Once Upon a Time poster

TV series

Once Upon a Time

2011TV-PG7 seasons7.4 / 10

Magic is coming.

There is a town in Maine where every story book character you've ever known is trapped between two worlds, victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break the spell.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Once Upon a Time is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

There is a town in Maine where every story book character you've ever known is trapped between two worlds, victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break the spell.

Season 4 episodes

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Episode 1

A Tale of Two Sisters

43m8.1 / 10

A scared and confused Elsa from Arendelle finds herself in Storybrooke and creates a powerful snow monster for protection. Regina wonders if her relationship with Robin Hood has been completely quashed now that Marian's back in the picture. Elsa's sister wants to complete their parent's fateful journey and discover if their quest may have held the secret to containing Elsa's out of control ice powers.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Oliver Rice, Christie Laing, John Rhys-Davies, Pascale Hutton

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Episode 2

White Out

43m8.4 / 10

While desperately trying to find her sister Anna, Elsa accidentally traps them both inside an ice cave. Regina secludes herself from the town and Henry. With the townspeople considering Mary Margaret their leader, she faces her first leadership task in trying to re-start a generator and restore the town’s electricity after Elsa freezes and damages the power lines. Anna tries to teach a meek David to fight Bo Peep.

Episode credits

Directed by Ron UnderwoodWritten by Jane EspensonGuest stars Michael Coleman, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Robin Weigert, Elizabeth Mitchell, Gabrielle Rose, Lee Arenberg, Beverley Elliott

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Episode 3

Rocky Road

43m7.9 / 10

Marian falls under a freezing curse and the townspeople believe that Elsa is responsible. When Emma and David go to Robin's camp to look for clues, they find Will Scarlet, who leads them to the culprit. Meanwhile, in the Arendelle of the past, Elsa and Kristoff go to find the urn that Hans plans to use to imprison Elsa, and encounter the Snow Queen.

Episode credits

Directed by Morgan BeggsWritten by David H. Goodman, Jerome SchwartzGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Scott Michael Foster, Christie Laing, Nils Hognestad, Marcus Rosner, Charles Singh, Tyler Jacob Moore

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Episode 4

The Apprentice

43m8.3 / 10

Hook discovers that magic always comes with a price after he makes a deal with Mr. Gold to re-attach his hand so that he can embrace Emma with both hands on their first real date. And back in the fairy tale land of the past, Rumplestiltskin uses Anna to help him acquire a magical box from the sorcerer’s apprentice.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by Andrew Chambliss, Dana HorganGuest stars Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Brad Dourif, Catherine Bogdanova, Garry Garneau, Emanuel Fappas, Elizabeth Mitchell

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Episode 5

Breaking Glass

43m8.3 / 10

Emma tries to convince a reluctant Regina to help her find the Snow Queen, only to discover that Regina is lying to her about Sidney's whereabouts. Meanwhile, David convinces Mary Margaret to go on a date, but the date turns into a hunt when Will escapes his jail cell. In the past, Emma befriends another young orphan who isn't all that she seems.

Episode credits

Directed by Alrick RileyWritten by Kalinda Vazquez, Scott NimerfroGuest stars Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Abby Ross, Nicole Muñoz, Anson Hibbert, Kelly-Ruth Mercier, Ilias Webb, Barclay Hope

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Episode 6

Family Business

43m8.0 / 10

The race is on to track down the elusive Snow Queen in order to discover what her ultimate end game is for Elsa and the residents of Storybrooke. Unaware that she does not possess the real blade that controls The Dark One, Belle attempts to use it to get her reluctant husband to show her where the Snow Queen is hiding. Belle travels to Arendelle and, with Anna's help, seeks out Grand Pabbie to help her regain her lost memories in order to discover the fate of her mother.

