Does Blackadder count as Alternate History?

[Revolutionary Todyo]

For those who don't know, Blackadder is the name of a popular British historical sitcom. It ran from 1983-1989 and is regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

As it is a historical peice (broudly speaking), could you possible count it as alternate history? The first (and least popular series) is genuine AH, working on the innacurate idea Richard III wins the Battle of Bosworth Field but is accidently killed by Edmund "The Blackadder" (Rowan Atkinson). His nephew Richard of Shrewsbury goes on to rule in his stead.

After this, it follows conventional history from the Elizibethan Era, though it mucks about with facts and people.

So, does it count?

[Orko]

I wouldn't say so, no. It is not set in an alternate timeline, but in OTL, it just provides an alternate explanation to what actually happened(ie George IV was actually Blackadder in disguise), much like Conan the Barbarian.

[Revolutionary Todyo]

Originally Posted by Orko

I wouldn't say so, no. It is not set in an alternate timeline, but in OTL, it just provides an alternate explanation to what actually happened(ie George IV was actually Blackadder in disguise), much like Conan the Barbarian.

Well there are a few things.

I think Blackadder may have discovered Australia in series II. He does bring back a boomerang for Queeny.

Also in series IV, the Red Baron is shot in 1917.

So that's two PODs right there.

[BlackWave]

It's more secret history than anything else--anachronisms and inaccuracies are probably just thrown in for the sake of laughs.

[Tyr]

Blackadder 1 is going that way for sure. A very different TL to ours- they describe it as actually being our history and Henry 7 being a big fat liar but thats obviously silly.

The latter series though are just guys who happen to live in history. Interpretations of actual figures together with fairly standard fictional historic folks.

[Orko]

Originally Posted by Tyr

Blackadder 1 is going that way for sure. A very different TL to ours- they describe it as actually being our history and Henry 7 being a big fat liar but thats obviously silly.

The latter series though are just guys who happen to live in history. Interpretations of actual figures together with fairly standard fictional historic folks.

But that is more like saying "Our grasp on history is false. That is what actually happened:" rather than a seperate TL.

[Colonelgoth]

Blackadder Back and Forth (The feature length one they did for the millennium) dabbles in time travel and thus alternate history with King Edmund and Prime minister Baldrick

[The Lurker]

IMO it's more of a secret history than alternate history..... Though Prince Ludwig the Indestructible could be a good POD.