10 Shows and Movies Similar to Horrible Histories (2009)

Description: Yes Minister, like Horrible Histories, uses satire to explore its subject matter—in this case, the workings of government. Both shows employ clever writing and humor to reveal the absurdities of their respective worlds.

Fact: The show was praised by real-life politicians, including Margaret Thatcher, who called it her favorite program. Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes Prime Minister, were written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, who drew on their experiences in politics and media. The show's portrayal of bureaucratic inefficiency remains relevant decades after its original airing.

Description: The Young Ones shares Horrible Histories' anarchic humor and willingness to break the fourth wall. Both shows mix slapstick, satire, and surreal elements to create a unique comedic style.

Fact: The show was one of the first British comedies to feature alternative comedy stand-ups like Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson. The Young Ones was known for its violent and chaotic scenes, often ending with the destruction of the set. The show included musical performances from punk and new wave bands, adding to its rebellious vibe.

Description: Like Horrible Histories, Blackadder combines historical settings with sharp, witty humor. Both shows use satire to explore historical events, making them entertaining and educational. Blackadder's clever wordplay and absurd situations mirror the comedic approach of Horrible Histories.

Fact: Rowan Atkinson, who plays Blackadder, initially portrayed the character as bumbling and dim-witted in the first series, but the character evolved into a cunning and sarcastic figure in later series. The show's creator, Richard Curtis, also wrote for iconic comedies like Mr. Bean and Love Actually. Each series of Blackadder is set in a different historical period, from the Middle Ages to World War I.

Description: Bottom, like Horrible Histories, thrives on physical comedy and exaggerated characters. Both shows use over-the-top humor to entertain, though Bottom's focus is on the misadventures of two hopeless friends rather than historical events.

Fact: The show stars Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson, who also worked together on The Young Ones. Bottom was known for its extreme slapstick violence, often involving absurdly painful stunts. The show spawned several live stage performances, which were equally chaotic and popular.

Description: Bill Nye the Science Guy shares Horrible Histories' educational mission, presenting factual content in an engaging and humorous way. Both shows target younger audiences but appeal to all ages with their fun and informative approach.

Fact: Bill Nye holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University. The show won 19 Emmy Awards during its run. Bill Nye's bow tie became an iconic part of his persona, symbolizing his quirky and approachable style.

Description: MythBusters, like Horrible Histories, blends education with entertainment. Both shows debunk myths and explore historical or scientific concepts through hands-on experiments and humorous commentary, making learning fun.

Fact: The hosts, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, met while working on special effects for commercials. The show tested over 1,000 myths during its 14-year run. MythBusters was originally conceived as a one-hour special but was expanded into a series due to its popularity.

Description: The Thick of It shares Horrible Histories' satirical edge, though it focuses on modern politics rather than history. Both shows use sharp wit and fast-paced dialogue to critique their subjects, making them both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Fact: The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also worked on Veep and The Death of Stalin. Much of the dialogue was improvised, giving the show a spontaneous and realistic feel. The character Malcolm Tucker, played by Peter Capaldi, is known for his blistering insults and became a cultural icon.

Description: The IT Crowd shares Horrible Histories' quirky humor and eccentric characters. Both shows use absurd situations and witty dialogue to create laughs, though The IT Crowd focuses on the misadventures of tech support staff.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also wrote for Father Ted and Black Books. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a catchphrase for tech support everywhere. The IT Crowd was initially rejected by Channel 4 but was later picked up after a successful pilot.

Description: The Inbetweeners, like Horrible Histories, captures the awkwardness and humor of growing up. Both shows use relatable, cringe-worthy situations to entertain, though The Inbetweeners is set in a modern high school rather than historical periods.

Fact: The show was inspired by the creators' own experiences as teenagers. The Inbetweeners spawned two successful movies, which became the highest-grossing British comedies of their time. The show's frank portrayal of teenage life resonated with audiences, making it a cult favorite.

Description: Operation Ouch! mirrors Horrible Histories' approach by making medical and scientific topics accessible and entertaining for children. Both shows use humor, sketches, and experiments to educate their audience.

Fact: The show is hosted by twin brothers Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken, who are both medical doctors. Operation Ouch! has won multiple awards for its educational content. The show often features real-life medical cases and experiments conducted by the hosts.