Hubbry Logo
Once, Upon TimeOnce, Upon TimeMain
Open search
Once, Upon Time
Community hub
Once, Upon Time
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Once, Upon Time
Once, Upon Time
Once, Upon Time
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

297c – "Once, Upon Time"
Doctor Who episode
Cast
Others
Production
Directed byAzhur Saleem
Written byChris Chibnall
Produced byPete Levy
Executive producers
Music bySegun Akinola
SeriesSeries 13
Running time3rd of 6-part story, 49 minutes
First broadcast14 November 2021 (2021-11-14)
Chronology
← Preceded by
"War of the Sontarans" 		Followed by →
"Village of the Angels"
List of episodes (2005–present)

"Once, Upon Time", prefixed frequently with either "Chapter Three" or "Flux", is the third episode of the thirteenth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, and of the six-episode serial known collectively as Doctor Who: Flux. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 14 November 2021. It was written by showrunner and executive producer Chris Chibnall, and directed by Azhur Saleem.

The episode stars Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, alongside Mandip Gill and John Bishop as her companions, Yasmin Khan and Dan Lewis, respectively.

Plot

[edit]

With humanity now on the verge of extinction, the Daleks, Cybermen, and Sontarans occupy most of the remaining planets. In the Temple of Atropos, the Doctor jumps into the time storm and stalls Swarm by hiding Dan, Yaz, and Vinder in their pasts.

Dan experiences his date with his love interest Diane, until the Doctor appears as a hologram and Swarm's companion Passenger abducts Diane. Yaz talks with her police partner and tries to teach her sister a video game, but sees the Doctor instead. Vinder reluctantly relives his time assisting the dictatorial Grand Serpent and his demotion to a remote outpost upon revealing the Serpent's misdeeds, with Yaz as his superior and the Doctor as a hologram. Vinder makes video messages aboard the outpost.

Bel, a survivor of the Flux, evades the Daleks in a forest, finds a Lupari ship and weapons, and escapes to the Cybermen sector. Bel kills a boarding party, then confesses her motivations to the last Cyberman she kills: she is searching for her lover, Vinder. Bel finds Vinder’s messages, and comforts their unborn child.

The Doctor jumps into her own timestream and recovers memories of her past Fugitive Doctor incarnation and three other Division officers, including the Lupari officer Karvanista, raiding the Temple to confront Swarm and Azure. Swarm appears in his original form and has vessels called Passengers each storing hundreds of thousands of life essences. The Fugitive Doctor has secretly hidden six powerful Mouri priests inside, and unleashes them.

Back in her present, the Doctor finds the priests and encourages them to return to the temple, but the priests forcibly separate her from her past memories to protect her from the time storm's effects. Awsok, a mysterious old entity, chides the Doctor, claiming the Doctor's mission is futile. Awsok reveals the Flux was deliberately created and placed and is the Doctor's fault.

The Doctor returns Yaz, Dan and Vinder to the present. Azure reveals they knew what the Doctor would do and brought her to Atropos on purpose. Swarm reveals Diane's entrapment in Passenger, and the Doctor and Vinder promise to help Dan get her back before Swarm, Azure and Passenger leave the temple. The Doctor uses the TARDIS to return Vinder to his ravaged home planet and gives him a device to contact her. After taking off, a Weeping Angel jumps out of Yaz's phone and seizes the TARDIS console.

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

"Once, Upon Time" was written by showrunner and executive producer Chris Chibnall.[1]

Casting

[edit]

The series is the third to feature Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor,[2] and Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan,[3] with John Bishop having joined the cast for the series as Dan Lewis.[4] The episode featured a guest appearance from Craig Parkinson.[5] Jo Martin also returned as the Fugitive Doctor; her appearance was unannounced prior to the episode's broadcast.[6] Additional guest stars for the episode were announced on 4 November.[7]

Filming

[edit]

Azhur Saleem directed the second block, which comprised the third, fifth and sixth episodes of the series.[8]

Broadcast and reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer)75%[9]
Rotten Tomatoes (Average Score)7.2/10[9]
Review scores
SourceRating
Radio TimesStarStar[10]
The A.V. ClubB[11]
The IndependentStarStar[12]
The TelegraphStarStarStarStar[13]

Broadcast

[edit]

"Once, Upon Time" aired on 14 November 2021.[14] The episode serves as the third part of a six-part story, entitled Flux.[15][16]

Ratings

[edit]

