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S11 E15 · Pitiful Princes and Princesses
Horrible Histories is a comedy and family TV series that premiered on CBBC on April 16, 2009. It has 11 seasons and 154 episodes so far and is still airing new episodes. The latest episode, Season 11 Episode 15 "Pitiful Princes and Princesses", aired on December 19, 2025.
Based on the best-selling children's books and liberally splattered with guts, blood and poo, a group of British comedians offer an anarchic and unconventional take on some of history's most gruesome and funny moments, with topics including the Stone Age, the Middle Ages, the Egyptians and the Romans, among others.
Last updated
154 episodes · 11 seasons
2009 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 17 years ago
All 13 episodes of the BBC series! History with the nasty bits left in! Based on the bestselling series of books for kids (and for adults, but they just won't admit it), Horrible Histories is an anarchic, surprising and unconventional take on history's most gruesome and funny moments. Foul facts, rotten rulers, beastly battles and evil inventions feature in horribly hilarious sketches, songs, cartoons and quizzes - all linked by the show's host, a talking rat! Liberally splattered with guts, blood and poo, Horrible Histories romps through the ages with fascinating facts from the Savage Stone Age, Awful Egyptians, Rotten Romans and Vicious Vikings, taking in the Measly Middle Ages, Terrible Tudors, Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians, right up to the Woeful Second World War.
Horrible Histories Series 1 release dates →
E13
A lazy aristocrat invents the sandwich, the Romans host their own revolting cookery show and William Shakespeare is haunted by the ghost of King Richard III.
E12
A Victorian teacher is confused by her pupils' bizarre names, the Romans run out of animals to execute, and Queen Victoria advertises her exercise DVD.
E11
Queen Victoria learns that her British comforts are not very British, a Viking warrior won't stop talking in rhyme, and on 'Axe Factor', the contestants try to become executioners.
E10
HHTV News reports live from the Battle of Thermopylae, Celt housewives find decorative uses for severed heads, and we learn the revolting truth about Roman toilets.
E9
A Victorian inspector checks that school is suitably cruel, HHTV News reports live from the Great Plague, and Thumbelina drowns unpleasantly.
E8
The Saxons exchange disgusting Christmas presents, a caveman goes on a TV cookery show, and we discover the bizarre causes of the First World War.
E7
There is a terrible smell in the Houses of Parliament, Cinderella struggles with the Blitz, and Helen of Troy reveals her complicated love life.
E6
An evil Greek god appears on a daytime chat show, a rich Georgian swaps his wife with a peasant, and we meet some weird medieval monsters.
E5
A priest makes a piano from live pigs, Emperor Caligula declares war on the sea, and there are some disgusting beauty tips from Ancient Egypt.
E4
The Tudors sing their family history, Bob explains the complete history of Rome in two minutes, and a mad Victorian gentleman eats King Louis XIV's mummified heart.
E3
A Roman emperor finds a nasty alternative to candles, and an Egyptian tries to save money.
E2
A Stone Age doctor tries to help a modern patient and a Pharaoh invents the pyramid.
E1
A pirate captain worries about an early bedtime and the four King Georges form a boyband.
2010 · 12 episodes · Last episode: 16 years ago
E12
Ug and Grunt demonstrate how to paint like a caveman, some silly World War Two codebreakers forget their own code, and Henry VIII challenges the King of France to a wrestlemania-style smackdown!
E11
Barmy Roman emperor Caligula fails to invade Britain so collects seashells instead, King Henry VIII plays tennis while Anne Boleyn is executed, and some naughty Saxon monks throw a funky party.
E10
King Charles I sends someone else to get married for him, a new recruit regrets joining the Georgian army, and Queen Cleopatra reveals her weird beauty secrets.
E9
The Stuarts are confused by the newly-discovered drink of tea, a Viking funeral ends in a massive fight, a child evacuated in the Blitz thinks farm animals are monsters, and some cowboys sing about life in the Wild West.
E8
Some Vikings attack a monastery but can't remember why, a peasant gets a posh makeover on Georgian Fashion Fix, Crimewatch BC tries to solve the murder of Julius Caesar, and prepare to be confused by the Egyptian Hieroglyphics song.
E7
Joan of Arc gets a visit from a confused angel, a pirate captain tries to make his crew dress like ladies, and Mrs Celt enjoys being a Roman on Historical Wife Swap.
