Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child

Watch Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child

  • TV-Y
  • 1995
  • 3 Seasons
  • 6.8  (792)

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child was a beloved animated anthology series that aired on HBO from 1995 to 2000. Each episode would adapt a classic fairy tale and give it a unique twist by setting it in a different cultural context, with an all-star cast of voice actors bringing the characters to life.

The show was celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering young viewers a chance to see themselves reflected in the stories they grew up on. Its mission was to showcase a range of cultures and traditions, exposing its audience to the rich and varied world around them. And with its stunning animation and captivating storytelling, it succeeded in doing just that.

The show's cast featured some of the biggest names in Hollywood, with actors from all backgrounds and walks of life coming together to lend their voices to this ambitious project. Among the show's regulars were Davida Williams, Dawnn Lewis, James Earl Jones, and Kathie Lee Gifford. But each episode would also feature guest stars, with the likes of Jimmy Smits, Nell Carter, Pam Grier, Regis Philbin, Robert Guillaume, Sinbad, and Whoopi Goldberg all making appearances over the years.

One of the things that made Happily Ever After so special was its dedication to cultural authenticity. Each episode would carefully research the traditions and customs of the culture it was depicting, and would work with consultants and advisors to ensure that everything was depicted accurately and respectfully. This attention to detail made the show a valuable educational tool, as well as a source of entertainment.

The show's animation was another major selling point, with each episode featuring vivid colors, intricate designs, and fluid movements. The animators took great care to bring the various settings to life, whether it was the bustling streets of New York City or the serene landscapes of Japan. And with each new episode, the animation would adapt to fit the unique cultural context of the story.

But above all, what made Happily Ever After such a beloved series was its heart. Each episode would offer a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance, showing young viewers that it was okay to be different, and that anyone could be a hero. Whether it was a young girl overcoming sexism in medieval England, or a poor boy rising to become emperor of China, the show's characters were always inspiring, always relatable, and always worth rooting for.

In short, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child was a remarkable achievement in children's programming. It was a show that transcended age, race, and culture, offering a message of hope and positivity to everyone who watched it. And even though it's been off the air for over 20 years, its impact can still be felt today, as its themes of diversity and inclusivity continue to resonate with audiences of all kinds.

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (39 episodes). The series first aired on March 28, 1995.

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Seasons
Aesop's Fables: A Whodunnit Musical
13. Aesop's Fables: A Whodunnit Musical
July 18, 2000
In this musical whodunit, the book of 'Aesop's Fables' has been stolen! It's up to a beautiful sleuth (voice of Angie Dickinson) to track down the culprit and return the book to its rightful place.
Robinita Hood
12. Robinita Hood
April 16, 2000
Favorite classic fairytales retold with fresh, modern, musical twist.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
11. The Steadfast Tin Soldier
May 16, 2000
A one-legged toy soldier (voiced by Tisha Campbell) goes on a larger-than-life adventure in order to win the heart of a beloved toy dancer (Savion Glover) in this heartwarming animated take on Hans Christian Andersen's timeless tale.
The Snow Queen
10. The Snow Queen
April 18, 2000
Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale of the Snow Queen and how she freezes a young boy's heart and turns him into a creature as cold as she. The boy's long-time, childhood friend travels far and wide and risks her life to save him. Her sweetness, innocence and tears that warm his heart return him to his real self. Eartha Kitt camps it up and steals the show as she sings how it is "Cool to Be Cold."
Rip Van Winkle
9. Rip Van Winkle
March 21, 2000
A feminist rethink of Washington Irving's classic tale. Rip's a chauvinistic rock & roller who marries the talented Vanna, whose music career goes by the wayside when they marry. Harried and in need of some peace, she finds The Women of Thunder Mountain, who give her a potion designed to help her annoying hubby (Tom Arnold as Rip Winkle) change his rigid and male piggy ways. Instead, he goes for a long snooze. When he wakes up 20 years later, he finds that not only are his clothes out of style, but his ideas about men & women's roles are too. The president is a woman, Vanna owns her own business, and his now-grown son is a stay-at-home-dad. A rock & roll take on this classic tale, with Edgar Winter supplying the singing and the song for Tom Arnold's Rip, and a cadre of famous feminists and ground-breaking women supplying the voices for the Women of Thunder Mountain.
The Princess and the Pauper
8. The Princess and the Pauper
February 21, 2000
The classic tale of royal and peasant changing identities , but leaving the boys at home. This feminist makeover in the kingdom of Peachburg teaches the time-honored virtue of treating everyone with equal respect and courtesy -- regardless of their social status, education or upbringing.
The Frog Princess
7. The Frog Princess
January 3, 2000
A prince/princess turnaround -- it's the girl who is the frog this time. Not only does Prince Gavin learn that appearances can be deceiving and with love you can overcome anything -- but he learns how to cook and clean, too!
Henny Penny
6. Henny Penny
November 19, 1999
A satirical and political treatment of this classic "The sky is falling!" Chicken Little tale. It takes place during an election in New Barnyard, with Sharon Stone as the excitable hen (she's a blonde TV reporter in this telling), and the cast peppered with political notables.
The Happy Prince
5. The Happy Prince
October 6, 1999
A contemporary New York twist to Oscar Wilde's classic story. A sassy, street-wise pigeon teams up with a good-hearted statue to help the city's poor, while her pals all fly off to Miami for Spring Break.
The Empress' Nightingale
4. The Empress' Nightingale
September 16, 1999
In this soulful adaptation of Anderson's classic tale, a straight-talking nightingale teaches a greedy empress that inner beauty is more important than any material riches could ever be.
The Bremen Town Musicians
3. The Bremen Town Musicians
August 12, 1999
This classic Grimm's fairy tale takes a wild turn with a puppy who doesn't dig the life of a guard dog, a soul diva donkey, a sassy kitten and a flashy, over-the-top, funky rooster. The four come together, form a group and go out on the road!
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
2. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
July 14, 1999
This time around, Ali is a young girl who outsmarts the 40 thieves and their leader, The Great One.
The Three Little Pigs
1. The Three Little Pigs
June 22, 1999
Three scrumptious piglets work to keep themselves dirty, pretty and plump at Camp Piggywood, run by a retired singer -- all while building their own cabins and foiling Big Bad Wolfgang and his plans to cook them over the campfire.
Description
Where to Watch Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child on demand at Max, HBO NOW, Microsoft Movies & TV and Google Play.
  • Premiere Date
    March 28, 1995
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (792)