Happily Ever After (HBO)

About Happily Ever After (HBO)

In 1995, HBO introduced an anthology animated show for children, "Happily Ever After". The show featured fairy tales from around the world that had been overlooked or forgotten, particularly focusing on those with strong female leads. With vibrant animation and culturally diverse storytelling, "Happily Ever After" captivated audiences for four seasons.

Making / Production

Happily Ever After was produced and distributed by HBO, with animation done by Nelvana. Over the course of production, multiple directors, including Laura Shepherd and Raymond Jafelice, contributed to the vision of the series. Each episode was a standalone story, allowing different writers to put their unique spin on the various fairy tales that were featured.

Actors

• Denise Burse: She gave life to various characters throughout the series, and her ability to adapt to different characters was highly applauded.
• Adam Arkin: The actor portrayed multiple characters and his contribution to the series was vital.
• George Takei: The 'Star Trek' veteran lent his voice to numerous characters and added depth to every role he played.
• Edward Asner: His voice acting set the tone for many characters throughout the series.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was unique in its decision to focus on lesser-known tales rather than popular favorites.
• Despite being a children's show, it approached themes of gender roles and equality in storytelling.
• The animation style differed from usual cartoons, making use of strong color palettes and detailed background design.

Awards

While the series was well-received by its audience and critics alike, it did not receive any notable awards during its television run.

Quotes

• "Who said happily ever after always looks the same?"
• "In the end, it's the heart that makes the fairy tale."
• "The best adventures always start with a book."

Music, Soundtrack

• Score by: James Gelfand
• The series did not release a stand-alone soundtrack. However, its background scores played a vital role in shaping the atmospheres of the stories.