E6
The Ug and Ugio families go head to head on Stone Age Family Fortunes, mad King George III's doctors are even madder than he is, and Emperor Elagabalus launches his pranktastic Roman lottery.
E5
An Incan kid has the worst birthday ever, a Roman farmer meets a door-to-door poo salesman, and King George IV embarks on a solo musical career.
E4
Britain's greatest sailor, Admiral Nelson, turns out to be horribly seasick, two doctors from the Middle Ages argue over how to treat a patient, discover the many uses for an Incan llama, and the World War 2 Girls sing about Girl Power on the Home Front.
E3
In Ancient Greece, it's time for Spartan High School Musical, a jester breaks bad news to Henry VIII using armpit raspberries, learn how to stay fit with the Caveman Workout, and Roman emperor Nero stars in a (not very) romantic movie.
E2
A pirate captain regrets stealing a herd of seasick cows, a Georgian sportsman invents a whole new way of boxing, King Charles II raps about his party lifestyle, and the Georgian army goes to war against a bunch of naughty schoolboys.
E1
A prank-loving emperor hosts a dinner party on Roman Come Dine with Me, the Durham Home Guard injure themselves while learning first aid, and the Viking rock band paint the town red... literally.
2011 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 15 years ago
E13
Savage Songs compilation. Featuring the hip hop battle of the boasting Celts, pop superstar Cleopatra, rock rebel William Wallace, the soulful Suffragettes, the funky Aztec priests, the crooning caveman, bad boy heartthrob Dick Turpin, pouting Richard III, the children of the Victorian workhouses, and the many, many, merry monarchs!
E12
The people of Strasbourg literally can't stand still with 'Dance Fever', HHTV presenter Fearne Polyester reports from a bizarre Greek festival, two Celtic warriors hold a rap battle to see who is best at boasting, and King Charles II meets the man who tried to steal the Crown Jewels.
E11
We rejoice in the odd marriage of Mary I and Philip II of Spain, whilst a pirate chef disgusts the judges on Historical Masterchef and a Stone Age man appears on Dragons' Den with his innovative inventions. Plus, the Victorian paramedics offer their bizarre medical advice to a modern patient.
E10
Some WWI soldiers try some very unusual ways to cure frostbite in the winter. Plus, the not at all romantic movie starring William the Conqueror, the story of Aztec Emperor Motecuhzoma, and a strange Stuart doctor takes a snooze during the middle of a battle.
E9
The Vikings launch their advert for 'We Sell Any Monk', Queen Elizabeth I surprises her court with some very odd laws, the sacrifice obsessed Aztec priests sing their gruesome disco song, and we discover the Roman equivalent of text messaging.
E8
HHTV reporter Mike Peabody gets caught up in the French Revolution, Henry VIII enjoys a highly dangerous sport for children, Saxon King Ethelred the Unready suffers online bullying from the Vikings, and the Suffragettes set the record straight in song.
E7
Robert Walpole struggles to talk to England's German king, a Scottish sportsman attacks dead cows in the Highland Games, American inventor Paul Revere demonstrates his gunpowder toothpaste, and the Roman Emperors channel the King of Pop in their musical argument over who's baddest of all.
E6
Henry VIII promotes his all meat, no vegetables diet plan, Bob Hale struggles desperately to explain the Middle Ages War of the Roses, a Stone Age man invents farming, and Admiral Nelson confuses everyone with his last words.
E5
A Welsh prince from the Middle Ages has a very stupid death, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette go on Historical Wife Swap with some starving French peasants, a Tudor peasant gets a super-hot makeover from Historical Fashion Fix, and Queen Cleopatra sings about her femme fatale reputation.
E4
An unusual Stuart highwayman doesn't always steal cash, a modern detective struggles to solve a series of murders in Emperor Caligula's house, HHTV goes undercover to prove allegations of cheating in Middle Ages jousting tournaments, and King George IV meets his dead relatives.
E3
A confused World War I soldier spends his first day in the trenches, William Wallace launches his music career as a rock rebel, Lady Jane Grey wins a frankly terrible competition, and the Welsh women of Fishguard defeat a French invasion without even trying.
