Hercules

1998

Original language: English

comedy
kids
animation
action & adventure

The story

Follow Herc's many labors during the years he spent training on how to be a hero under the tutelage of satyr Phil. Many of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses pay visit to the young hero-to-be and help or hinder him in his new adventures.

What it’s like

Bright, saturated hand-drawn animation with flat painted backgrounds, warm Mediterranean golds and sea blues, and a lively, slightly cartoonish Greek-pottery stylisation that gives it a storybook sheen. Its sound is a brassy, bouncy gospel-and-Motown-tinged score plus a Gospel-style narrating chorus that drops into the action like a sports commentator, so the mood feels buoyant rather than tense. The vibe is playful, cheeky and easygoing: a gentle Saturday-morning comfort watch, something to have on while doing chores or with kids on a lazy afternoon. Pacing is brisk and episodic, with short gags and quick setpieces, and the emotional register stays light and affectionate, following a clumsy young hero learning to be good through mentorship and friendship with his wisecracking satyr teacher. Intensity is mild: cartoon slapstick and fantasy peril, with monsters and tussles that are scary only in a passing way, and no gore, nudity or real cruelty. It suits families and younger viewers, and anyone who wants a funny, warm, undemanding adventure with a mythological flavour.

More TV shows like Hercules

Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Herculesand we’ll explain which ones fit you.