Blackadder

Utterly and outright hilarious.

The forth series had a serious undertone which made it stand out a bit I think. And the final minutes are so outstanding. Altogether one of the best comedy shows of all time and one you can watch more than once.

I'm glad I divn't work in television production because I wouldn't have renewed it after season 1.

Blackadder is one of Britain’s most iconic and enduring sitcoms—a sharp, satirical time-jumping comedy that blends historical parody with biting wit. Starring Rowan Atkinson at his absolute best, the series spans multiple eras of British history, with each season reinventing its characters and setting, yet keeping the same core group of actors in new roles. It’s a clever concept that allows for fresh humor with each iteration while still feeling like part of a larger, cohesive comedy legacy.

The first season (The Black Adder) is the roughest of the bunch, with a more broad and slapstick tone, portraying Atkinson’s Edmund as a bumbling, foolish prince. It has its moments but feels less refined than the later entries. From Season 2 onward, the show hits its stride. The character of Blackadder is reimagined as a cunning, sardonic, and perpetually frustrated antihero navigating the absurdity of his era—be it Elizabethan England, Regency Britain, or the trenches of World War I.

The supporting cast is phenomenal throughout, with Tony Robinson’s dimwitted Baldrick serving as the perfect foil to Blackadder’s sharp tongue. Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnerny, and Miranda Richardson all bring a level of theatrical flair and comedic timing that elevates every scene. The writing is razor-sharp—full of historical references, clever insults, and an endless barrage of deadpan sarcasm.

Each season stands on its own, but Blackadder Goes Forth (Season 4) is often singled out as the best. Its final episode is one of the most poignant and unexpected moments in sitcom history, turning a war parody into a genuinely moving reflection on the horrors of World War I.

While some of the humor and references may feel a bit dated today, Blackadder remains a brilliant example of British comedy done right—smart, layered, and endlessly quotable. I give it a historically hilarious 7/10.