E2
Some medieval knights discover the most disgusting way to attack a castle, the Saxons demonstrate the stupidest way to lose a battle, a Georgian goes shopping in a modern pet shop, and the kings and queens of England demonstrate how to remember them all, through the power of song.
E1
Meet an annoying French prankster from the Middle Ages, witness bizarre Aztec food on Historical Masterchef, see what happens when Queen Elizabeth I needs the toilet, and learn how not to impress a woman in Victorian times -a painful lesson in manners. The truth about Dick Turpin in song; certainly no New Romantic.
2012 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 14 years ago
E13
The Thinkers, Mary I, William Shakespeare, The New World, Luddites, Victoria and Albert, Mary Seacole, Natural Selection and RAF Pilots
E12
A Victorian woman books a ticket on a very odd railway, a modern patient is (mis)treated by a Roman dentist, Alfred the Great pitches a movie about his life, and a Greek geek competes on Historical Mastermind.
E11
Dr Culpeper invites us all to his highly unhealthy health spa, a Crusader knight competes on Historical Masterchef, King John worries about all the internet haters and crooner William Shakespeare serenades us with his big band.
E10
William the Conqueror has some trouble conquering the town of Ely, Greek philosopher Diogenes reveals his disgusting tactic for getting rid of people he doesn't like, a Saxon joins a modern dating agency and there is a surprise in store for the people on Victorian Wife Swap.
E9
King Edward III gets married in a building site, Julius Caesar reveals his secret tips on hiding baldness, we learn the tricks of the criminal trade on the Real Victorian Hustle and we meet Renaissance Italy's most corrupt family: the Borgias.
E8
Emperor Nero visits the victims of the Great Fire of Rome, some Crusaders attend a training course on how to fight weird monsters, and we meet the man with the best (and worst) job in Tudor England.
E7
Emperor Napoleon plays in a very unusual chess match, a Victorian inventor builds an anti-seasickness ship with one small design flaw, a snowball fight breaks out at a public execution and the British army hires a dead tramp to defeat the Germans in World War II.
E6
A confused Christopher Columbus declares he has found India and a Georgian woman reveals her very Stupid Death. Also, Victoria and Albert attend the Great Exhibition and Tsar Peter III brings a very weird case to the Court of Historical Law.
E5
Some Bronze Agers argue about building the world's first city, Bob Hale explains the entire history of the Renaissance, Mary Seacole sings about her Crimean hotel, and William Shakespeare gets into a rap battle.
E4
HHTV's War Reporter Mike Peabody regrets his decision to cover the Norman Siege of Palermo, the Pilgrim Fathers rap about Jamestown in America, and a German submarine captain has the worst toilet accident in history.
E3
Queen Elizabeth I goes online dating, Greek philosopher Socrates foils his own rescue from prison, and Emicho of the Rhineland goes crusading with some very unusual Sat Navs to lead the way.
E2
Henry VIII appears on a TV show hoping to raise money from his antique abbeys. Also, Charles Darwin sings about his theory of Natural Selection, and a pirate captain aims to be Lord Sugar's next Historical Apprentice.
E1
Dick Whittington pitches a movie about his life, Stone Age technology geeks queue for hours at the unveiling of the Bronze Age, and some German bomber pilots find an unfortunate use for a tourist guidebook to Britain.
2013 · 13 episodes · Last episode: 13 years ago
E13
Some of history's greatest characters serenade us with tales of their lives. Featuring the all-conquering Alexander the Great, the cash-loving Crassus, the feisty Joan of Arc, the brilliant but miserable Charles Dickens, and the very determined Rosa Parks.
E12
Featuring a female dinosaur expert who sells seashells down on the seashore, Brian the handsome scientist reveals the weird wonders of the Greek Universe, TV's fastest-talking pensioner, Bob Hale, tries to explain the Space Race between the USA and the USSR, and there's a fitting musical finale to the end of the series.
E11
DI Bones investigates an unusual Victorian traffic accident, Roman scientist Pliny the Elder suffers a Stupid Death in ancient Pompeii, Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill argue online over what to do about Adolf Hitler, and we discover the horrible history of early Australia.
E10
A Victorian businessman goes undercover in his own factory, there's a right royal squabble over who should rule medieval England, we meet eccentric Georgian politician Mad Jack Mytton and the Real Tudor Hustle reveals the cleverest con tricks by naughty historical criminals.