Episode credits

Directed by Mario Van PeeblesWritten by Andrew Chambliss, Kalinda VazquezGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Christie Laing, John Rhys-Davies, Darcey Johnson, Garfield Wilson

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Episode 7

The Snow Queen

43m8.3 / 10

Emma captures the Snow Queen and learns that they are more alike then she can possibly imagine. In arendelle of the past, Ingrid discovers her deadly ice powers and makes a pact with her two sisters to protect and always be there for one another – no matter what.

Episode credits

Directed by Billy GierhartWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Sarah Bolger, John Rhys-Davies, Brighton Sharbino, Bailey Herbert, Jonathan Runyon, Sally Pressman

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Episode 8

Smash the Mirror (1)

43m8.3 / 10

Emma’s powers run amok and she turns to Gold for help, Elsa and Anna’s relationship is tested, and the Snow Queen’s agenda is revealed.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph Hemecker, Eagle EgilssonWritten by David H. Goodman, Jerome SchwartzGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Raf Rogers, Lee Page, Patrick Roccas, Elizabeth Mitchell

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Episode 9

Smash the Mirror (2)

43m8.3 / 10

Emma’s powers run amok and she turns to Gold for help, Elsa and Anna’s relationship is tested, and the Snow Queen’s agenda is revealed.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by David H. Goodman, Jerome SchwartzGuest stars Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Lee Page, Elizabeth Mitchell, Michael Socha, Timothy Webber

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Episode 10

Fall

43m8.2 / 10

The Snow Queen attempts to pit Anna and Elsa against each other; with her powers out of control, Emma seeks assistance from Gold; Regina's quest takes a surprising turn.

Episode credits

Directed by Mario Van PeeblesWritten by Jane EspensonGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Nils Hognestad, Marcus Rosner, Tyler Jacob Moore, Elizabeth Mitchell

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Episode 11

Shattered Sight

43m8.6 / 10

As Storybrooke descends into chaos as the Snow Queen's spell takes hold, Emma and Elsa try to trick Regina into destroying the ribbons so that they can attack the Queen. In the past, Ingrid adopts Emma and attempts to show the girl that she's a powerful sorceress.

Episode credits

Directed by Gwyneth Horder-PaytonWritten by Scott Nimerfro, Tze ChunGuest stars Jeffrey Kaiser, Mig Macario, Michael Coleman, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Abby Ross, Ilias Webb

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Episode 12

Heroes and Villains

43m8.2 / 10mid season

In the aftermath of the Snow Queen’s spell, our heroes try to pick up the pieces and Regina has to make a difficult choice. Hook’s fate hangs in the balance as Gold’s quest for power threatens everything he holds dear. And, in the Enchanted Forest flashback, an intrusion during Belle's stay at Rumplestiltskin's dark castle will wreak havoc in both the past and the future.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Sean Maguire, Georgina Haig, Elizabeth Lail, Scott Michael Foster, Christie Laing, Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Victoria Smurfit

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Episode 13

Darkness on the Edge of Town

43m7.9 / 10

With Gold banished from town, the residents of Storybrooke attempt to resume their normal lives. Hook and Belle search for a way to release the fairies from the Sorcerer’s hat, while Emma, Henry and Regina continue to look for clues that could lead them to the Author. But when a terrifying darkness descends on the town, Emma and Regina are forced to confront the true nature of evil. Meanwhile, in New York, Gold and Ursula enlist Cruella De Vil to join their cause.

Episode credits

Directed by Jon AmielWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Panou, Michael Querin, Daniel Dae Kim, Victoria Smurfit, Keegan Connor Tracy, Beverley Elliott

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Episode 14

Unforgiven

43m7.9 / 10

David and Mary Margaret suspect Cruella and Ursula have come to Storybrooke looking for something more than their own happy endings – something that threatens to reveal a secret they thought was long buried. Emma begins her own investigation of Cruella and Ursula, but she can’t shake the feeling that her friends and family are keeping something from her. Regina and Henry continue their search for the Author, turning to Pinocchio and Marco in the hope Pinocchio might remember a clue that will help them. Meanwhile, in a flashback to Fairy Tale Land, Snow and Charming cross paths with the Queens of Darkness as the threat of the Evil Queen’s Dark Curse hangs over all of them.

