Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories is a children's historical sketch show on CBBC from 2009. It is notable for its mix of history and Python-esque tone. Children will claim they learnt more from this programme than from school. In 2015, the old cast left and other people were brought in. From here it lost its charm but is still apparently as educational.

Premise
An iconic troupe of 6 actors (Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond) and a few others perform sketches based on a historical era such as Saxon, Victorian, Tudor etc. Because this team were so beloved, they each had signature characters they would play.

Sketches would spoof popular culture such as Historical MasterChef and Ready, Steady, Cook, Location, Location, Location, and Antiques Roadshow. Other sketch formats would include historical figures using webcam and the viewer watching their screen recording, news and weather reports and Historical Wife Swap.

The highlight of each episode would be the song, in which a popular song or genre is parodied with historical lyrics. Many British children have learnt the order of British monarchs from a Horrible Histories song. Other notable songs parodied include 'Stand and Deliver' with Dick Turpin, 'My Name Is' with Charles II and 'Bad Romance' with Cleopatra.

Sketches were separated by an annoying rat puppet called Rattus Rattus. No one enjoyed sitting through his interlude performance and had similar annoying vibes to The Head from Art Attack.