3. Blackadder
BBCBlackadders portrayal of cynical, quick-witted humour and its animated, tongue-in-cheek historical settings demonstrated a unique and greatly welcomed adaptation of British comedy. The brave decision to set each series within a different time period was shown to be a stroke of genius and had the audience fantasising about how Edmund Blackadder would differ in alternative environments. Regardless of his surroundings, Blackadder largely maintains the same characteristics; he is an opportunist only concerned with securing self-gratification, while continuously taunting those around him with witty insults. While Blackadder has many poor traits, he is very much the anti-hero that we all secretly want to succeed, irrespective of his often selfish methods. The sitcom would frequently sustain the same irresistible cast of actors throughout its tenure - Tony Robinsons character Baldrick was the only character besides Blackadder to consistently feature in every episode. There are various versions of Baldrick, due to a change in decade and status, however the character is commonly shown to be severely lacking in intelligence and his futile antics essentially spoon-feed Blackadder his sharpest and most humorous material. Baldrick, you wouldnt see a subtle plan if it painted itself purple and danced naked on top of a harpsichord, singing, subtle plans are here again.