The writing and attention to detail for the sets and costumes was superb. It always amazed me how much effort (and probably cost!) went into each segment. Sadly it went downhill big time from Series 6 onwards. I'm guessing that the writing changed, but I wouldn't be surprised if the budgets were significantly reduced as well.

I'm with the other reviewers here in being: a) adult and b) hugely admiring of the "Horrible Histories" concept in general, and the way these particular actors put it into effect, in particular. However, I am not sure if the other reviewers have fully cottoned on to the exquisite way in which the work can at times rise to being both funny and moving at the same time. Cases in point are the "We fighter pilots..." song (about the Battle of Britain), and now recently the Magna Carta song (produced in time for the 800th anniversary thereof). Both songs are attractive visually, catchy as musical creations, funny, informative and ... distinctly moving! That's a nice and clever and unusual trick if you can pull it off, and these guys certainly can! Much-deserved congratulations to them, therefore. Their world-beating work fusing education with entertainment offers us yet another reason to be "proud to be British".

Based on the successful book series published by Scholastic (with new titles still being published, mind you), this romp through historical mishaps, deaths, kings and queens, battles, language, and the inevitable fart and poo jokes.

Each episode jumps around between time periods and locations. Being a British show, Europe is the main focus, but the Ancient Incas, Egyptians, and Arab doctors don't escape the HH treatment.

Don't expect a hard hitting documentary, or even a loosely connected series of events. This is sketch comedy with a factual edge. It does its best to show accurate events, but mixes it in with some deliberate anachronistic elements.

Well acted, well written, just a lot of fun for kids of all ages - adults as well if you aren't too proud to admit it.

Blood, guts and excrement. Words to make you sick, I meant. Show this to your children and rejoice, toilet calls - there is no choice!

Sorry, didn't rime properly. Bad viking me.

Amazing show. I cannot believe how they market this as a children's show. The humor is quite pythonesque and the pop-culture references are pretty subtle (for a child to understand).

On the minus side there are some historical inaccuracies. E.g. Caligula wasn't murdered by his niece. And there are some more, but who cares. It's fun.

There really are some gruesome moments.. mostly involving feces. Amazing educational show, you silly Brits!

Horrible Histories is one of the best shows on children's television; with catchy songs and entertaining jokes, this show really is the best way to learn about history.

When this show first aired I was starting high school and hated history, I couldn't remember anything and was getting bottom marks in every test. This show saved my grades, every episode meant that a large amount of information became lodged in my head. From Vikings to King Charles II to the Civil Rights Movement, this show covers a lot with coherence and clarity even being clever enough to make spoofs of popular shows and TV adverts ('we buy any monk.com!') that ring true to modern British culture. This should not, however, restrict its audience though since it is an easily accessible show that has something for everyone.

Now what truly makes Horrible Histories special are the amazing covers of popular songs. After six years I still find myself singing to 'Born To Rule' and 'My Name Is Charles'. The catchy lyrics will get stuck in your head faster than the Flash can run and will help you learn. The one downside is that you may get weird looks if you start to sing out loud to the songs in public (Trust me on this!). Everyday life has never been the same, but my friends and I have had great fun trying and failing to sing our favourite songs in tune.

Overall this show is a must watch, especially if you like history or comedy. With an amazingly witty cast and crew this show will have you begging for more episodes (but, since this is a BBC show, you shouldn't hold your breath).