Watch Jim Henson's The Storyteller

TV-Y7
1987
1 Season
8.8 (5,197)

Jim Henson's The Storyteller is a critically acclaimed fantasy anthology series, created by the legendary puppeteer Jim Henson and produced by The Jim Henson Company. The show originally aired for two seasons from 1987 to 1989 and starred John Hurt as the titular storyteller and Brian Henson as the show's puppeteer.

The Storyteller is set in a mythical world, populated by magical creatures and supernatural beings. Each episode of the show tells a different story, adapted from various folklore and fairy tales from around the world, including traditional English, Irish, Greek, and Norse mythology. The stories are narrated by the storyteller, who also appears in each episode, linking the different tales together.

The show's format is unique, as it combines live-action sequences with puppetry and elaborate special effects. The puppet creatures, created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, are remarkably lifelike and add to the show's magical and otherworldly atmosphere. The show's stunning visuals and haunting musical score further add to the enchanting quality of the series.

One of the most memorable aspects of the show is the character of the storyteller himself. Played by British actor John Hurt, the character is wise, mysterious, and possesses a commanding presence. His deep voice and captivating storytelling skills bring the tales to life in a way that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

The show's stories are a mixture of adventure, romance, and tragedy, often exploring themes of love, loss, and transformation. Some of the most popular episodes include "Hans My Hedgehog," which tells the story of a boy born with the body of a hedgehog, and "The True Bride," a Scottish myth about a woman who is cursed to live with a pig as a husband.

Another standout episode is "The Soldier and Death," a Russian folk tale about a soldier who makes a deal with the devil to acquire a magical sack that can capture anything he desires. When the soldier outsmarts the devil, he becomes rich beyond his wildest dreams, but his newfound wealth comes at a terrible cost. The episode features stunning visuals and an unforgettable performance by Hurt as the storyteller.

The show's second season, titled Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Greek Myths, focused exclusively on stories from Greek mythology. The show's format remained the same, with John Hurt returning as the narrator and various puppet creatures bringing the characters to life. The series explored some of the most famous tales from Greek mythology, including the story of Perseus and Medusa, the adventures of Hercules, and the origin of Pandora's box.

Jim Henson's The Storyteller is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. The show's blend of fantasy, myth, and puppetry make it a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. The show's popularity has inspired numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including the comic book series The Storyteller: Giants and the more recent television series Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Secrets of the Dark Crystal.

Overall, Jim Henson's The Storyteller is a must-watch for anyone who loves fantasy, mythology, or innovative storytelling. The show's stunning visuals, haunting music, and unforgettable characters make it an enduring classic that will continue to inspire and enchant viewers for generations to come.

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Seasons

13. Theseus and the Minotaur

April 28, 2003

With the help of a beautiful princess, Theseus tracks down the man-eating Minotaur - half-man, half-bull - to prove his courage and loyalty. A fight to the death ensues, and a shocking secret emerges.

12. Perseus and the Gorgon

April 27, 2003

When the evil king threatens Perseus' mother he must bring back the head of Medusa, whose piercing eyes will turn anyone who looks upon her to stone. Will the help of the gods be enough to aid in this seemingly impossible task?

11. Orpheus and Eurydice

April 23, 2003

The great musician Orpheus vows to bring back the soul of his beloved Eurydice from the depths of Hades. But the task he must complete to reunite with his love turns out to be as tortuous as the fate he will have to endure.

10. Daedalus and Icarus

May 15, 1989

Daedalus, one of the greatest inventors in Greece, and his son Icarus are betrayed by the cruel King Minos and must flee for their lives. To escape, Daedalus creates wings so they can fly to safety. But, will the young Icarus heed his father's instructions or will their dreams melt away?

9. The Heartless Giant

April 14, 1989

A young prince is tricked into helping a heartless giant escape from the king's dungeon. The evil giant unleashes teror across the land and those who go off to fight him never return. The young prince becomes the servant of the giant and tries to find where the giant's heart is hidden. But even if he were able to get the heart, can all be made right once more?

8. Sapsorrow

July 30, 1989

Upon fleeing her kingdom to escape an arranged marriage, the lovely Princess Sapsorrow toils in the kitchen of a faraway palace, disguised as an ugly hag. Her masquerade is no ball, as Sapsorrow has fallen in love with a prince, who sees her only as a peasant!

7. The Three Ravens

July 23, 1989

After using her powers to charm the widowed king into marrying her, an evil witch sees his children standing in the way of her power. She uncovers the children's secret hiding place and turns the three princes into ravens. The princess escapes, but only after seeing her stepmother's evil magic. The ravens tell the princess she cannot speak a word for three years, three months and three days or they will remain forever as birds. But can the princess keep her promise of silence even in the face of death?

6. The True Bride

July 23, 1989

A girl who was adopted by an abusive troll finally is freed with the help of a white lion. When her betrothed does not return after a trip, the girl is grief-stricken to learn that the troll's sister had put a spell on him and plans to marry him. The white lion appears again and helps the girl by giving her three magical gifts. But how can she use them to convince her bewitched love that she is his true bride?

5. The Soldier and Death

April 28, 1988

Returning from war, a young soldier trades his last biscuit for a magical sack... into which anything summoned will enter! Trapping devils and even death itself, the soldier brings peace to his country. But death soon proves a greater enemy captured than free!

4. The Luck Child

April 16, 1988

Upon news of the birth of a Luck child - a peasant boy predicted by wise man to one day wear the crown - the cruel-hearted king seeks out the boy, pretending to take him under his terrible wing. Will luck indeed play a part in our hero's final destiny?

3. A Story Short

January 22, 1988

The storyteller recalls his days of servitude to the king for bamboozling the royal cook out of a free meal. A story a day was his punishment - or else he'll boil in the cook's cauldron of oil! All goes well until the final day... when he can't think of a story to save his life!

2. Fearnot

October 26, 1987

Fearnot is a young man who is incapapble of feeling fear. He leaves his home and his true love to embark on a vast journey to experience the shudder of fear. No monster or creature that he meets, however horrible or terrifying, makes him afraid. It is only upon return that he learns that true fear exists in the places which are closest to us.

1. Hans My Hedghog

January 31, 1987

Hans, a hedgehog-boy, feels ostracized in his town so he runs away. Twenty years later, Hans helps a king lost in the woods find his way back to his kingdom. The king rewards Hans with the first thing that the king will see when he re-enters his kingdom. But when the first thing he sees turns out to be his beautiful daughter, will despair take hold or can love prevail?

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