Overnight the episode was watched by 3.76 million viewers; it was the fourth most-watched programme of the day only behind Strictly Come Dancing, Top Gear, and Countryfile.[17] The consolidated rating counting all views across all platforms within seven days of broadcast was 4.67 million. The episode was the sixth highest rated programme on BBC1 for the week, but across all channels, it was the fifth highest for the day and failed to make the top fifteen programmes for the week.[18] The episode received an Audience Appreciation Index score of 75.[19]

Critical reception

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator website, 6 of 8 critics gave the episode a positive review, with an average rating of 7.2 out of 10.[9] Patrick Mulkern, a reviewer for Radio Times, stated that the episode was "one of the most dizzying and blatantly confusing episodes of Doctor Who."[10] The Independent's Isobel Lewis agreed, calling it a "meaningless mess", but said there were some "hopeful moments" among the "bewildering plotlines."[12] Meanwhile, Michael Hogan with The Telegraph disagreed, believing that the "disorienting" and "woozy, trippy narrative" of the episode was the overall goal and that it was "jam-packed with treats for the fans."[13] Caroline Siede similarly praised the episode writing that "one of the things “Once, Upon Time” does best is evoke a dream-like sense of confusion".[20]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Once, Upon Time

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Once Upon a Time" is a poem by Nigerian and Gabriel Okara, first published in 1978 as part of his collection The Fisherman's Invocation. The work is structured as a in which the speaker addresses his young son, expressing for a time when human interactions were marked by genuine sincerity and heartfelt emotions, before the corrupting influence of introduced hypocrisy and superficiality. Gabriel Okara (1921–2019), born in Bumoundi in present-day , , was a foundational figure in modern , renowned for innovating poetic forms that integrated indigenous Nigerian languages and oral traditions with English modernist techniques. He worked in various roles, including as a bookbinder, , broadcaster, and civil servant, before dedicating himself fully to writing; his The Voice (1964) marked him as one of the first African authors to experiment with linguistic fusion in prose. Okara received prestigious honors, such as the 1979 Commonwealth Poetry Prize for The Fisherman's Invocation and the 2005 Nigeria Prize for Literature, for his contributions to literature that often critiqued postcolonial identity and cultural erosion. In "," Okara employs and repetitive phrasing—such as contrasting "once upon a time" with "now they"—to highlight the speaker's lament over diminished authenticity in laughter, greetings, and social bonds. The poem satirizes the performative nature of contemporary African society under Western impact, where people "laugh with their teeth" rather than their hearts, and "shake hands without their hearts." This cultural critique reflects broader themes in Okara's oeuvre, including the tension between traditional values and modernity, the alienation of postcolonial life, and a yearning for reclaimed , making the poem a poignant emblem of mid-20th-century African literary responses to .

Premise

Core concept

"Once Upon a Time" is structured as a dramatic monologue in which the speaker, a father, addresses his young son, expressing nostalgia for a past era when human interactions were characterized by genuine sincerity and heartfelt emotions. The poem laments the corrupting influence of modern, Westernized society, which has introduced hypocrisy and superficiality into everyday behaviors such as laughing, shaking hands, and greeting others. The father reflects on how people once "laughed with their hearts and laugh[ed] with their eyes," but now "only laugh with their teeth" while their "ice-block-cold eyes search behind [his] shadow," symbolizing insincere and calculating interactions. This central premise critiques the loss of authenticity in postcolonial African society, highlighting the speaker's adaptation to wearing "many faces" like masks to conform to social expectations, ultimately yearning to reclaim the innocence of the past. The poem's emotional core lies in the father's desire to teach his son to avoid the cynicism he has learned, underscoring themes of cultural erosion and the tension between traditional values and . Through vivid , such as shaking hands "without hearts" while searching "empty pockets," Okara satirizes the performative nature of contemporary social bonds, where phrases like "Feel at home!" mask underlying exclusion. This concept reflects broader postcolonial concerns in Okara's work, portraying the alienation resulting from and the erosion of indigenous sincerity.

