Horrible Histories (2015 TV series) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Horrible Histories
Logo used for Series 6 and "The Specials II"
Genre	Comedy
Based on	Horrible Histories by Terry Deary
Written by	Ben Ward Dave Cohen Gerard Foster Steve Punt George Sawyer et al.
Directed by	Simon Gibney Ian Curtis
Starring	Tom Stourton, Jessica Ransom, Jalaal Hartley
Voices of	John Eccleston (Rattus Rattus) Jon Culshaw Jess Robinson
Theme music composer	Richie Webb Matt Katz
Composer(s)	Richie Webb
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language(s)	English
No. of series	3
No. of episodes	43 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Melissa Hardinge Richard Bradley Bill Hobbins
Producer(s)	Tom Miller
Editor(s)	Adam Windmill Will Peverett
Running time	30 minutes
Production company(s)	Lion Television
Release
Original network	CBBC
Original release	7 February 2015 (2015-02-07) – present
Chronology
Preceded by	Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories is a super funny British TV show. It's a sketch comedy series for kids. The show is based on the popular Horrible Histories books by Terry Deary.

This version of the show is a revival of an earlier live-action TV series. That first show stopped in 2013. This new series is like a continuation, starting with "Series 6". It's produced by Lion Television for CBBC.

About Horrible Histories

How Did the Show Return?

In 2014, the TV channel CBBC announced exciting news. Because the first Horrible Histories was so popular, they wanted to bring it back! However, the original main actors decided not to return as a team.

What's Different About This Version?

The new series keeps the same fun idea and style. It still has hilarious parody songs in every episode. But there's a big change in how it's put together.

Instead of short, random sketches, the new series often focuses on one famous historical person. It explores their life and times in detail. Most of the actors and production team are new. But Greg Jenner is still the main history expert. Many of the original writers also returned.

Some actors from the first series came back for smaller parts. These include Sarah Hadland, Simon Farnaby, Lawry Lewin, and Jim Howick. Simon Farnaby even plays his old role as Death! Famous UK comedians like Ben Miller and Rowan Atkinson have also appeared as guest stars.

When Did It Start?

The new series began in February 2015. The first episode was about the signing of the Magna Carta. This was to celebrate its 800-year anniversary. After that, fourteen more episodes followed.

In 2016, there were three special episodes. These marked important events like 400 years since William Shakespeare died. They also covered the BBC's "Love to Read" campaign and 350 years since the Great Fire of London. Some of the main actors, Jalaal Hartley, Tom Stourton, and Jessica Ransom, continued their roles.

What About Later Series?

A full seventh series aired in 2017 and 2018. Hartley, Ransom, and Stourton were still there. They were joined by Gemma Whelan, Richard David-Caine, and Ryan Sampson.

Series 7 episodes focused on a specific theme. Examples include music, explorers, or medicine. The show kept its funny sketches and a song in each episode. Quiz questions from historical figures also appeared. Rattus Rattus, the rat host, even had his own storyline! Guest stars included Sanjeev Bhaskar and Fred Sirieix.

An eighth series started filming in 2018 and aired in June 2019. It also focused on themes and sometimes had guest hosts. There were two special episodes. One was Football with Alex Scott, hosted by footballer Alex Scott. The other was Back to School with Emily Attack, hosted by actress Emily Atack. These specials looked back at funny school-related sketches from both Horrible Histories shows.

More episodes of series 8 were planned for 2020. A new ninth series was also announced for the same year.

Meet the Cast!

Many talented actors bring history to life in Horrible Histories. Here are some of the main cast members who have appeared in most episodes:

• Richard David-Caine (2016 Specials – present)
• Simon Farnaby (Series 6)
• Jalaal Hartley (Series 6 – present)
• Harrie Hayes (Series 8)
• Jim Howick (Series 6)
• Samson Kayo (Series 7)
• Naz Osmanoglu (Series 6)
• Jessica Ransom (Series 6 – present)
• Adam Riches (Series 6)
• Ryan Sampson (Series 7)
• Tom Stourton (Series 6 – present)
• Thom Tuck (2016 Specials)
• Mike Wozniak (Series 8)
• Gemma Whelan (2016 Specials – Series 7)

Many other actors have also played important supporting roles:

• Michael Abubakar (Series 8)
• Lolly Adefope (Series 7)
• Sanjeev Bhaskar (Series 6 – Series 7)
• Louise Ford (Series 6 – Series 7)
• Katherine Jakeways (Series 6)
• Lawry Lewin (Series 6)
• Jason Lewis (Series 6)
• Bhavna Limbachia (Series 6)
• Dan Li (Series 6 – Series 7)
• Emily Lloyd-Saini (Series 8)
• James McNicholas (Series 7 – Series 8)
• Dominique Moore (Series 6 – 2016 Specials)
• Tom Palmer (Series 7)
• Daniel Lawrence Taylor (2016 Specials)
• Giles Terera (Series 6)
• Danielle Vitalis (Series 8)
• Natalie Walter (Series 6 – 2016 Specials)
• Ellie White (Series 7 – Series 8)
• Sophie Wu (Series 6 – Series 7)

Some famous guest stars have also appeared:

• Rowan Atkinson
• Terry Deary
• Kathryn Drysdale
• Kevin Eldon
• Mel Giedroyc
• Miles Jupp
• Ben Miller
• Tom Rosenthal
• Fred Sirieix (Series 7–8)
• Lorna Watson
• Robert Webb

Episodes

You can find a full list of all the episodes here: List of Horrible Histories (2015 TV series) episodes.

Awards

Horrible Histories has won many awards for being such a great show!