Everything you need to know about Blackadder

In this sitcom classic, Blackadder is a historically inaccurate retelling of key moments of British history – all through the eyes of a man named Edmund Blackadder (and his various descendants, though it’s never clear how they came to be).

Focusing on a different historical era with each series, Blackadder follows the social climbing Blackadder as he navigates high society or historical turning points. He often considers himself intellectually superior to his best friend and general lapdog, Baldrick, who also appears in every series.

Running from 1983 to 1989, Blackadder remains a consistent high-ranking sitcom on most beloved British TV series.

It was created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, with Ben Elton replacing Curtis from series two onwards.

**What does each series of Blackadder cover?**

Blackadder Series 1 (1983): officially titled The Black Adder, the first series is set in a fictionalised timeline of 1485. In this “version” of history, Richard IV ascends the throne after Richard III is accidentally killed after the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Now in a position of immense power, Prince Edmund – who refers to himself as The Black Adder – tries to win his father’s affection and approval, while plotting to overthrow him.

Blackadder II (1986): set in the Elizabethan era, we catch up with the great-grandson of the original Edmund Blackadder, this time a Lord in Queen Elizabeth I’s court. This time, he is fighting for her affections against Lord Chamberlain Lord Melchett in order to assume power as her King.

Blackadder The Third (1987): Set during the Regency period, when George III reigned at the turn of the 19th century, Edmund Blackadder Esq. works as the butler to the King’s buffoonish son, George IV. Now with no title of his own, this Blackadder descendant still has dreams of grandeur.

Blackadder Goes Forth (1989): Set in 1917 amid the trenches of France in World War I, Blackadder Goes Forth tracks Captain Blackadder as he desperately tries to swerve actually heading into battle. The series also highlights the pencil-pushing politics of those in charge and the dispensibility of those who were soldiers. The finale episode has been ranked multiple times as one of the greatest endings in British television history.

Specials (Multiple): On top of the main series run, the Blackadder team have made several additions to the show via specials, mainly for annual events or charity fundraisers. The Cavalier Years, set in 1648, aired to raise money for Red Nose Day in 1988. Blackadder’s Christmas Carol aired in December 1988, flipping the narrative with Ebenezer Scrooge being turned from a kindly man to adopting a more evil persona after seeing his ancestors adventures. Blackadder Back & Forth aired in 2000, was created for a presentation at the Millennium Dome 11 years after the final episode, and shows Lord Blackadder accidentally creating a time machine.

**Who stars in Blackadder?**

Each series of Blackadder has a different cast, in line with the different eras in which it portrays.

However, each series is led by Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) as the titular character, with Tony Robinson as his faithful and often mistreated sidekick, Baldrick.

Other prominent recurring players include:

Tim McInnerny (Notting Hill, Game of Thrones)
Hugh Laurie (Avenue 5, House)
Stephen Fry (Gosford Park, The Dropout)
Miranda Richardson (Good Omens, The Hours)
Rik Mayall (Bottom, Drop Dead Fred)
Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter, Romeo + Juliet)

Each actor appears in multiple series, albeit in different roles in this historical caper.

**How many episodes of Blackadder are there?**

There are four seasons of Blackadder, each focusing on a different time period.

It comes to a total of 24 episodes, plus four special episodes.

Each series is made up of six episodes apiece.

**What is the age rating of Blackadder?**

Blackadder’s official certification by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) ranges from 12 to 15.

This means that episodes are deemed unsuitable for children, with some being considered more inappropriate for young audiences.

Reasons for this rating include:

Frequent use of sexual double entendres
Jokes of a sexual nature
Violence (for comedic purposes)
Blood and gore - for comedic purposes
Some use of vulgar language
Occasional scenes that some may find upsetting

How to watch Blackadder

Blackadder is available to watch in full now on U&Gold.

This includes the full series, plus the specials.

You can watch U&Gold programmes on Sky, and to stream on NOW, completely free.