B
Ben Elton
Blackadder
The Blackadder series presents a comedic, satirical look at various periods of British history. Each play follows Edmund Blackadder, a cynical and conniving figure, as he attempts to improve his social standing through increasingly absurd schemes. This collection offers sharp wit and historical parody.
The Blackadder series is best viewed in chronological order of its historical settings, starting with The Black Adder, followed by Blackadder II, Blackadder the Third, and Blackadder Goes Forth. Each series is largely self-contained with new characters and settings, but following this order allows for appreciation of the evolving comedic style and recurring character archetypes.
Beyond the main four series, there are several notable specials, including Blackadder's Christmas Carol and Blackadder: The Cavalier Years. These standalone episodes often feature the same core cast in different historical contexts, expanding on the established comedic universe.
The Blackadder series was primarily created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Ben Elton also joined as a co-writer for the second, third, and fourth series, significantly shaping its distinctive satirical voice.
Blackadder is primarily a British television comedy series. While scripts and companion books have been published, the original and most recognized form of the series is its broadcast television format.