Gulliver's Travels (1996)
A star-studded NBC miniseries bringing Jonathan Swift's timeless satirical adventure to life with an extraordinary all-star cast.
Gulliver's Travels - Series Information
- Original Title: Gulliver's Travels
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: Jonathan Swift
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (186 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 2
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 4, 1996 (Canada - PG), February 4, 1996 (Brazil - L), February 4, 1996 (Mexico - B), February 4, 1996 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: 小人国历险记 (CN), Gulliverin matkat (FI), Gullivers Reisen (DE), Пътешествията на Гъливър (BG), Los viajes de Gulliver (ES), Les Voyages de Gulliver (FR), Gulliverovy cesty (CZ), Les voyages de Gulliver (CA)
- Production Companies: Jim Henson Productions, Hallmark Entertainment, Channel 4 Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Gulliver's Travels - Plot
Dr. Gulliver has returned from his journey to his family after a long absence - and tells them the story of his travels.
Gulliver's Travels - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the epic adventure that awaits:
Where to Watch Gulliver's Travels
Looking for where to watch Gulliver's Travels?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Gulliver's Travels - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jonathan Swift
Main Cast
- Peter O'Toole
- Ted Danson
- James Fox
- John Gielgud
- Omar Sharif
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Alfre Woodard
- Robert Hardy
- Geraldine Chaplin
- Edward Fox
Writers
- Simon Moore
Executive Producers
- Robert Halmi Sr.
- Brian Henson
Gulliver's Travels - FAQs
Is Gulliver's Travels based on a true story?
The miniseries is based on Jonathan Swift's classic 1726 satirical novel Gulliver's Travels, not a true story. Swift's original work used fantastical voyages — to lands like Lilliput and Brobdingnag — as sharp allegories for 18th-century British politics, society, and human nature.
Who plays Lemuel Gulliver in the 1996 miniseries?
Ted Danson takes on the role of Lemuel Gulliver, anchoring the story with warmth and physicality. He's surrounded by a remarkable ensemble including Peter O'Toole as the King of Lilliput, John Gielgud as the Professor of Light, and Omar Sharif as a mysterious Sorcerer.
Where can you stream Gulliver's Travels (1996)?
You can stream Gulliver's Travels on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium. Free ad-supported options include The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Tubi TV, and Plex. It's also available on Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads and through the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel.
How many episodes does Gulliver's Travels (1996) have?
The 1996 production is a two-part miniseries, with each installment running approximately three hours — making it an epic, immersive viewing experience. Originally broadcast on NBC, the two episodes together tell the full arc of Gulliver's extraordinary voyages and his return home.
Did Gulliver's Travels (1996) win any awards?
The miniseries earned considerable recognition, winning two Emmy Awards including Outstanding Miniseries. It also received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Makeup. The production's lavish visual effects and distinguished cast helped it stand out as one of the most ambitious TV adaptations of its era.
Who wrote the screenplay for the 1996 Gulliver's Travels?
Simon Moore adapted Jonathan Swift's novel for the screen. Moore crafted a version that frames Gulliver's adventures as stories told to his family upon his return, adding a personal emotional layer to Swift's satirical source material and grounding the fantastical voyages in human drama.
Is Gulliver's Travels (1996) worth watching today?
For fans of classic literary adaptations and fantasy adventure, it absolutely holds up. The all-star cast — Ted Danson, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, Omar Sharif, and Kristin Scott Thomas — brings genuine gravitas, and the Emmy-winning production values remain impressive for a 1990s television event.
What are similar shows to Gulliver's Travels (1996)?
If you enjoyed this miniseries, try Gormenghast (2000) for similarly grand British fantasy storytelling, or Faerie Tale Theatre (1982) and The Storyteller (1988) for imaginative literary adaptations. Land of the Giants (1968) and Tin Man (2007) also share its spirit of fantastical adventure and world-building.
More About Gulliver's Travels
Explore further details and official databases for this miniseries.