What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHorrible Histories
Terry Deary · Series · 2009
If you loved Horrible Histories, start with Horrible Histories (Terry Deary, 1993) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 1 film and 2 podcasts, each matched to Horrible Histories across media.
You loved Horrible Histories because you enjoy how irreverent comedy strips away the dry veneer of history to reveal the chaos.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
Anatomy of Satire
Gilbert Highet · Book · 2016
Shares 2 threads with Horrible Histories: Satire, Parody.
If Horrible Histories taught you to appreciate the power of a well-placed joke, this study of satirical forms explains exactly how parody and irony dismantle historical narratives so effectively.
The Timetables of History
Bernard Grun · Book · 2005
Explores: Simultaneous Events, Historical Context, Global History.
Horrible Histories thrived on showing that history is a messy, interconnected web; this reference work provides the same global context, mapping the chaotic simultaneous events of our shared past.
Discworld
Terry Pratchett · Book · 1983
Explores: Social Commentary, Bureaucracy, Anthropomorphic Personification.
Just as Horrible Histories uses sharp wit to critique the past, Terry Pratchett utilizes the absurdity of his fantasy world to provide biting social commentary on our own reality.
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl · Book · 2002
Shares a thread with Horrible Histories: Dark Humor.
The dark humor and subverted expectations that made Horrible Histories so memorable are present here, as these poems gleefully dismantle familiar fairy tales with the same irreverent, twisted spirit.
Films on the same thread
History of the World: Part I
Mel Brooks · Film · 1981
Shares 2 threads with Horrible Histories: Anachronism, Sketch Comedy.
Much like the sketch-based anarchy of Horrible Histories, this film treats historical milestones as punchlines, proving that nothing is too sacred or serious to be mocked by talented comedians.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dark History
Audioboom Studios · Podcast · 2026
Explores: untold narratives, institutional corruption, societal taboos.
Horrible Histories proved that the past is far from boring, and this podcast continues that mission by exploring the darker, untold narratives that traditional textbooks often choose to ignore.
Fin vs History
Fin Taylor & Horatio Gould · Podcast
Explores: Historical Misinformation, Satirical History, Comedic Commentary.
If you enjoyed the way Horrible Histories prioritized comedic impact over rigid facts, you will appreciate this show that gleefully abandons historical accuracy for the sake of pure entertainment.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Horrible Histories based on a book series?
Yes, the 2009 television show Horrible Histories is based on the best-selling children's books written by Terry Deary. The original book series was first published in 1993 and features the same focus on the gruesome and funny moments of history.
What historical eras are featured in Horrible Histories?
The Horrible Histories television series covers a wide range of historical periods. Its sketches and segments explore topics including the Stone Age, the Middle Ages, the Egyptians, and the Romans, providing an anarchic and unconventional take on these specific eras of human history.
Does the Horrible Histories television show include graphic content?
The Horrible Histories television show is described as being liberally splattered with guts, blood, and poo. These elements are used by the group of British comedians to present an unconventional and often gruesome look at history for their audience.
Who performs in the Horrible Histories television show?
The Horrible Histories television show features a group of British comedians. These performers are responsible for the show's anarchic and unconventional take on history, which is based on the 1993 book series by Terry Deary.