The Storyteller (1988)
Jim Henson's beloved anthology series brings ancient folk tales and legends to vivid life through masterful puppetry and John Hurt's unforgettable narration.
The Storyteller - Series Information
- Original Title: The Storyteller
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Created by: Jim Henson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y7
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 15, 1988 (United States - TV-Y7), May 15, 1988 (United Kingdom - U), May 15, 1988 (Germany - 6), May 15, 1988 (Mexico - AA), May 15, 1988 (Italy - T), May 15, 1988 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: NBC, Channel 4
- Alternative Titles: A mesemondó (HU), Jim Henson's The Storyteller (US), Οπαραμυθάς (GR), Jim Henson's The Storyteller (UK), �ים הנסון מציג: מספר הסיפורים (IL), El Cuentacuentos (ES), Jim Hensons beste Geschichten (DE)
- Production Companies: The Jim Henson Company, TVS
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
The Storyteller - Plot
The Storyteller aided by his cynical dog, narrates classic folk tales, fables, and legends.
The Storyteller - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the magic that awaits.
Magical and haunting tales for only the bravest of children
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The Storyteller - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jim Henson
Main Cast
- John Hurt
- Brian Henson
- Frederick Warder
- Mak Wilson
- Michael Kilgarriff
- Peter Marinker
- Miranda Richardson
- Abigail Cruttenden
- Jane Horrocks
- Gabrielle Anwar
Writers
- Anthony Minghella
Executive Producers
- Jim Henson
The Storyteller - FAQs
Who narrates the stories in The Storyteller?
The legendary John Hurt plays the Storyteller, a warm and wry narrator who sits by the fire and spins ancient folk tales. His sardonic dog — voiced by Brian Henson — serves as a comic counterpoint, frequently interrupting and questioning the tales as they unfold.
Where can you stream The Storyteller?
The Storyteller is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Xumo Play, and Plex. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is The Storyteller based on real folk tales?
Every episode draws from genuine European folk tales, myths, and legends — stories rooted in oral traditions stretching back centuries. Jim Henson and writer Anthony Minghella adapted tales from sources including the Brothers Grimm and ancient Greek mythology, retelling them with a distinctly cinematic and emotionally resonant sensibility.
Who wrote the episodes of The Storyteller?
All nine episodes were written by Anthony Minghella, who would later go on to direct acclaimed films such as The English Patient and Cold Mountain. His scripts gave the series its distinctive literary quality, blending dark fairy-tale atmosphere with warmth, wit, and genuine emotional depth.
What is The Storyteller rated and suitable for?
The series carries a TV-Y7 rating, meaning it is designed for children aged seven and older. That said, the show's dark imagery, complex themes, and genuinely haunting moments make it equally compelling for adults — it's the kind of children's television that never talks down to its audience.
How many episodes does The Storyteller have?
The Storyteller ran for one season comprising nine episodes, each a self-contained story lasting around 25 minutes. The series aired in 1988 on NBC in the United States and Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, with each episode adapting a different folk tale or legend.
Did The Storyteller win any awards?
The series earned considerable critical recognition, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program. The combination of Jim Henson's extraordinary creature work, John Hurt's magnetic performance, and Anthony Minghella's literate scripts made it one of the most celebrated children's productions of its era.
What shows are similar to The Storyteller?
Fans of The Storyteller often enjoy other imaginative anthology and fantasy series for younger audiences. R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour shares a similarly dark, atmospheric edge, while Babar and The Wild Thornberrys offer family-friendly adventure storytelling. For classic fairy-tale vibes, the original Faerie Tale Theatre series is a natural companion.
More About The Storyteller
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