Episode credits

Directed by Adam HorowitzWritten by Andrew Chambliss, Kalinda VazquezGuest stars Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Victoria Smurfit, Jakob Davies, Tony Amendola, Michael Socha, Faustino Di Bauda, Beverley Elliott

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Episode 15

Enter the Dragon

43m8.0 / 10

In order to infiltrate the Queens of Darkness as a spy for the heroes, Regina must prove she’s still willing to get her hands dirty. Meanwhile, Emma, David and Mary Margaret scramble to keep tabs on their undercover operative. Hook requests an unusual favor from Belle as Henry makes progress on his search for the Author. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, Regina befriends Maleficent and helps her to rekindle her lost spark.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by David H. Goodman, Jerome SchwartzGuest stars Eion Bailey, Sarah Bolger, Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Sebastian Roché, Russell Roberts, Victoria Smurfit, Jakob Davies

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Episode 16

Poor Unfortunate Soul

43m8.1 / 10

Hook leverages his complicated history with Ursula to find out what she knows about Gold’s endgame. Gold and the Queens of Darkness torture August for information about the Author as Emma, Mary Margaret and David race to find them. Regina grows concerned for Robin Hood’s safety while she struggles to maintain her cover with the villains. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, when a restless young Ursula enlists Hook’s help to run away from home, she soon learns it isn’t wise to trust a pirate.

Episode credits

Directed by Steve PearlmanWritten by Andrew Chambliss, Dana HorganGuest stars Eion Bailey, Sean Maguire, Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Tiffany Boone, Ernie Hudson, Victoria Smurfit, JoAnna Garcia Swisher

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Episode 17

Best Laid Plans

43m7.2 / 10

Hook tells Emma that her fate is at stake in Gold’s plan while Regina leads the villains on a wild goose chase. Henry makes a breakthrough in his search to find the Author, but Mary Margaret and David need a moment to reconsider the best course of action. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, Snow and Charming search for a way to ensure their child will grow-up to be a hero. When a traveling peddler directs them to visit a kindly old hermit, Snow and Charming are presented with a choice that could secure their child’s goodness, but at a price that will haunt them for years to come.

Episode credits

Directed by Ron UnderwoodWritten by Jane Espenson, Kalinda VazquezGuest stars Eion Bailey, Kristin Bauer, Merrin Dungey, Abby Ross, Michelle Choi-Lee, Barclay Hope, Victoria Smurfit, Patrick Fischler

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Episode 18

Heart of Gold

43m7.8 / 10

Emma is still reeling after learning the truth of her parents’ history with Maleficent, but she must focus on finding the Author, who is running loose in Storybrooke, before Gold does. When Gold’s quest for his happy ending grows more urgent, he blackmails Regina into helping him. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, Robin Hood learns what it means to be an honorable thief when he accepts a proposition by Rumpelstiltskin to travel to Oz to steal a valuable magic elixir from the Wicked Witch.

Episode credits

Directed by Billy GierhartWritten by Scott Nimerfro, Tze ChunGuest stars Rebecca Mader, Sean Maguire, Christie Laing, Jennifer Cheon Garcia, Paul Kloegman, Jason Burkart, Raphael Alejandro, Wil Traval

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Episode 19

Sympathy for the De Vil

43m8.1 / 10

In fictional 1920s England, viewers meet a young Cruella, whose oppressive mother uses her Dalmatians to terrorize her daughter. Cruella is confined to her mother’s attic until a mysterious stranger arrives and empowers her to challenge her captor. In Storybrooke, Regina gains leverage to keep Gold from interfering with her plan to rescue Robin, but her trip to New York takes the backseat when she and Emma learn that Cruella has kidnapped Henry.

