# Blackadder

> British television comedy series, 1983–89

**Wikidata**: [Q49019](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49019)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackadder)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blackadder

## Summary
*Blackadder* is a British television comedy series that aired from 1983 to 1989, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. It is renowned for its satirical humor, historical settings, and iconic characters, becoming a cultural phenomenon in British comedy.

## Key Facts
- **Series Title**: *Blackadder*
- **Genre**: Comedy television series, historical satire
- **Original Network**: BBC One (flagship channel of the BBC, established 1936)
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Broadcast Period**: June 15, 1983 – November 2, 1989
- **Creators**: Richard Curtis (screenwriter, born 1956) and Rowan Atkinson (actor, comedian, born 1955)
- **Series Structure**:
  - *The Black Adder* (1983, first series)
  - *Blackadder II* (1986, second series)
  - *Blackadder the Third* (1987, third series)
  - *Blackadder Goes Forth* (1989, fourth series)
- **Specials**:
  - *Blackadder: The Cavalier Years* (one-off edition)
  - *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* (1988)
  - *Blackadder: Back & Forth* (2000, directed by Paul Weiland)
- **Website**: [BBC Comedy - Blackadder](https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/blackadder/)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0084988
- **Wikidata ID**: Q185869908
- **Related Entities**:
  - Rowan Atkinson (creator, lead actor)
  - Richard Curtis (co-creator, screenwriter)
  - BBC One (broadcaster)
  - United Kingdom (country of origin)

## FAQs
**What is *Blackadder* about?**
*Blackadder* is a satirical comedy series set in different historical periods, following the cunning and often scheming Edmund Blackadder (played by Rowan Atkinson) and his dim-witted sidekick Baldrick. Each series parodies a distinct era, from medieval England to World War I.

**Who created *Blackadder*?**
The series was co-created by Richard Curtis, a British screenwriter known for works like *Four Weddings and a Funeral* and *Love Actually*, and Rowan Atkinson, the actor famous for his role as Mr. Bean and the titular character in *Blackadder*.

**How many series of *Blackadder* were made?**
There are four main series: *The Black Adder* (1983), *Blackadder II* (1986), *Blackadder the Third* (1987), and *Blackadder Goes Forth* (1989). Additionally, several specials were produced, including *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* (1988) and *Blackadder: Back & Forth* (2000).

**What makes *Blackadder* significant in British comedy?**
*Blackadder* is celebrated for its sharp wit, historical satire, and influential writing, which helped redefine British television comedy. Its blend of slapstick and clever dialogue set a new standard for sitcoms in the 1980s.

**Where can I watch *Blackadder*?**
The series is available on various platforms, including the BBC’s official website and streaming services. Physical media releases, such as DVD box sets, are also widely available.

## Why It Matters
*Blackadder* is a cornerstone of British comedy, known for its innovative writing, memorable characters, and satirical take on history. It influenced subsequent generations of comedians and writers, demonstrating how humor could be both intelligent and accessible. The series also showcased the talents of Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, who became major figures in British entertainment. Beyond its comedic value, *Blackadder* reflects the cultural and political attitudes of 1980s Britain, making it a significant artifact of its time.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Characters**: Edmund Blackadder, Baldrick, and other recurring characters became cultural icons in British comedy.
- **Historical Satire**: Each series parodies a different historical period, blending education with humor.
- **Influential Writing**: Richard Curtis’s scripts set a high bar for television comedy, combining wit with sharp social commentary.
- **Cultural Impact**: The series remains a reference point in British pop culture, frequently quoted and celebrated.
- **Award Recognition**: Though not explicitly listed, its enduring popularity and critical acclaim speak to its significance.
- **Special Episodes**: Unique specials like *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* and *Blackadder: Back & Forth* expanded its legacy beyond the main series.

## Body
### History and Development
*Blackadder* began as *The Black Adder* in 1983, a medieval-set comedy that introduced the character of Edmund, played by Rowan Atkinson. The series was co-created by Atkinson and Richard Curtis, who sought to blend historical settings with modern humor. The first series was followed by *Blackadder II* (1986), set in the Elizabethan era, which refined the show’s tone and introduced more sophisticated satire. Subsequent series, *Blackadder the Third* (1987) and *Blackadder Goes Forth* (1989), continued this trend, with the latter set during World War I and noted for its poignant finale.

### Creators and Cast
Rowan Atkinson, born in 1955, is an English actor and comedian best known for his roles in *Blackadder* and *Mr. Bean*. His portrayal of Edmund Blackadder became one of his most iconic performances. Richard Curtis, born in 1956, is a screenwriter whose work on *Blackadder* helped establish his reputation in British comedy. Together, they created a series that balanced slapstick with sharp, often subversive humor.

### Series Overview
- **The Black Adder (1983)**: The inaugural series, set in a fictionalized medieval England, follows Edmund’s attempts to seize power.
- **Blackadder II (1986)**: Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, this series introduced more polished writing and memorable supporting characters.
- **Blackadder the Third (1987)**: The Regency era provides the backdrop for Edmund’s schemes, with Hugh Laurie joining the cast as the foppish Prince George.
- **Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)**: The final series, set in the trenches of World War I, is praised for its dark humor and emotional depth.

### Specials and Legacy
Several special episodes were produced, including *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* (1988), a parody of Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol*, and *Blackadder: Back & Forth* (2000), a millennium-themed special. These expansions kept the franchise relevant long after the original series ended.

### Cultural and Comedic Influence
*Blackadder* is credited with revitalizing British sitcoms in the 1980s, blending historical settings with contemporary humor. Its influence extends to later comedies, and its catchphrases (e.g., Baldrick’s “I have a cunning plan”) remain widely recognized. The series also launched the careers of several actors, including Hugh Laurie, who later gained international fame.

### Technical and Broadcast Details
The series aired on BBC One, the BBC’s flagship channel, and was produced with a mix of studio and location filming. Its broadcast period (1983–1989) coincided with a golden age of British television comedy, and its availability on modern platforms ensures its continued popularity.

### Related Media and Adaptations
While *Blackadder* has not been adapted into other formats, its success led to spin-offs in the form of specials and merchandise. The series’ scripts have been published, and its episodes are frequently rerun, introducing new audiences to its humor.

### Critical Reception and Awards
Though specific awards are not listed in the source material, *Blackadder* is widely regarded as one of the greatest British sitcoms. Its writing, performances, and innovative approach to historical comedy have earned it a lasting place in television history.

### Conclusion
*Blackadder* remains a defining work of British comedy, celebrated for its wit, historical satire, and enduring influence. Its legacy continues through reruns, specials, and its impact on subsequent generations of comedians and writers.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2044028/Rowan-Atkinson-hints-Blackadder-reunion-Fifth-series-cards.html#axzz2KPaEz9vJ)
2. Hulu
3. fernsehserien.de
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. BBC Things
6. Kinopoisk
7. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
8. Online-Filmdatenbank
9. The Movie Database
10. FilmVandaag.nl