E9
There is public confusion when King Charles II bans coffee shops, a seasick chicken ruins a Roman sea battle, mighty Egyptian Pharaoh, Ramesses II, meets some smelly peasants on Historical Wife Swap, and a cave-dwelling Stone Age couple try to buy their first house.
E8
The surprising identity of Britain's top-scoring footballer is revealed, things get ridiculous on Germany's version of Historical Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, a Celtic farmer isn't terribly keen on plans for Hadrian's Wall, and the brainy pioneers of transportation sing about their inventions.
E7
Roman emperor Caesar Augustus reveals the lazy secret of his success, TV's most excitable reporter, Bob Hale, explains the very, very complex history of WW2, we meet Georgian England's most forgetful vicar, and Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr takes on the English in battle.
E6
Queen Victoria's coronation doesn't go quite as planned, George IV pulls out all the stops to impress his guests on Historical Come Dine With Me, ancient Greek bighead Alexander the Great refuses to stop conquering things, and the HH Sport team report live from the horrible pirate races.
E5
Famous monk St Augustine struggles to introduce Christianity to Saxon England; Stuart diarist Samuel Pepys annoys the smartest men in Britain; we witness a daring escape from the Tower of London; and Joan of Arc's story is quite an unusual one for a teenage girl.
E4
Featuring the rather eccentric Georgian philosopher Jeremy Bentham; super-rich Roman politician Crassus raps about his blinging lifestyle; some unusual soldiers are recruited into WW2; and Johannes Gutenberg goes head-to-head with some monks on The Historical Apprentice.
E3
The boys test their horsepower to the max on Stone Age Top Gear; Charles Dickens sings about his life and books; the Greek philosophers host weird dinner parties on Historical Come Dine With Me; and Vlad the Impaler reveals his horrible new plan for keeping out the neighbours.
E2
Featuring a surprisingly charming Stuart highwayman; the Captain of the Titanic holds the world's worst safety briefing; famous writer Mary Shelley pitches the movie of her life; and those violent Vikings show their softer side in a song.
E1
The Saxon gods form an unlikely team of superheroes; famous astronaut Neil Armstrong reveals his new weight loss programme; we meet Georgian London's crime-fighting genius, and Rosa Parks sings about her struggle for equality.
2015 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 11 years ago
E15
A special episode of the historical sketch show, featuring all your favourite songs from the series! Sing along with King Alfred about his burnt cakes, or with Henry VIII about his love of reformation - or get down Norman-style with William the Conqueror. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E14
A special episode of the historical sketch show, featuring ghastly Genghis Khan, the wise Confucius and a dance-off during a naval battle! There's also a Bollywood number from Queen Victoria. With Rattus to guide the way.
E13
A special episode of the historical sketch show featuring all your favourite rotten rulers from the series. Including naughty Napoleon annoying his Josephine and horrid Henry VIII getting married again! There's also a song from wily Winston Churchill and of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E12
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Oliver Cromwell. We follow Oliver as he rises from obscurity, challenges King Charles I in the English Civil War, and ultimately orders the King's execution - as he says, a it was a 'cruel necessity'. In other parts of Britain we meet a bunch of oddly named Puritan soldiers, and the great writers Shakespeare and Milton square up for a word battle. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E11
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Queen Victoria, starring Sarah Hadland. We meet young Vicky as she becomes queen aged only 18, marries her true love Albert, and has to put up with the open sewers at the not-so-luxurious Buckingham Palace. Meanwhile, across the world, we catch up with Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, and discover plans for the Great Hedge of India. Yes, hedge! With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E10
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Winston Churchill, starring Jim Howick. We follow Churchill from a young soldier in India during the time of Queen Victoria, through the First World War, to victory in World War II, and finally to his retirement in the Swinging Sixties - what a journey! Meanwhile across the world we meet the American soldier literally spreading propaganda around the battlefields, and learn about Gandhi's more eccentric side. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E9
A special episode of the historical sketch show, focusing on the great British Queen Boudica, starring Lorna Watson from Watson & Oliver. We follow Boudica as she turns against her Roman masters and unleashes her wrecking ball on Colchester, St Albans and London. It is cut-throat Celts versus rotten Romans - it's going to be very gory! Meanwhile, across the world, we meet famous emperors Caligula and Nero, dishing out their own unique brand of Imperial nastiness. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E8
