Faerie Tale Theatre poster

TV series

Faerie Tale Theatre

1982NR6 seasons8.1 / 10

26 ways to live happily ever after.

A live-action children's television anthology series retelling popular fairy tales.

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Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Sep 2, 2026

Faerie Tale Theatre premiered September 11, 1982. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

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Synopsis

A live-action children's television anthology series retelling popular fairy tales.

Season 3 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

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Episode 1

Goldilocks And The Three Bears

Jan 9, 198451m

It's probably the most famous story of trespassing in fiction. In this version, its unquestionably the most entertaining. Tatum O'Neal stars as the mischievous but lovable heroine in this story of a child who invades the lives of 3 bears. The amusing threesome is headed by Alex Karras. Carole king and John Lithgow and Hoyt Axton are included in the talented supporting cast.

Episode credits

Directed by Gilbert CatesWritten by Rod Ash, Mark CurtissGuest stars Carole King, Alex Karras, John Lithgow, Tatum O'Neal, Hoyt Axton, Brandis Kemp, Donovan Scott

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode 2

The Princess and the Pea

Apr 16, 198451m

Prince Richard is looking for something to complete his life. The royal fool(jester). Helps him decide that he needs a wife, with a demanding mother and a dumbfounded father, that's all he needs in his life, until Alicia comes along. She is kind and gentle, and persists that she's a princess. Richard has had it with the demands of his mother and hates all of the princess presented to him, so he decides to marry Alicia. The mother however, is not so sure Alicia, so she puts her to a test to see if she is a real princess which has hilarious consequences! Liza Minelli is classically funny as Alicia. "The Princess and the Pea" is great family fun!

Episode credits

Directed by Tony BillWritten by Rod Ash, Mark CurtissGuest stars Nancy Allen, Liza Minnelli, Tom Conti, Beatrice Straight, Tim Kazurinsky, Pat McCormick, Charlie Dell, Diane Stilwell

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode 3

Pinocchio

May 14, 198451m

James Coburn, Carl Reiner, Paul Reubens and Lainie Kazan star in this amazing version of the Carlo Collodi's classic tale. A magical blue fairy brings a marionette named Pinocchio to life in order to grant a woodcutter's wish. Now Pinocchio must prove himself kind and loving in order to become a real, live boy. But, if he is bad, which sometimes he is, his nose will grow and only until he realizes his mistake will it shrink back to a valid size. This is one of the best Faerie Tale Theatre episodes, and one of the best versions of this classic Faerie Tale!

Episode credits

Directed by Peter MedakWritten by Rod Ash, Mark CurtissGuest stars Paul Reubens, James Coburn, Lainie Kazan, Carl Reiner, Jim Belushi, Michael Richards, Vincent Schiavelli, Vito Scotti

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Episode 4

Thumbelina

Jun 11, 198451m

Carrie Fisher and William Katt are Thumb-Sized Lovers...Video magic transforms Carrie Fisher into the diminutive heroine of Thumbelina, a girl so tiny she slept in a matchbox, so kind even field mice loved her, so beautiful she married a Prince. Raised by a kindhearted charwoman, Thumbelina is kidnapped and almost forced to marry first a Toad, then a crotchety Mole, played by Burgess Meredith. She manages, however, to escape to a beautiful garden kingdom where she meets a handsome equally tiny Prince, William Katt. This tale teaches us that everyone, no matter how unique, can find someone to love. Featuring production design based on the work of 19th century illustrator George Cruikshank. Thumbelina is a marvelous fantasy that will enchant big and small alike.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael Lindsay-HoggWritten by Maryedith BurrellGuest stars Conchata Ferrell, Carrie Fisher, William Katt, Burgess Meredith, John Pielmeier, Maryedith Burrell, Lu Leonard, Donovan Scott

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode 5

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Jul 16, 198451m

In her effort to be "fairest in the land," a jealous and evil queen attempts to be rid of her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, who takes refuge in the forest cottage of the seven dwarfs. The queen, disguised by magic as an old peddler woman, tempts Snow White with a poisoned apple, which puts her into an enchanted sleep until the spell can be broken by love's first kiss.

Episode credits

Directed by Peter MedakWritten by Robert C. JonesGuest stars Elizabeth McGovern, Vincent Price, Vanessa Redgrave, Tony Cox, Rex Smith, Michael Preston, Lou Carry, Billy Curtis

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode 6

Beauty and the Beast

Aug 13, 198451m

"Love can make a man become a beast and love can also make an ugly man beautiful." This is the moving message Susan Sarandon and Klaus Kinski deliver in their memorable performances of Beauty and the Beast. Beast takes Beauty into a mysterious world of misty gardens and candlelit chambers, in this world the shy unselfish beauty comes to know the grotesque beast. The suspense builds as Beauty discovers that ugliness can mask great goodness, and that promises should always be kept ... no matter what the cost.

Episode credits

Directed by Roger VadimWritten by Robert C. JonesGuest stars Klaus Kinski, Susan Sarandon, Anjelica Huston, Stephen Elliott, Nancy Lenehan, Stan Wilson

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode 7

The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers

Sep 17, 198451mfinale

Overcoming fear is a problem for most people, but there once was a boy whose problem was his complete lack of fear! Peter MacNicol stars as that boy in this amusing production narrated by Vincent Price. The king played by Christopher Lee promises the boy treasure and a beautiful princess if he can defeat an evil sorcerer who has haunted the kings castle. The boy meets an ominous mute hunchback, a headless man and ghosts galore and finally the sorcerer himself (in a duel to the death fight). Yet, he still has no fear, until the surprise conclusion.

Episode credits

Directed by Graeme CliffordWritten by Bruce Franklin SingerGuest stars Peter MacNicol, Jack Riley, Christopher Lee, David Warner, Frank Zappa, Dana Hill, Jeff Corey, Gary Springer

Where to watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Episode information updated Sep 12, 2026

Available now in United States

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More about Faerie Tale Theatre

Cast

Shelley DuvallThe Miller's Daughter

Roy DotricePeter Vanderdonk

Jean StapletonThe Giantess

Paul ReubensPinocchio

Bud CortMusic Master

Paul DooleyThe Miller

Eric IdleNarrator (voice)

René AuberjonoisKing Ulrich

Credits

Written by: Maryedith Burrell, David Felton, Alister Berry, Mark Curtiss, Rod Ash, Robert C. Jones, Maryedith Burrell, David Wyles, Nicholas Meyer, Eric Idle, Jules Feiffer, Gerald Ayres

Production details

Status: Ended
Series type: Scripted
Episodes: 27
Original language: English

Networks & production

ShowtimeUnited States
Gaylord Productions
Platypus Productions
Lion's Gate FilmsUnited States

Themes

anthologyfaerie tale theatrefairy talemagic