Episode credits

Directed by Romeo TironeWritten by David H. Goodman, Jerome SchwartzGuest stars Kristin Bauer, Milli Wilkinson, Anna Galvin, Victoria Smurfit, Patrick Fischler

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Episode 20

Lily

43m7.3 / 10

Emma’s potential for darkness is looming over everyone, but when Emma realizes Maleficent’s daughter Lily is in fact her closest friend from her foster care days, she resolves to find Lily and reunite her with her mother. Regina joins forces with Emma and together they set out to track down Lily and to warn Robin about Zelena. However, neither of them is prepared for the harsh realities they’ll encounter in the outside world. Meanwhile, in Storybrooke, Gold faces a crisis involving Belle. In a foster care flashback, things are looking up for young Emma with her new family until Lily’s appearance threatens to destabilize everything.

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by Andrew Chambliss, Dana HorganGuest stars Rebecca Mader, Sean Maguire, Christie Laing, Kristin Bauer, Abby Ross, Nicole Muñoz, Agnes Bruckner, Cameron Bancroft

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Episode 21

Mother

43m7.7 / 10

Emma returns to Storybrooke to reunite Lily with Maleficent while Regina and Robin struggle to cope with the implications of Zelena's pregnancy. When Gold's health takes a turn for the worse, Isaac looks to a new ally for help procuring the magic ink he needs to re-write history. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, Cora returns from Wonderland to beg Regina's forgiveness on the anniversary of Daniel's murder. Cora vows to help her daughter find true love, but Regina remains suspicious of her mother's intentions.

Episode credits

Directed by Ron UnderwoodWritten by Jane EspensonGuest stars Rebecca Mader, Sean Maguire, Kristin Bauer, Agnes Bruckner, John Innes, Jeremy Schuetze, Barbara Hershey, Wil Traval

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Episode 22

Operation Mongoose (1)

43m8.5 / 10

The Author proves to be a formidable wild card and forges an alliance with Gold. Emma, her parents, Hook and Regina scramble to stop them, but when Gold and the Author turn the tables on heroes and villains alike, the prospect of any happy outcome appears worlds away. Henry discovers he has big shoes to fill as he steps up to save his family before the story’s final page is turned. It’s a race to the finish, and everything culminates with a shocking twist that will leave the residents of Storybrooke reeling.

Episode credits

Directed by Romeo TironeWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Jeffrey Kaiser, Rebecca Mader, Eion Bailey, Mig Macario, Michael Coleman, Sean Maguire, Paralee Cook, Sean Campbell

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Episode 23

Operation Mongoose (2)

43m9.1 / 10finale

The Author proves to be a formidable wild card and forges an alliance with Gold. Emma, her parents, Hook and Regina scramble to stop them, but when Gold and the Author turn the tables on heroes and villains alike, the prospect of any happy outcome appears worlds away. Henry discovers he has big shoes to fill as he steps up to save his family before the story’s final page is turned. It’s a race to the finish, and everything culminates with a shocking twist that will leave the residents of Storybrooke reeling

Episode credits

Directed by Ralph HemeckerWritten by Adam Horowitz, Edward KitsisGuest stars Jeffrey Kaiser, Rebecca Mader, Mig Macario, Michael Coleman, Sean Maguire, Tom Pickett, Agnes Bruckner, Dante Arias

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Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026

More about Once Upon a Time

Cast

Jennifer MorrisonEmma Swan
Lana ParrillaRegina Mills / Evil Queen
Colin O'DonoghueCaptain Hook
Robert CarlyleMr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin / Weaver
Michael Raymond-JamesNeal Cassidy / Baelfire
Josh DallasDavid Nolan / Prince Charming
Jeffrey KaiserDopey
Ginnifer GoodwinMary Margaret Blanchard / Snow White

Credits

Created by
Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
156
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • ABCUnited States
  • Kitsis/HorowitzUnited States
  • ABC StudiosUnited States

Themes

based on fairy talefairy talefalse memoryfantasy worldmagicstorybook