It is a spin-off of hit children's sketch comedy Horrible Histories and is a product of the same creative team.

[5] Gameplay involves three child contestants (called "Horrible Historians") trying to obtain "Year Spheres" by completing either a historically-themed physical challenge or a quiz.

Similarly to its parent series, the games are grouped under randomly selected historical eras or civilizations based on Terry Deary's original books.

Cast members from the parent show make frequent cameo appearances as the historical questioners, as does Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.

[6] Julia Raeside of The Guardian commented that the show has "no bleepy, flashy nonsense", and added that it "would have enthralled 20 years ago and is all the better for it.