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.

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).

I first watched this series in 2015 and fell in love with it, the funny sketches,the unpredictable comedy and the lovable actors and their characters.

However the best part about the early series was the songs. The show took samples of famous songs and changed the flow and lyrics to something catchy and enjoyable.

However, in series 6, the original actors left and the show took a drop in quality. Even though it wasn't as good as the first 5 series, the celebs portraying the character performed well, there were occasional funny moments and there were often cameos from the 6 idiots.

Sadly, series 7 - 10 of the show is unwatchable. The writing is boring and unfunny, the characters are not likeable, the show is packed with unfunny fart jokes and the songs have terrible writing and some are unwatchable (it's time for bed,nature song)

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.

'Horrible Histories' is a show comprising sketches and songs based around a range of different historical periods such as Measly Middle Ages, Slimy Stuarts, Terrible Tudors and Savage Stone Age, often focusing on British history but also covering the history of other nations and peoples such as Groovy Greeks, Rotten Romans and Incredible Incas. The show is based on the hugely popular books by Terry Deary (who plays the occasional cameo!) and features animations by Martin Brown.

The whole show from start to finish is just hilarious. I became addicted earlier this year watching repeats of the first series, and was overjoyed when the second series was aired a few months later. The sketches are incredibly clever - many of them are take-offs of popular shows such as Wife Swap, Ready Steady Cook and This Is Your Life. There's even a catchy, cleverly-written song in each episode which you'll find yourself humming about the house for days afterwards! It's great that the episodes are so funny but also of course it gets kids (and adults!) learning more about history which is no bad thing! And even though it is primarily aimed at children, it's obvious it's meant to entertain the grown-ups just as much! I think there's so many children's series that have come out over the years which are peddled as 'comdedy' for children but they just end up patronising them with 'gags' that they can see coming a mile off and are rarely funny at all - 'HH' credits its young viewers with a lot more intelligence I think.

But I must mention that even though the writing, structure and general concept of the show are inspired, what really makes the show what it is is its fantastic cast, many of whom contribute to the writing. Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard and Sarah Hadland (as well as a whole host of others) are all brilliant in their countless roles - they seem to put a lot of thought into maximising the hilarity of each sketch and basically just do their job really well! My favourite moments are too many to list although I particularly like the medieval paramedics, the Will Somers sketch, Mathew Baynton's parody of a certain TV fashion makeover guru and the Franciso Pizzaro Rough Guide. I also love the Boudica, Charles II, four King Georges and Spartan High School Musical songs (the last just seems to get funnier with each viewing!). Just catch the repeats on CBBC or buy the DVD if you've yet to see it - if you have kids they'll love it, and even if you don't, you should like it anyway!