Temporada
Episodio
Servidor del reproductor
Cuentos de las estrellas

Cuentos de las estrellas

19828
DramaComediaFamiliaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Estreno
11 sept 1982
País
Estados Unidos
Producciones
Gaylord ProductionsPlatypus ProductionsLion's Gate Films
La serie se constituye de episodios independientes entre sí que recrean diferentes cuentos populares que forman parte de la literatura infantil, todos ellos de fantasía. Los Cuentos de Hadas o Faerie Tale Theatre, fue una serie también conocida como los "Cuentos de las estrellas" y el "Teatro de cuentos de hadas de Shelley Duvall" (actriz y productora norteamericana). Este espacio fue una teatralización para la tv de los cuentos de hadas populares narrados por Duvall, quien fue la presentadora y en algunos episodios la actriz del programa. La emisión de su formato en Norteamérica se dio a partir del año 1982 hasta 1987

About

Quick guide

A live‑action anthology that turns classic fairy tales into family‑friendly movies.

Faerie Tale Theatre is a 1980s cable anthology that re‑imagined beloved folk stories with a mix of Hollywood talent, well‑known directors, and lavish production design. Each episode, hosted by Shelley Duvall, opens with a quick narration before plunging viewers into a fresh retelling of a Grimm, Perrault, or Andersen tale. The series blends humor and a touch of darkness, while keeping the core messages of kindness, bravery, and the triumph of good. With 27 episodes, the show offered a diverse range of settings and styles, from a Tim Burton‑styled Cinderella to a Francis Ford Coppola‑directed Rapunzel.

What to know

  • Hosted and produced by actress Shelley Duvall.
  • Each episode retells a classic fairy tale, mostly from the Brothers Grimm.
  • Notable directors include Tim Burton, Francis Ford Coppola, and Ivan Passer.
  • The show featured many celebrity guests in costume roles.
  • Episodes range from 39 to 58 minutes.
  • Released on Showtime, later syndicated on Disney Channel and PBS.
  • It ran for six seasons from 1982–1987.
  • A reunion special titled "Grimm Party" aired as the final episode.

Watch if

If you enjoy live‑action adaptations of fairy tales that blend humor, adventure, and a sprinkle of the supernatural, and you appreciate classic film‑making with a star‑studded cast, Faerie Tale Theatre offers an entertaining, nostalgic journey through familiar stories.

Skip if

If you prefer purely animated fairy‑tales, modern CGI, or content that steers clear of any dark or violent elements, the show’s occasional grim moments and older production style might feel out of place for your tastes.

family friendlyfantasy violencelight toneuplifting tonedark tone
Series Origin
The idea came from Shelley Duvall’s fascination with fairy tales and her experience on the 1980 film Popeye. She pitched a live‑action anthology to Showtime, aiming to give children a richer storytelling experience by combining familiar stories with Hollywood talent.
Episode Structure
Every episode starts with Duvall’s narration and a title card, followed by a full retelling. Most are between 39 and 58 minutes, featuring elaborate costumes, period set pieces, and occasional modern twists to keep the material fresh.
Notable Directors
The series boasts an impressive list of directors: Tim Burton brought a gothic flair to Cinderella, Francis Ford Coppola added gravitas to Rapunzel, and Ivan Passer delivered a unique take on Little Red Riding Hood, showcasing varied directorial voices.
Guest Cast Highlights
From Robin Williams and Mickey Rourke to Tilda Swinton and Danny DeVito, the show’s guest stars played everything from fairy‑tale kings to wicked witches, adding star power and humor to each story.
Broadcast History
First airing on Showtime in 1982, the series ran until 1987. It later found a second life on Disney Channel (1994‑96) and appeared in syndication on PBS, reaching a wide, family‑oriented audience.
Legacy & Availability
Home‑video releases in VHS, Betamax, and Laserdisc helped preserve the series. In 2008 a remastered DVD box set re‑released all episodes, making the classic tales accessible to new generations.

FAQ

23 Q&A
What is Faerie Tale Theatre?
It is a live‑action anthology series that retells classic fairy tales. Each episode is hosted by Shelley Duvall and features celebrity actors and well‑known directors.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
The show ran for six seasons from 1982 to 1987, with 27 episodes in total.
Who hosted and produced the show?
Shelley Duvall served as both host and executive producer, guiding the series’ creative direction.
Which fairy tales are featured?
The series mostly covers tales from the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen, with one episode based on the poem “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.”
Were the episodes filmed in color?
Yes, all episodes were produced in color and feature elaborate costume and set design.
Who were some of the guest stars?
Notable guests include Robin Williams, Mickey Rourke, Tilda Swinton, Danny DeVito, and many others.
Which directors worked on the series?
Prominent directors include Tim Burton, Francis Ford Coppola, Ivan Passer, Emile Ardolino, and others.
What was the episode length?
Episodes varied between 39 and 58 minutes, depending on the story’s scope.
On which network did it first air?
The series debuted on Showtime in 1982 before later being syndicated on other channels.
Is the show still available for streaming?
The complete series is available on DVD box sets; streaming options vary by region and platform.
Did the show have any special episodes?
The final episode, “Grimm Party,” was a reunion special featuring the cast and crew in a fairy‑tale themed gala.
Was the show family‑friendly?
Yes, it is designed for family viewing, though some stories contain mild fantasy violence and occasional dark moments.
Did the series have any recurring characters?
Each episode is a self‑contained story; there are no recurring characters across episodes.
What is the tone of the series?
It blends light, whimsical moments with darker themes typical of many classic fairy tales.
Can I watch it on DVD?
A remastered DVD box set released in 2008 includes all episodes, except a missing “Greatest Moments” episode that was later added to a special edition.
How does the show handle violence?
Violence is limited to fantasy elements such as curses and enchanted objects, presented in a way that is appropriate for children.
Is there any behind‑the‑scenes footage?
Some DVDs include behind‑the‑scenes clips and interviews with the cast and crew.
Did the series receive any awards?
Yes, it earned a Peabody Award, a TCA Award, and a Golden CableACE Award.
What makes Faerie Tale Theatre unique compared to other anthologies?
Its combination of live‑action storytelling, celebrity performances, and renowned directors sets it apart from purely animated or studio‑based anthologies.
What are common themes explored?
Common themes include bravery, kindness, the battle between good and evil, and the importance of cleverness.
Are there any recurring plot devices?
Each story follows its traditional narrative, but often includes a modern or whimsical twist introduced by the director.
How was the music handled?
Each episode featured an original score tailored to the tone of the story, sometimes incorporating traditional folk melodies.
Can adults enjoy the series?
Yes, adults can appreciate the clever direction, nostalgic value, and the subtle subtext beneath the surface.

Actores

Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall
Self - Host