The essential episodes of Blackadder
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Blackadder — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Edmund accidentally kills King Richard III but, unexpectedly, the tragedy makes him a prince - so Edmund decides he now needs a more striking name for himself. But the mood of celebration is shattered when he realises the identity of the nobleman Lord Percy has agreed to shelter in the castle.
- 02
With the king away fighting in the Crusades, the arrival of Lord Dougal McAngus provides Edmund with an opportunity to seize power. But he really should have taken a closer look at those documents declaring brother Harry to be illegitimate...
- 03
The King wishes to form an alliance between England and Spain, and insists that Edmund marries the Infanta Maria Escalosa of Spain. Edmund is unimpressed by her lack of beauty.
- 04
The cruel witchsmeller pursuivant is sent to root out the source of an outbreak of witchcraft - and quickly lays the blame on Edmund, Lord Percy and Baldrick. If they can't prove their innocence, they'll be burned at the stake.
- 05
When Edmund is appointed lord high executioner, he moves a beheading forward from Wednesday to Monday, so he and his staff can enjoy some time off. But he didn't take into account the queen's tendency to change her mind.
- 06
Edmund is in trouble when he is visited by a debt-collecting bishop armed with a red-hot poker.
- 07
There are problems in the Blackadder household due to an embarrassing incident with a turnip, an ostrich feather and a puritanical fat aunt.
- 08
The evil Prince Ludwig kidnaps both Blackadder and Lord Melchett, and the Queen remembers Blackadder's earlier advice to have nothing to do with any ransom notes. Is our hero doomed, or does Baldrick have a cunning plan?
- 09
Dr Samuel Johnson seeks the regent's support for his dictionary, but when it is used for firewood, Edmund must rewrite it.
- 10
While the Prince Regent is attending a play, he survives an assassination attempt by anarchists. He is horrified to learn that he is unpopular and Blackadder suggests he improves his image by delivering a speech, so he hires the two actors they saw at the theatre to tutor him in public speaking.Anarchists lurk in every cupboard and actors in every coffee house, but which pose a greater threat to the prince?
- 11
Edmund cheats to win a competition to be named Official War Artist, thinking it's his ticket out of the trenches. So he's furious when his reward turns out to be going into no man's land to sketch the German positions.
- 12
Blackadder faces court-martial for eating a carrier pigeon. With the pigeon's owner, Melchett, as judge and Darling as prosecutor, Edmund's relying on George and Baldrick to save his skin.
- 13
Edmund, George and Baldrick join the Royal Flying Corps. However, Edmund and Baldrick are shot down soon afterwards and are taken prisoner by the Red Baron. George persuades dashing pilot Lord Flashheart to mount a rescue attempt, but when they hear what the Red Baron has planned for them, Blackadder and Baldrick are in no hurry to be saved.
- 14
Melchett orders Blackadder to unmask a spy working in the hospital where George is recovering from a bomb blast. Edmund sets to work, interrogating Darling, seducing a nurse and asking Baldrick to keep an eye on a patient with a pronounced German accent.
- 15
When Blackadder, George and Baldrick are told they are going over the top the next day, Blackadder decides to feign madness.
Shows like Blackadder
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Comedy·History·DramaThe essential episodes of The Great2020–2023
The Great is a satirical, comedic drama about the rise of Catherine the Great from outsider to the longest reigning female ruler in Russia's history. - 02Comedy·History·DramaThe essential episodes of The Hardacres2024–present·5
Family saga about the rags-to riches lives of a working-class family in 1890s Yorkshire. - 03Comedy·HistoryThe essential episodes of The Decameron2024–2024
As the bubonic plague spreads through Italy, a group of nobles and servants retreats to a villa, where their lavish getaway quickly spirals into chaos. - 04Comedy·HistoryThe essential episodes of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin2024
In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. - 05Comedy·History·ThrillerThe essential episodes of Hazardous History with Henry Winkler2025–present·HistoryThe eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past.
- 06Comedy·HistoryThe essential episodes of Drunk History2013–2019·Comedy Central
Based on the popular web series, Drunk History is the liquored-up narration of our nation's history.
