After Horrible Histories... Horrible Science

New kids' comedy series from the BBC

The makers of Horrible Histories are to make another educational comedy series, Horrible Science.

Work has already begun on the sketch show, which will be linked directly to the National Curriculum, creating resources that can be used in the classroom

Skits include Sir Isaac Newton on a rollercoaster explaining forces, the Moon complaining that nobody has been to visit him in a while and a T. rex going to the doctor’s.

It was commissioned by Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC children’s and education programming, who said: ‘We know children and adults love learning about the past with Horrible Histories and we want to bring that magic formula of comedic excellence and educational value to Horrible Science.

‘And for the first time we’re creating education resources for teachers and students to use in classrooms together with a brilliantly entertaining show to enjoy at home – highlighting our commitment to entertaining and educating young audiences beyond what we’ve ever done before.’

Five of the episodes will be themed around the curriculum topics of materials and states, forces and motion, light, sound and electricity, earth and space and working scientifically. BBC Bitesize Primary will feature 25 sketches and songs taken from the episodes which are directly to the curriculum.

The show will be made by Lion Television, who also made Horrible Histories.

Simon Welton, the company’s director of entertainment, said: ‘This is a fabulous experiment: creating a comedy chemistry that’ll help inspire the next generation of young scientists, by mixing a Horrible cocktail of silly humour together with awesome and gruesome science facts.

‘We’ve been having a great deal of fun creating a host of new characters during the writing process, and I can’t wait to start filming.’

Nick Arnold, author of the Horrible Science books, added: ‘It’s amazing to think that nearly 30 years since Horrible Science revolutionised children's science books - it's crawling off the page and on to the screen.

‘Since I began writing Horrible Science, I have been thrilled to hear from young and old that my yucky books sparked an enduring interest in science. I can’t wait to see the new TV comedy series bring science alive for the new generation.

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Published: 4 Sep 2024