A special episode of the historical sketch show about King George III, starring Simon Farnaby. We follow George from a young unpopular king to a much loved figure some 60 years later, and check out a bit of his court life along the way. Meanwhile across the world we hear about some of the words we have got from India, and the Battles of the Day team give us their unique insight into the American Revolution. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E7
A special episode of the historical sketch show about the great Egyptian queen Cleopatra, starring Kathryn Drysdale. We meet Cleo as she clashes with her brother, seizes power and hooks up with great Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Meanwhile, across the world, we catch up with the thoughts of famous Chinese philosopher Confucius and encounter the less glamorous side of life in Rome. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E6
A special episode about King Henry VIII, starring Rowan Atkinson. We meet the young Henry as he struggles with his boring dad Henry VII, before becoming king himself and going through wives like most people go through toothbrushes! Meanwhile, across the world we meet the great Ottoman leader Suleiman the Magnificent in Turkey, and the mad, bad, and very dangerous to know Emperor Zhengde in China. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E5
A special episode about the great French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, starring Jim Howick. We follow Napoleon as he rises from humble beginnings to be the Emperor of France, bashing most of Europe along the way, and ultimately meeting his Waterloo at, well, Waterloo! Meanwhile, across the world we meet the Indian traveller who brought shampoo to the world. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E4
A special episode about Mary Queen of Scots, starring Jessica Ransom. This episode follows the young Mary as she stumbles from young girl in Scotland to queen in France, back to queen in Scotland and finally to Elizabeth I's public enemy no 1 - with a bit of Queenian Rhapsody thrown in for good measure! Meanwhile, across the world we meet silver-nosed Danish scientist Tycho Brahe, and Mr H gives us his unique take on the epic Battle of Lepanto in another History's Craziest Fools. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E3
A special episode about William the Conqueror, starring Kevin Eldon. We meet young William, Duke of Normandy, as he quarrels with Harold Godwinson about who should be King of England, before bashing the English and taking the crown at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066! Meanwhile, across the world we discover Chinese technology light years ahead of the dunderheaded Normans and Saxons in England, and meet one of the world's first scientists in Egypt. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E2
A special episode about King Alfred the Great, starring Tom Rosenthal. Watch Alfred argue with his older brothers then defeat the Vikings using his cunning hit-and-run tactics, summoning the spirit of Ed Sheeran. Meanwhile, across the world, Ant and Dec host a very special Chinese edition of I'm A Celebrity, and the Egyptians tell us how healthcare should really be done. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
E1
Horrible Histories returns for a special about King John and Magna Carta, starring Ben Miller. John annoys the Barons and agrees Magna Carta at Runnymede, after a banging rap battle. Meanwhile across the world we meet the formidable Genghis Khan in Mongolia, and catch up with the crafty Saladin during the Crusades. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
2017 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 8 years ago
E15
Go through the history of the Tudor dynasty, through from Henry seven to Elizabeth the 1st. Along the way, also find out about Mary 1, in her vlog.
E14
The team takes a look at many ancient cultures. Sketches: Alex the great finds out about kissing The Romans, Greeks and Chinese face off in a rap battle
E13
An episode featuring songs from the series. Join the Horrible Hearts Club Band to sing through music, or go Downtown Threat with Al Capone.
E12
Horrible Histories explores some of the most famous families that have shaped the world.
E11
There is much more to Florence Nightingale than being 'The Lady with the Lamp'...
E10
Will drilling a hole in your head really cure a headache? Horrible Histories investigates.
E9
Horrible Histories explores Russia's Revolting past in this bumper special episode.
E8
From Vicious Vikings to 20th Century tyrants, experience history's most ruthless rulers.
E7
Horrible Histories looks at the 45 US presidents so far, and they are a strange bunch.
E6
From the wheel to WIFI, Horrible Histories takes a look at the world's greatest inventors.
E5
Steve Biceps searches for his top Deadly 60 villains, and Rattus meets his inner demons.
E4
From Dali's surrealism to Chris Ofili's elephant poo, Horrible Histories does art history.
E3
Take a journey of romance through history, including King Henry VIII's 6 First Dates.
E2
Meet explorers throughout the ages, from Vikings in America to the first man on the moon.
