Blackadder

Blackadder is a British historical sitcom created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, and produced by the BBC. The series aired in four installments, each set in a different historical period and featuring a recurring cast playing different characters. Edmund Blackadder, a cunning and often morally bankrupt nobleman, is the central character in each iteration. He is typically portrayed by Rowan Atkinson, and his long-suffering and dim-witted servant, Baldrick, is played by Tony Robinson.

The first series, The Black Adder, was set during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. Subsequent series include Blackadder II (Elizabethan era), Blackadder the Third (Regency era), and Blackadder Goes Forth (World War I). Each series satirizes the historical period it depicts, with Blackadder often attempting to navigate or exploit the political and social machinations of his time, usually with disastrous or darkly comedic results. The show is known for its sharp wit, anachronistic humor, and memorable catchphrases.

The supporting cast also featured a rotating ensemble of actors playing distinct characters, including Stephen Fry as the aristocratic George and Hugh Laurie as the imbecilic Prince George. Blackadder is widely regarded as one of the most successful British sitcoms, having won numerous awards and continuing to be popular in reruns and through subsequent specials and stage tours. The series has influenced many subsequent historical comedies and is celebrated for its intelligent writing and comedic performances.