Sir Tony Robinson Launches Cunningcast Series 3 | New Podcast Explores History, Mystery & Modern Insights
Britain’s beloved actor, author, and historian Sir Tony Robinson is back — and this time, he’s taking curiosity to a whole new level. The third season of his acclaimed podcast Cunningcast officially launches this October, promising a fascinating mix of historical revelations, modern-day reflections, and the trademark wit that has made Robinson a national treasure.
For over five decades, Tony Robinson has entertained, educated, and inspired audiences — whether as the hapless yet endearing Baldrick in “Blackadder”, or as the sharp-minded host of Channel 4’s “Time Team”, which redefined archaeology on television.
Now, through Cunningcast, he continues that tradition in the digital age, bringing his love for history and storytelling to the podcasting world. The show, part of the Acast Creator Network, blends deep research with Robinson’s engaging conversational tone, making even the most complex historical themes accessible and entertaining.
What’s New in Series Three of Cunningcast?
The new season of Cunningcast dives into an eclectic range of subjects — from ancient monuments and archaeological marvels to modern political psychology. Robinson and his guests explore how history shapes today’s world, revealing unexpected parallels between the past and present.
Key Topics This Season Include:
🏛️ New Discoveries at Stonehenge — examining groundbreaking research that redefines what we know about Britain’s most mysterious monument.
⚓ Shipwrecks and Sunken Cities — exploring underwater archaeology and how ancient trade routes continue to influence modern geopolitics.
⚔️ The Secrets of Sutton Hoo — a fresh look at the Anglo-Saxon burial site that continues to rewrite early English history.
🧠 The Psychology of Vladimir Putin — analysing power, fear, and ideology through the lens of historical patterns.
📜 Who Wrote the Bible? — a thought-provoking exploration of the authorship, translation, and cultural impact of one of humanity’s most influential texts.
👑 Alfred the Great Special — a deep-dive episode connected to Robinson’s bestselling historical fiction book, The House of Wolf.
Each episode combines expert interviews, gripping narratives, and Robinson’s signature humour — making history feel alive, urgent, and deeply human.
Tony Robinson: From Baldrick to Britain’s Favourite Historian
Few entertainers have managed to bridge the worlds of comedy, drama, and academia as seamlessly as Sir Tony Robinson. Born in London in 1946, Robinson began acting at a young age and soon found fame as Baldrick, the comically downtrodden servant in BBC’s “Blackadder” alongside Rowan Atkinson. The role made him a household name and cemented his reputation for sharp wit and impeccable timing.
But it was his later work — as a presenter, documentarian, and author — that transformed him into one of Britain’s most trusted historical voices. For over 20 years, Channel 4’s “Time Team” introduced archaeology to mainstream audiences, inspiring curiosity about Britain’s rich heritage.
His deep passion for social history, archaeology, and storytelling eventually led to his knighthood in 2013 for public and political service.
A Bestseller in 2025: “The House of Wolf”
In addition to his podcasting success, Robinson’s literary career continues to thrive. His most recent novel, The House of Wolf, published in September 2025, has quickly climbed the charts to become a UK bestseller. The historical fiction novel intertwines power, loyalty, and rebellion, capturing the spirit of the medieval world with the kind of vivid detail that only a lifelong history enthusiast could deliver.
In several interviews, Robinson mentioned that The House of Wolf inspired Cunningcast’s Alfred the Great special, connecting fiction and factual history in a way that deepens the audience’s understanding of both.
“Eternally Curious”: Robinson on What Drives Him
When asked about his motivation for continuing the podcast, Robinson summed it up perfectly:
“I’m eternally curious. The world is full of stories waiting to be uncovered — and no subject is off-limits when you look at it through the lens of history.”
That sense of restless curiosity is at the heart of Cunningcast. Whether he’s dissecting an archaeological find or discussing modern power politics, Robinson invites listeners to question assumptions, draw connections, and appreciate the hidden threads that link past and present.
