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- Jim Henson’s The Storyteller combined European folklore with high art puppetry, resulting in a fantasy series ahead of its time.
- The show featured early roles from actors who’d go on to huge fame, and stories darker than most modern TV dares to go.
- It only lasted 9 episodes, but its legacy endures through books, spin-offs, and diehard fans.
25 Amazing Facts About Jim Henson's The Storyteller You Never Knew
Before Game of Thrones made dark fantasy mainstream, before folklore TikTok was a thing, and long before puppets got the respect they deserve, Jim Henson dropped an absolute masterpiece that too many people still haven’t seen: The Storyteller.
Premiering in 1987, this haunting, beautiful, and deeply human series blended European myths, high-art puppetry, and live-action performance into something that felt like both a bedtime story and a philosophical gut punch. With John Hurt as the raspy-voiced narrator and a snarky talking dog by his side, each episode tackled ancient tales that didn’t flinch from fear, death, or moral ambiguity.
It only lasted for one season—just nine episodes—but those nine were unforgettable. Years later, The Storyteller still stands as one of Henson’s boldest, most mature works, inspiring a spin-off (Greek Myths), comic books, and a devoted cult following.
Whether you’re a fantasy nerd, a folklore junkie, or just someone who appreciates a damn good story, here are 25 fascinating facts that will make you see The Storyteller in a whole new light.
1. The series was inspired by actual ancient European folktales.
Henson wanted to explore old, lesser-known myths from Eastern Europe and the Balkans—stories that weren’t Disney-fied. Think grim, not Grimm.
2. The Storyteller was played by the legendary John Hurt.
Yes, that John Hurt—Kane from Alien, Ollivander from Harry Potter. His calm, weathered delivery is a huge part of the show’s haunting vibe.
3. That talking dog? Voiced by Brian Henson.
Jim Henson’s son voiced the witty, often skeptical dog who keeps the Storyteller honest. The puppet’s expressions were next-level animatronics.
4. The show was directed by Henson himself—and sometimes by Game of Thrones's David Yates.
Future Harry Potter and GoT director David Yates worked on episodes, bringing his signature cinematic style.
5. It was broadcast on NBC... for one season only.
In 1988, it ran as a mid-season filler and didn’t get the attention it deserved. Shocking, considering the production quality.
6. The puppets were as advanced as anything in Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal.
Made by Henson’s Creature Shop, the designs were wildly intricate—grotesque, beautiful, and emotive.
7. It's one of the most mature Henson projects ever made.
Kids watched it, sure. But this was not Sesame Street. These stories had death, betrayal, mutilation, existential dread—you know, the classics.
8. There's a Greek Myths spin-off starring Michael Gambon.
In 1990, Henson released The Storyteller: Greek Myths, with Gambon (a future Dumbledore!) as the new storyteller, telling tales from a labyrinth.
9. Every episode begins in the fireplace-lit Storyteller's home.
The cozy intro was inspired by traditional oral storytelling—intimate, warm, and tinged with the uncanny.
10. The episode "The Soldier and Death" is fan-favorite—and deeply unnerving.
A man outwits Death... temporarily. The ending? Philosophical, creepy, and unforgettable.
11. Jim Henson wanted to revive myth as a shared, universal language.
He believed old stories had power, especially when retold through the lens of modern puppetry and performance.
12. The series is practically a masterclass in folklore studies.
Each tale is rooted in historical versions. Henson didn’t water down the dark stuff—he honored it.
13. It was filmed entirely in the UK.
British locations gave it that mossy, medieval, almost fairy-tale-gone-wrong aesthetic.
14. Some of the original stories date back to the 10th century.
Yeah, these tales have deep roots—older than many of the fairy tales we know.
15. Music was composed by Rachel Portman.
She’d go on to win an Oscar (Emma) and score countless beloved films. Her music here is haunting and lyrical.
16. The series inspired a BOOM! Studios comic reboot in 2018.
It expanded the Storyteller universe with new tales and lush, painted art. Totally worth checking out.
17. The dog isn't in the Greek Myths version—and people missed him.
Michael Gambon’s take was excellent, but fans still missed the Storyteller’s loyal canine skeptic.
18. The effects still hold up.
Rewatch today, and you’ll be shocked by how practical effects outshine CGI in terms of weight and realism.
19. Some episodes are genuinely terrifying.
“The Heartless Giant”? “Fearnot”? These aren’t bedtime stories. They’re low-key psychological thrillers in fable form.
20. It's a cult favorite among fantasy writers and folklore scholars.
Seriously—The Storyteller has a huge following among nerdy creatives who praise its depth and storytelling craft.
21. It tackled moral ambiguity in ways most kids' shows wouldn’t touch.
Not every ending was happy. Some were bittersweet. Others straight-up tragic. And that’s why it stuck with you.
22. It's incredibly rewatchable as an adult.
You notice layers, symbolism, and artistry that probably flew over your head as a kid.
23. Jim Henson said it was one of his favorite personal projects.
He didn’t just want to make you laugh—he wanted to make you think.
24. Each tale reflects a deep human truth.
Whether it's about greed, kindness, loss, or hope, The Storyteller hits you where it matters most—your heart.
25. The series is streaming now—and it deserves a revival.
If you’ve never seen it, it’s time. If you have, it’s time to go back. There’s so much magic waiting for you by that fireplace.
Where Can You Stream The Storyteller in 2025?
As of 2025, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller is available to stream on several platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Peacock Premium
- The Roku Channel
- Pluto TV
- Plex
- Apple TV
- fuboTV
Whether you're rewatching this fantasy gem or discovering it for the first time, these platforms offer both subscription and free-with-ads options to experience the magic.
So next time you think of Jim Henson, don’t just think Kermit. Think twisted giants, death bargains, lost princesses, and the power of a tale well told. Because The Storyteller wasn’t just a series—it was a reminder that the oldest stories still have teeth.
Discover more hidden gems from the fantasy realm, only here at Land of Geek Magazine, where legends live on.
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