Watch Tall Tales and Legends

1985
1 Season
7.3 (232)

Tall Tales and Legends is a critically-acclaimed television show that aired on Showtime from 1985 to 1988. Starring a talented ensemble cast, including Megan Mullally, Rob Reiner, Michael Richards, Paul Rodriguez, and Shelley Duvall, the series focuses on retelling classic myths and legends from a fresh, modern perspective.

Each episode features a new tale, ranging from familiar favorites like "Paul Bunyan" and "Pecos Bill" to lesser-known stories like "John Henry" and "Casey at the Bat." The show's creators inject a healthy dose of humor and heart into these tales, making them accessible for viewers of all ages.

One of the standout elements of Tall Tales and Legends is its attention to detail. The show's production design is top-notch, recreating the look and feel of different eras with impressive authenticity. From the dusty Wild West to the bustling big city, each episode transports viewers to a different time and place.

The performances on the show are also noteworthy. The ensemble cast is clearly having a blast bringing these larger-than-life characters to life, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Mullally, best known for her role on Will & Grace, flexes her comedic chops as the narrator of the series, while Reiner provides a warm, fatherly presence as the show's host.

Richards, fresh off his breakout role on Seinfeld, showcases his physical comedy skills as the titular character in the "Pecos Bill" episode. In "John Henry," Rodriguez brings a quiet intensity to his portrayal of the legendary steel-driving man, while Duvall shines as the larger-than-life Annie Oakley in "Little Sure Shot."

Despite the show's comedic bent, there are also moments of genuine emotion and drama. The "Casey at the Bat" episode, in particular, tugs at the heartstrings as it explores the pressure and expectations that come with being a star athlete.

While Tall Tales and Legends only ran for three seasons, it has remained a beloved part of many viewers' childhoods. The show's combination of humor, heart, and top-notch production design make it a true gem of 1980s television.

Tall Tales and Legends is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between September 25, 1985 and on Showtime

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Seasons

9. Annie Oakley

January 2, 1987

Annie joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and becomes one of the most celebrated performers of all time.

8. Davy Crockett

December 18, 1986

On the wild frontier, Davy Crockett earned a reputation for bravery and courage and proves that anything is possible.

7. John Henry

December 1, 1986

"On the night John Henry was born, lightning bolts shaped like nine-pound hammers, filled the sky," and from that day on, John Henry was known as the extraordinary boy who bacame an extraordinary man.

6. Ponce De Leon

November 16, 1986

The search for youth has never been so much fun as Ponce teams up with Lucy, the Lady Pirate, in the ultimate adventure.

5. Johnny Appleseed

October 31, 1986

Johnny Appleseed travels across the land with a cooking pot on his head and his pockets filled with apple seeds and shows that there's nothing wrong with being different.

4. Darlin' Clementine

February 8, 1986

Clementine, a lonely frontierswoman, takes care of everyone until her selfish father learns a valuable lesson.

3. Casey at the Bat

January 3, 1986

Casey Frank, a down-on-his-luck baseball player, follows his dreams to become the biggest star in the game

2. Pecos Bill

January 1, 1986

When Pecos Bill's rowdy behaviors get him run out of town, he heads for Mexico and saves the state of Texas from drought

1. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

September 25, 1985

Ichabod Crane is a superstitious new schoolmaster who finds himslef competing for the heart of Katrina and comes face-to-face with Sleepy Hollow's most famous resident, The Headless Horseman.

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Where to Watch Tall Tales and Legends

Tall Tales and Legends is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Tall Tales and Legends on demand at Amazon Prime.