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Blackadder

Blackadder is a British television sitcom series consisting of four period comedy series and several one-off specials, first broadcast on BBC1 from 1983 to 1989.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Blackadder is a British television sitcom series consisting of four period comedy series and several one-off specials, first broadcast on BBC1 from 1983 to 1989. It stars Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder and Tony Robinson as his servant Baldrick, with each main series set in a different historical era.

Format and premise

Blackadder is a historical sitcom franchise in which each series follows a Blackadder character in a different era. The episodes present a satirical, often anachronistic version of British history.

Main series

The franchise includes four main series: The Black Adder, Blackadder II, Blackadder the Third, and Blackadder Goes Forth. These are set in the late medieval period, Elizabethan England, the Regency era, and the First World War respectively.

Cast and characters

Rowan Atkinson appears as Edmund Blackadder throughout the series, while Tony Robinson plays Baldrick. The cast also changes between eras, with different supporting characters adapted to each historical setting.

Broadcast history

The first series premiered on BBC1 in June 1983, and the franchise continued with further series until 1989. It also includes special episodes beyond the core four-series run.

Key facts

  • Blackadder consists of four interconnected historical sitcom series and several specials.
  • The four main series are The Black Adder, Blackadder II, Blackadder the Third, and Blackadder Goes Forth.
  • Each series is set in a different period of English or British history.
  • Rowan Atkinson plays Edmund Blackadder in every series, and Tony Robinson plays Baldrick.
  • The series has been described as a BBC comedy benchmark and a major British sitcom.

Frequently asked questions

What is Blackadder?
Blackadder is a British historical sitcom franchise made up of four main TV series and several specials, originally broadcast on BBC1 between 1983 and 1989.
Who stars in Blackadder?
Rowan Atkinson stars as Edmund Blackadder in all the main series, and Tony Robinson plays his servant Baldrick.
How many Blackadder series are there?
There are four main series: The Black Adder, Blackadder II, Blackadder the Third, and Blackadder Goes Forth.
What historical periods does Blackadder cover?
The series are set in the late medieval period, Elizabethan England, the Regency era, and World War I.
When did Blackadder first air?
The first series began on 15 June 1983.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackadder
    Supports: Identifies Blackadder as a four-part British sitcom series, names the four main series, original broadcast years, and principal cast.
  2. BBChttps://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/anniversaries/june/blackadder
    Supports: States the first series began on 15 June 1983 and identifies key cast members.
  3. BFI Screenonlinehttps://www.bfi.org.uk/blackadder
    Supports: Describes the four historical settings and the franchise's status as an established BBC comedy benchmark.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Blackadder
    Supports: Confirms Blackadder as a British television show and supports general identification of the work.