E1
Horrible Histories charts monstrous musicians, from Neanderthal screeches to Jimi Hendrix.
2019 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 6 years ago
E15
Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken join Rattus for a selection of old and new sketches relating to bodies.
E14
A special show featuring some of history’s greatest firsts, including the first ever library, Olympic Games, people on the moon and rat roller-skating on TV!
E13
Rattus has launched his own radio station (‘BBC Radio Number Two’) and who better to advise him on the songs he should be playing than social media star Holly H? Together, they bring us a collection of some of the best songs of this series, plus new material from some of the famous historical faces we meet along the way.
E12
The Puritans set sail, Queen Elizabeth I loses a colony, and the Founding Fathers sing!
E11
Alex Scott joins Rattus for a sport-themed special. Mary Queen of Scots goes grief-golfing, the H2 Freestylers take on a whole village, and the sports-mad Henry VIII sings Get Sweaty.
E10
A celebration of some of history’s greatest females, including Spartan Queen Gorgo terrorising Historical Love Island, supergroup The Tudor Queens and the original Wonder Women.
E9
A look at how World War II played out on the home front, featuring Churchill's secret loo, the heroic 'ATA Girls' and German spies being caught out by their delicious sausages.
E8
Dani Dyer becomes Rattus’ political advisor as we look at everything from the birth of democracy to Margaret Thatcher having to change her voice so she would be taken more seriously.
E7
Comedian and space nerd Dara O Briain joins Rattus as guest host for a special show that marks the anniversary of the 1969 moon landings.
E6
A look at some of the various ways in which, throughout history, humans have lived with, worked with, and interacted with animals.
E5
Families - sometimes you love them, sometimes you bicker with them, and sometimes you marry them off to consolidate your power in Europe. Welcome to a look at some of history’s most fearsome families.
E4
Rattus is panicking, as the Rat Queen is visiting the sewer and he has no idea how to behave nicely around royalty! Not only that, if he can somehow appear attractive to the Queen, maybe he could be the next Rat King?! Luckily, help is at hand in the (very well-mannered) shape of First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, a man who knows all about how to behave politely in high society. Fred will guide Rattus through the Horrible History of Manners and Etiquette, in a bid to help him on his quest.
E3
History is filled with tales of great minds coming together, and collaborating, to achieve incredible things. It’s also full of idiots working together to create an unholy mess, and people forming partnerships for decidedly sinister reasons - welcome to Horrible Histories’ Chaotic Collabs!
E2
The Horrible History of (sometimes literally) dressing to kill. Henry VIII has beef over whose armour is best and Louis XV dresses as a hedge.
E1
Featuring Victorian fake news, paparazzi, and cameramen strapped to the front of moving trains, Queen Victoria shows you how her subjects invented and became obsessed with films!
2021 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 4 years ago
Historical sketch show, based on the successful books by Terry Deary.
Horrible Histories Season 9 release dates →
E15
Horrible Histories celebrates 100 years of the BBC with this special episode. What was the secret of looking great on a 1930s TV show? How did the BBC try to defeat the Nazis using regional accents? And just what was a kangaroo doing at the launch of BBC Two? Our end song takes us through the history of children’s TV.
E14
Rattus has an idea that might make him millions – he is going to launch a streaming service. However, to make Ratify a success, he is going to need some great songs from history.
E13
Rattus considers a career change, and luckily he has the whole of history to look through for ideas. Could he be an inventor like Babbage, or is the pirate life for him?
E12
Terrible Tudors King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I bicker about who was the best ruler. Henry had a mechanical dragon kite, but Liz had a flushing toilet.
E11
Count Rattula guides us through some of history’s greatest myths and monsters, including Henry VIII’s Robin Hood obsession and ancient ghostbusters.
E10
Daily life can be a bit of a grind, but not as much as it was in the past! Rattus takes us round the clock, revealing daily routines throughout history, from waking in Ancient Egypt to Medieval Loo Man.
E9
From Henry VIII’s wine fountain, to Empress Dowager’s marble boat, Horrible Histories talks money, jewellery and untold treasures.
E8
From Cleopatra’s hairdo to Elizabeth I’s flushing loo, meet history’s biggest Influencers.
