Robin of Sherwood (1984)
The landmark British fantasy series that reimagined Robin Hood through pagan myth, gritty history, and the unforgettable music of Clannad.
Robin of Sherwood - Series Information
- Original Title: Robin of Sherwood
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 1986
- Created by: Richard Carpenter
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, English
- First Air Date: April 28, 1984 (United States - TV-PG), April 28, 1984 (Canada - PG), April 28, 1984 (United Kingdom - PG), April 28, 1984 (Germany - 12)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: HTV, Goldcrest
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Robin of Sherwood - Plot
Robin of Sherwood was a British television series, based on the legend of Robin Hood. Created by Richard Carpenter, it was produced by HTV in association with Goldcrest, and ran from 1984 to 1986 on the ITV network. In America it was retitled Robin Hood and shown on the premium cable TV channel Showtime and on PBS. The show starred Michael Praed and Jason Connery as two different incarnations of the title character. Unlike previous adaptations of the Robin Hood legend, Robin of Sherwood combined a gritty, authentic production design with elements of real-life history, 20th century fiction, and pagan myth. The series is also notable for its haunting title music by Clannad, which won a BAFTA award.
Robin of Sherwood - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Sherwood Forest's myth and magic:
The definitive version of the story.
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Robin of Sherwood - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Carpenter
Main Cast
- Judi Trott
- Ray Winstone
- Clive Mantle
- Peter Llewellyn Williams
- Mark Ryan
- Phil Rose
- Nickolas Grace
- Robert Addie
- John Abineri
- Philip Jackson
Writers
- Richard Carpenter
- Anthony Horowitz
- Andrew McCulloch
- John Flanagan
Robin of Sherwood - FAQs
Where can you stream Robin of Sherwood?
Robin of Sherwood is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, BritBox (via Apple TV Channel), and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video.
Why did Michael Praed leave Robin of Sherwood?
Michael Praed left after Season 2 to pursue a role in the Broadway musical Les Misérables. His departure was written into the show dramatically — Robin of Loxley is killed in battle, allowing Jason Connery to take over as a new Robin Hood, Robert of Huntingdon, from Season 3 onward.
Who created Robin of Sherwood and when did it air?
Robin of Sherwood was created by Richard Carpenter and first aired on April 28, 1984, on ITV1 in the United Kingdom. It ran for three seasons until 1986, produced by HTV in association with Goldcrest. In the United States it was retitled Robin Hood and broadcast on Showtime and PBS.
What makes Robin of Sherwood different from other Robin Hood adaptations?
Unlike earlier versions, Robin of Sherwood wove pagan mythology and mysticism into the Robin Hood legend, introducing the supernatural figure Herne the Hunter as Robin's spiritual guide. The series also featured a notably gritty, historically grounded production design and a groundbreaking soundtrack composed by Irish folk group Clannad.
Did Robin of Sherwood win any awards?
Yes — one of the series' most celebrated achievements is its haunting title music by Clannad, which won a BAFTA Award. The show itself was widely praised for its production quality and innovative approach to the Robin Hood legend, earning a devoted following that persists decades after its original broadcast.
How many seasons and episodes does Robin of Sherwood have?
Robin of Sherwood ran for three seasons and 26 episodes in total. Season 1 contained 6 episodes, Season 2 had 7 episodes, and Season 3 expanded to 13 episodes. Each episode runs approximately 55 minutes, giving the series a cinematic feel that set it apart from typical television of the era.
Is Robin of Sherwood based on a true story?
Robin of Sherwood is based on the legendary figure of Robin Hood, whose historical existence remains debated. Creator Richard Carpenter drew on medieval folklore, real English history, and pagan mythology rather than any single documented source. The result is a richly imagined fictional world rooted in the spirit of the legend rather than verified historical fact.
Who are the main cast members of Robin of Sherwood?
The principal cast includes Michael Praed and Jason Connery as two incarnations of Robin Hood, Judi Trott as Lady Marion, Ray Winstone as Will Scarlet, Clive Mantle as Little John, Mark Ryan as Nasir, Phil Rose as Friar Tuck, Nickolas Grace as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robert Addie as Sir Guy of Gisburne, and John Abineri as Herne the Hunter.
More About Robin of Sherwood
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