How Cunningcast Stands Out in the Podcast World
In a crowded landscape of history and true-crime podcasts, Cunningcast distinguishes itself through:
1. Storytelling Over Lecture
Rather than reciting facts, Robinson weaves immersive narratives that place the listener at the heart of history — whether that’s the dusty fields of an Anglo-Saxon burial ground or the shadowy corridors of Cold War politics.
2. Expert Voices
Each episode features leading historians, scientists, and thinkers, ensuring accuracy while keeping the tone conversational and engaging.
3. Humour and Humanity
Even when exploring dark or complex subjects, Robinson’s humour and empathy shine through. His storytelling feels personal and inclusive, inviting both history buffs and casual listeners to join the journey.
4. Global Perspective
The new series expands its scope beyond Britain, connecting ancient discoveries to global issues like geopolitics, psychology, and cultural identity.
The Historical Themes of Series 3: A Closer Look
To give listeners a sense of what’s ahead, here’s a deeper exploration of some of Series 3’s most compelling topics.
1. Stonehenge Revisited
Robinson delves into recent archaeological breakthroughs at Stonehenge, including new theories about its construction, purpose, and the people who built it. Listeners will hear from experts who challenge the traditional “mystery” narrative, revealing a more human, social, and spiritual explanation for the monument.
2. Secrets Beneath the Sea
From ancient shipwrecks in the Mediterranean to lost cities beneath the waves, this episode examines how climate change, technology, and exploration continue to uncover hidden chapters of history. Robinson connects these underwater discoveries to themes of resilience, migration, and trade.
3. Understanding Power Through Psychology
In perhaps the season’s most topical episode, Robinson applies historical psychology to modern geopolitics, using Vladimir Putin as a case study in power, nationalism, and myth-making. The discussion raises profound questions about leadership and the cyclical nature of history.
4. The Bible and Its Many Authors
Moving into theological territory, Robinson explores how ancient texts evolved through translation, politics, and interpretation — sparking debates about authenticity, faith, and the cultural shaping of belief systems.
5. Alfred the Great and the Making of England
This special episode connects Robinson’s fiction and historical expertise, re-examining Alfred not just as a warrior king but as a visionary reformer whose ideas about law, learning, and nationhood still echo in British identity today.
Podcasting Meets Archaeology: The “Time Team” Spirit Lives On
Fans of Time Team will find familiar energy in Cunningcast. The series captures that same sense of adventure and discovery, but in audio form. Robinson’s enthusiasm for making history accessible remains undiminished — and through podcasting, he reaches a new, global audience hungry for meaningful stories.
Available Everywhere You Listen
Cunningcast is distributed via the Acast Creator Network and can be streamed on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
And all major podcast platforms
Listeners can subscribe for free and access all past and new episodes, with bonus content and behind-the-scenes clips often shared through Robinson’s official channels.
Why You Should Listen to Cunningcast
Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about the world, Cunningcast offers something unique. It’s educational without being heavy, entertaining without losing depth, and human without losing objectivity. Each episode feels like a conversation with an old friend who just happens to know everything about history.
Tony Robinson’s Impact: Making History Cool Again
Through his decades-long career, Robinson has helped redefine how Britain engages with its past. He’s made archaeology fun, accessible, and emotionally resonant — not a dry academic subject, but a living, breathing narrative that explains who we are.
As history podcasts grow in popularity, Robinson’s Cunningcast continues to set the standard: authentic, intelligent, and endlessly curious.
Final Thoughts: Curiosity as a Force for Good
In an era dominated by fleeting headlines and short attention spans, Sir Tony Robinson’s approach feels refreshing. His podcast reminds us that understanding history is not about memorizing dates — it’s about understanding people, motivations, and the continuous threads that connect humanity across time.
Cunningcast Series 3 is not just a return — it’s a reaffirmation of Robinson’s lifelong mission: to keep curiosity alive.