E7
Horrible Histories serves up the history of foul feasting, from Stone Age lentils to Queen Victoria’s anti-fart bread.
E6
Horrible Histories brings you a cracking Christmas special, delving into the origins of the festive season.
E5
Strictly’s Shirley Ballas joins Rattus for a waltz through the history of dance, with Bruno Tonioli as Nero, who had his dance teacher killed, and Queen Vic’s Highland reel!
E4
Charles Darwin presents a special show, as Horrible Histories takes a timely look at our planet and how we’ve behaved towards it throughout history. We look at how we’ve not always treated the planet's resources with the utmost care, from the 19th-century gold rush, to Henry VIII enjoying a little too much deforestation to build his warships.
E3
Protests about inequality or environmental damage are common today, but how have people protested in the past? Emmeline Pankhurst is our guide through this history of protest, from Cato the Younger’s talkative protest in ancient Rome to the cheese riots of 18th-century Nottingham. Also, how will the Luddites cope with the newfangled technology of a video call?
E2
Life wasn’t always fun for children in the past. Horrible Histories delves into the not-so-easy lives of children throughout history, from the strict parenting of ancient civilisations, to the terrible fights the young King Louis XIV had with his little brother - even weeing on each other's beds! And find out just why Henry VIII was so keen for his son Edward VI to stay inside.
E1
Horrible Histories charts the contribution of Black people to British life throughout history. How did African soldiers come to be guarding Hadrian’s Wall? Why was a West African diver asked to help salvage Henry VIII's ship, the Mary Rose? And the actor Ira Aldridge tells us how he came to leave New York to find fame in 19th-century England.
2023 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 2 years ago
E15
Featuring a new sketch with Elizabeth I searching for a successor in her show England’s Got Monarchs, and Rattus is the guide through some of HH's most regal sketches!
E14
Rattus has enlisted the help of Richie – the Horrible Histories songwriter – to help him present a special song-filled show by making every one of Rattus’ bits a song too!
E13
From bottom complaints to snot, bird poo and farts, Loo Man provides a guided tour through some of history’s grossest things.
E12
Everything from roads to baths to pies, hosts Emperor Nero and warrior queen Boudicca are here to show what the Romans did while they were here in Britain
E11
Famous inmates, botched escapes and thefts, and Henry VIII’s favourite executions – they’re all here in a terrifying history of the Tower of London.
E10
Comedian and children’s author Rosie Jones is here to help Rattus choose his World Book Day outfit, and discover the gory details behind some favourite children’s books!
E9
Grisly tales of the Civil War, one of the weirdest, wildest periods in English history, featuring the only time that a king has been tried and executed for treason
E8
From the Trojan Horse, to Jason and his Argonauts going to find the Golden Fleece, and Zeus going on historical first dates as an ant, Horrible Histories presents mythical mayhem, Greek style
E7
Legendary artists Da Vinci and Michelangelo are the guides for a journey through one of history’s most creative, and sometimes weirdest, periods.
E6
From warring brothers to farting mothers, Horrible Histories presents some of the biggest, best and worst rivalries throughout time. Guest starring Rosie Jones, Fred Sirieix and Rob Rinder.
E5
From how Henry VIII had the most comfortable poo possible, to finding out which bit of his house Charles Dickens called The Demon – take a tour of horrible homes through history.
E4
Horrible Histories presents the sometimes-ludicrous story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.
E3
Legendary Lioness Jill Scott joins Rattus to look at the history of the beautiful game, including Shakespearean mentions, women’s football being banned and coffins on the pitch!
E2
How did the NHS come into being? When was the first kidney transplant? Is half a chicken actually a cure for anything? Find out as comedian and former psychiatric nurse Jo Brand joins Rattus to host a special episode in honour of the NHS’s 75th birthday. They discover how the NHS came to be, some of its weirder moments, and what life was like before we had the NHS to look after us. Did you know that before the NHS, getting medical help could be both difficult and expensive? We take a look at the role of the almoner, who decided who would have to pay for their treatment, and how much, before Nye Bevan comes along with his notion of free health care for all.
E1
In honour of Father’s Day, Horrible Histories takes a look at some of history’s daftest dads, featuring Henry VIII, Charles Dickens, William the Conqueror and Joseph Stalin!
