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Season guide

Blackadder: The Black Adder

6 episodes Premiered Jun 15, 1983 Updated Jul 27, 2026

Blackadder season 1 is set in 1485, following the events after King Richard III's victory in the Battle of Bosworth Field. The series revolves around the attempts of Edmund, the second son of Richard IV, to increase his standing with his father. In the final episode, Edmund's goal shifts to overthrowing Richard IV. The storyline explores the cynical and self-serving nature of the Edmund Blackadder lineage.

Season overview

Blackadder season 1 is set in 1485, following the events after King Richard III's victory in the Battle of Bosworth Field. The series revolves around the attempts of Edmund, the second son of Richard IV, to increase his standing with his father. In the final episode, Edmund's goal shifts to overthrowing Richard IV. The storyline explores the cynical and self-serving nature of the Edmund Blackadder lineage.

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Episodes

S1·E1

The Foretelling

Jun 15, 1983 · 34 min

After arriving late for the Battle of Bosworth Field, Edmund kills King Richard III (whom he thinks is stealing his horse) and secures the crown for his father.

S1·E2

Born to Be King

Jun 22, 1983 · 34 min

With his father away at The Crusades, Edmund comes up with a plan to prove his brother is illegitimate, thus making him Prince Regent.

S1·E3

The Archbishop

Jun 29, 1983 · 33 min

Edmund is appointed to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury after the King has the last one killed.

S1·E4

The Queen of Spain's Beard

Jul 6, 1983 · 34 min

The King decides that Edmund should marry a Spanish princess, who Edmund finds unattractive, in order to secure a treaty between Spain and England which will allow an invasion of F

S1·E5

Witchsmeller Pursuivant

Jul 13, 1983 · 30 min

Percy and Baldrick are to be burned at the stake with Edmund, when he is accused of being a witch.

S1·E6

The Black Seal

Jul 20, 1983 · 31 min

After the King takes away Edmund's title of Duke, he recruits the six most evil men in the land to take the crown by force.