Once Upon a Time... The Americas (1992)

A landmark French animated educational series guiding young viewers through the rich, sweeping history of the American continent.

Once Upon a Time... The Americas - Series Information

  • Original Title: Il était une fois... les Amériques
  • First Air Year: 1992
  • Last Air Year: 1993
  • Created by: Albert Barillé
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Animation, Documentary, Family
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 26
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • First Air Date: September 9, 1992 (Germany - 0), September 9, 1992 (France - NR), September 9, 1992 (Spain - 7)
  • Networks: Canal+, France 3
  • Production Companies: Procidis
  • Production Countries: France
  • Alternative Titles: היה היה... אמריקה (IL), كان يا ما كان العالم الجديد (AE), Egyszer volt… Amerika (HU), Once Upon a Time... The Americas (US), Es war einmal... Amerika (DE), Det var en gang – Amerika (NO), Były sobie Ameryki (PL), Riscopriamo le Americhe (IT)

Once Upon a Time... The Americas - Plot

"Once upon a time ... the Americas" tells us the story of this vast continent, from the very first inhabitants to the present day, including the Aztecs and the Incas, the conquistadors, the war of independence or the gold Rush. Through our usual sympathetic heroes (Maestro, Pierrot, Petit Gros, le Teigneux, le Nabot, etc.), we travel from time to time, always with the aim of teaching us something.

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Once Upon a Time... The Americas - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Albert Barillé

Main Cast

  • Roger Carel
  • Olivier Destrez
  • Marie-Laure Beneston
  • Patrick Préjean
  • Sady Rebbot
  • Vincent Ropion
  • Jacques Brunet

Once Upon a Time... The Americas - FAQs

Is Once Upon a Time... The Americas based on real history?

Absolutely. The series is rooted in genuine historical events, tracing the American continent from its earliest indigenous peoples through the Aztecs, Incas, European conquistadors, the wars of independence, and the Gold Rush. Albert Barillé's signature approach blends accurate historical content with engaging animated storytelling to make history accessible to young viewers.

Who created Once Upon a Time... The Americas?

The series was created by Albert Barillé, the French animator and producer behind the beloved 'Once Upon a Time...' franchise. Barillé was renowned for crafting educational animated series that made complex subjects — from human biology to world history — engaging and digestible for children and families alike.

Where can you stream Once Upon a Time... The Americas?

Streaming availability for Once Upon a Time... The Americas varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options, including streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available in your area, on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across all major services.

Who are the voice actors in Once Upon a Time... The Americas?

The French voice cast features Roger Carel as Maestro, Olivier Destrez as Pierrot, Marie-Laure Beneston as Pierrette and Psi, Patrick Préjean as le Nabot, and Sady Rebbot voicing le Gros and le Teigneux. These recurring characters serve as the audience's guides through each historical episode.

How many episodes does Once Upon a Time... The Americas have?

The series consists of 26 episodes across a single season, each running approximately 26 minutes. Originally broadcast in 1992–1993 on Canal+ and France 3, every episode takes viewers to a different chapter of American history, from ancient civilisations to the modern era.

Who composed the music for Once Upon a Time... The Americas?

The score was composed by Michel Legrand, the legendary French composer and multiple Academy Award winner. His music lends the series a rich, cinematic quality that elevates the educational storytelling, giving each historical episode an emotional and memorable sonic backdrop.

Is Once Upon a Time... The Americas part of a larger franchise?

Yes, it belongs to Albert Barillé's acclaimed 'Once Upon a Time...' franchise, which includes series such as Once Upon a Time... Man, Once Upon a Time... Life, and Once Upon a Time... Space. Each instalment tackles a different educational theme, sharing the same cast of beloved recurring characters.

What are some shows similar to Once Upon a Time... The Americas?

Fans of educational and family animation may enjoy American Experience for in-depth historical storytelling, Amend: The Fight for America for animated American history, or Tiny Toon Adventures for classic animated entertainment. The Simpsons and Justice League also appeal to audiences who grew up with quality animated series.

More About Once Upon a Time... The Americas

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