2025 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 10 months ago
E15
Marie Antoinette, Henry VIII, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Loo Man is here to explore why being a prince or princess hasn’t always been the lovely life some might imagine.
E14
Rattus is on the naughty step yet again. But at least it has given him an excellent idea for a list of some of his favourite sketches as he presents his top ten of some of history’s naughtiest people.
E13
From preparing for the afterlife to having your own butt doctor, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, Ramesses II and more are here to reveal what life was like as a fiendish pharaoh.
E12
An enormous pillow fight has broken out in the sewer between Rattus and his siblings. With that in mind, he brings us a special battle-themed show, chock-full of fight-filled history. It includes the English Armada, William the Conqueror getting schooled by a rival’s mum, invading Romans and scary Spartans, state-of-the-art weapons and warring pigeons. Loo Man proves to be an unwelcome visitor in a submarine, and loving mum Lady Harley writes a letter to her son while her home is under siege during the English Civil War!
E11
Horrible Histories takes a short trip through the history of holidays, including Queen Victoria by the sea, Napoleon the tourist attraction and deadly sweet treats.
E10
General strikes! Surplus women! Deadly mummy’s curses! Winston Churchill fangirling over Charlie Chaplin! Take a trip to the Roaring Twenties!
E9
Captain Ratbeard takes to the high seas and sets sail on his maiden voyage, taking a look at everything from who not to kidnap if you’re a pirate to the dangers of pooing inside a submarine.
E8
If you watch one song contest this year, then make sure it’s the Eurovision Song Contest! But if you watch two, then look no further than this Rat-o-vision special, where Rattus dons his sparkly, golden waistcoat for a glittering affair that brings you a host of historical bangers from around the world as our international acts battle it out to win the glittering Rat-o-vision trophy. OK, ‘glittering’ might be a strong word. Anyway, along the way, we see Thomas Edison rock out for America, Poland’s entry try to achieve world peace as well as a win, a bunch of Renaissance men sing an Italian power ballad, German nun Hildegard von Bingen seeking to inspire everyone, Greece’s entry aim for the stars, Elizabeth I somehow representing both England and Spain, and three Egyptian pharaohs sing a song from beyond the grave! Who will win the coveted* trophy? Tune in to find out... *coveted by Rattus – we’re not sure about anyone else.
E7
From terrifying Spartan mums to hidden Victorian mums, via Queen Victoria and Cleopatra, Horrible Histories looks at some of history’s most monstrous mothers.
E6
With everything from mid-battle diarrhoea to a warlord taking over a geography class, take a journey charting the rise and fall of some of history’s biggest empires.
E5
The watch! The mobile phone! The microwave! The vibrating poo platform! Thomas Edison stage diving! It’s all here as Horrible Histories takes a journey through the history of tech.
E4
From camels to space rockets, via Dandy Horses, actual horses, royal train rides, cars, balloons and planes, it's the Horrible History of travel.
E3
How long does it take to build a pyramid? Why didn’t people like the Statue of Liberty? Why are there pineapples on St Paul’s? Horrible Histories takes a tour of the world’s greatest landmarks.
E2
From William the Conqueror making rules about chopping off body parts to Elizabeth I in court over some swan-related mischief, Horrible Histories takes a look at some history’s most ridiculous rules.
E1
From taking man to the moon to figuring out how to get rid of a poo in a submarine, Mark Labbett joins Rattus for a look at some of history’s most brilliant brainboxes.
Created by Terry Deary
Laurence Rickard
Sarah Hadland
Various
Alice Lowe
Various
Jalaal Hartley
Jessica Ransom
Jess Robinson
Additional Voices
Lawry Lewin
Jim Howick
Jon Culshaw
Additional Voices
Gemma Whelan
Tom Rosenthal
Alfred the Great
Rowan Atkinson
Henry VIII
Xand van Tulleken
Chris van Tulleken
Dani Dyer
Dara Ó Briain
A date for the next episode of Horrible Histories hasn't been announced yet. Follow Horrible Histories in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.
The most recent episode of Horrible Histories, Season 11 Episode 15 "Pitiful Princes and Princesses", aired on December 19, 2025.
Horrible Histories has 11 seasons with 154 episodes in total.
Horrible Histories first aired on CBBC on April 16, 2009.
Download the Streambay app, follow Horrible Histories, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.
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10.0
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