Horrible Histories: Special Award 2024

Horrible Histories, the live-action historical sketchshow that inspired generations of children, has received a BAFTA Special Award.

Collecting the award on behalf of everyone who has been involved throughout the years Richard Bradley, executive producer of Horrible Histories and co-founder of Lion Television, credited the show’s success to “a great pool of creative talent”.

Bradley said: “We want to thank our fabulous current cast – and all those who have shared their talent with us in between. You are at the heart of this award. You have taken the series to new places, continually reinventing it, keeping it alive, fresh – and hilarious.”

“Thank you to our: Rapacious researchers, Wizardly Writers, Awe-inspiring Art department, Harmonious Hair and Make-Up team, Captivating Costume dept, Classy (not capricious) Camera dept, Sensational (not silent) Sound dept, Admirable Animators, Legendary Location managers, Precocious Puppeteers, Enigmatic Editors, Gorgeous Gaffers, Abundant/Adaptable ADs, Sensational Script Sups, Parsimonious, Precise yet Passionate Production team, Palatable/Perky Producers, Devilish Directors, Eccentric Execs, our Sagacious Series Producers. Thank you all!” he added.

Based on the best-selling Scholastic books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories was first brought to life on screen for CBBC more than 15 years ago. Since then, it has helped teach youngsters about moments in history all with a fun twist. With themes like Rotten Romans, Groovy Greeks and Terrible Tudors, the programme has captured the imagination of youngsters and adults during its time on air.

Sara Putt, chair of BAFTA, hailed the show as “an iconic, hilarious, transformative and beloved programme”. One that has “transformed traditional ideas of what educational TV can be.”

“A programme that has held a unique place in all of our hearts (including mine) whatever our age, for the last fifteen years and counting.” – Sara Putt

Production company Lion Television were presented the BAFTA Special Award on 29 November 2024 in recognition of the cultural and social impact Horrible Histories has had over the years.

With 11 series, a feature film and multiple specials and spin-offs under its belt Horrible Histories has had a profound impact on millions of young people – in the UK and abroad. Its impact has been recognised time and again with nine BAFTAs, a British Comedy Award and numerous international accolades.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, recipient of a 2024 BAFTA Fellowship award, spoke about how special the show was during her presentation speech.

She said: “This is [one of] BAFTA’s highest accolades for a programme or for a person, and I am delighted that it’s for Horrible Histories.

“Because Horrible Histories has made people laugh. Horrible Histories have educated people, fired up their imagination.”

Its dark comedy has also provided the show with an age-defying appeal. And perhaps as a result, Horrible Histories has also become known for attracting a huge range of stars to make guest appearances, including Rowan Atkinson. The appearance of Atkinson – an actor widely known for the much more adult historical comedy Blackadder – putting in a memorable performance as Henry VIII, shows the generational reach the show has and its long-lasting impact.

A BAFTA Special Award is one of the academy’s highest honours recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or television. You can see more award winners in our Awards database.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories.

Find out more and watch the show for yourself on the BBC.