Ben Elton says a new installment is 'cosmically unlikely'

Ben Elton has scoffed at the idea of a Swinging Sixties revival of Blackadder and says a fifth series is ‘cosmically unlikely’.

There has long been talk of a new series of the show with Rowan Atkinson’s titular character fronting a band called The Black Adder Five with Bald Rick – Tony Robinson  – as the drummer.

However, speaking on the Always Be Comedy podcast, Elton shot down the idea that such a revival was ever on the cards.

‘It was never mooted,’ he told host James Gill, ‘The thing with Blackadder is somebody - normally Tony - says, "Oh yes, we all might talk about it…."

‘The Blackadder starts with me and Richard [Curtis] and we never talked about doing a fifth series. We never have and my suspicion is we never will. 

‘I’m foolish to say never, because who knows anything about anything in life? But I honestly would say cosmically unlikely, which is close to never.’

Elton also spoke about the show’s enduring cultural impact and the collaborative spirit that made it possible, saying: ‘Anything good tends to be a community effort. It takes a village. And a village made the Blackadder. I’m proud of my contribution, but it was a magnificent community of talent and craft.’

The writer – who was on the podcast to talk about his memoirs – emphasised he has no interest in reviving the series purely for nostalgia or money.

‘I’ve always done what I want to do. I have no interest in writing another Blackadder. And I know Richard hasn’t. I’d far rather if we were to work together that we did something else.’

The interview also covered Elton’s early stand-up days and his ongoing friendship with Blackadder stars including Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

Ben Elton’s episode of Always Be Comedy with James Gill is  available now on all major platforms.

Published: 28 Oct 2025