Narrative structure

The narrative structure of "Once Upon a Time" employs and a repetitive, parallel format that contrasts the sincerity of the past with the of the present, opening and closing with the phrase "Once upon a time, son" to frame the like a cautionary . The poem consists of five stanzas, with the first three following a mirrored pattern: each begins by evoking the authentic past ("they used to laugh/shake hands... with their hearts") and pivots to the insincere present ("but now they only laugh/shake hands... with their teeth/hands without hearts"), building a rhythmic through and incremental revelation. The fourth stanza shifts to the speaker's personal adaptation, listing the "many faces" he has learned to wear in different social contexts, which serves as a climax revealing his internalization of the corrupted norms. The structure culminates in the fifth stanza, repeating the opening lines verbatim to emphasize the cyclical of loss and the father's unresolved for restoration. This non-linear, reflective progression, without a traditional plot resolution, underscores the poem's thematic depth, using repetition and irony to interconnect personal anecdote with cultural critique across its 32 lines. Thematically, the poem evolves from nostalgic recollection to self-aware , challenging the reader to confront the of emotional authenticity. Recurring motifs, such as the contrast between "hearts" and "teeth," reinforce the core message of resilience against cultural dilution, symbolizing the enduring hope for genuine human connection in a superficial .

Production

Development

composed "Once Upon a Time" during the 1970s, a period marked by his reflections on postcolonial Nigerian society following the (1967–1970). The poem emerged as part of his broader exploration of cultural authenticity and the of traditional values under Western influence, themes central to his literary career. Okara, who began writing poetry in the 1950s while working as a bookbinder and , innovated by blending English with elements of Ijo (his native language) to capture indigenous rhythms. This linguistic fusion is evident in the poem's repetitive structure and style, drawing from African oral traditions. The work critiques modernity's through a father's to his son, contrasting past sincerity with present superficiality. No specific drafting timeline is documented, but it aligns with Okara's maturation as a after his debut collection Call of the River Nun (1959) and novel The Voice (1964).

Casting

No applicable content; the poem is a literary work without cast or performers.

Filming

No applicable content; the poem is a literary work without filming or visual production.

Setting and production design

Primary locations

Storybrooke, , serves as the primary present-day setting in Once Upon a Time, a fictional coastal town created by the Evil Queen's Dark Curse, which transported the inhabitants of various fairy tale realms into a land without magic and froze time for 28 years. The curse rendered residents amnesiac, oblivious to their true identities until the arrival of , the prophesied Savior, begins to unravel it. Depicted with quaint New England-inspired architecture, including cobblestone streets, Victorian-style buildings, and a harbor, Storybrooke evokes the charm of isolated American small towns. Iconic landmarks include the central clock tower, perpetually stopped at 8:15 to symbolize the curse's onset, and Granny's Diner, a bustling eatery run by Granny (the in disguise) that functions as a communal hub for daily life, revelations, and plot-driving gatherings. The represents the core realm, a sprawling, magical domain within the broader Fairy Tale Land that houses classic characters such as , , the Regina, and Rumplestiltskin. This enchanted wilderness includes diverse kingdoms and terrains, from the dense woods where evades pursuers and forges alliances, to Regina's foreboding castle, a gothic fortress symbolizing her tyrannical rule and dark sorcery. Governed by fairy tale logic where magic permeates daily existence—enabling spells, portals, and mythical creatures—the serves as the origin point for most characters' backstories, with its pastoral beauty contrasting the curse's sterile modernity. As the series progresses, additional realms expand the , each introducing distinct magical systems and visual motifs tied to their lore. Neverland, the eternal island domain of Peter Pan (revealed as Malcolm), operates under timeless rules that prevent aging and amplify dark enchantments, featuring lush jungles, mermaids, and shadow magic that traps souls in endless youth and peril. Oz, the emerald-tinted land of witches, follows a hierarchy of spellcraft and artifacts, ruled initially by Zelena the Wicked Witch, with its vibrant, cyclone-swept landscapes emphasizing themes of envy and illusion. The , a for souls with unresolved regrets, replicates Storybrooke's layout but in a desaturated, foggy aesthetic, bound by underworldly pacts that permit the living to negotiate with the dead through ' influence. These locations tie into the narrative's flashback structure, revealing how characters' pasts in these worlds shape present-day conflicts in Storybrooke.

Visual style and effects

The visual style of Once Upon a Time draws on that emphasizes the contrast between its dual worlds, with director of photography utilizing digital cameras such as the and Blackmagic Cinema Camera to capture both intimate character moments and expansive fantasy sequences. Costume designer Eduardo Castro crafted outfits that seamlessly blend fairy tale aesthetics with modern elements, featuring elaborate period gowns for characters—such as Rumplestiltskin's original ensemble made from real baby crocodile skin and Italian leather—and contemporary attire for their Storybrooke counterparts, including Regina Mills' iconic black leather ensembles that evoke her persona. Special effects integrated practical techniques, like smoke and for magical portals and spells, with for mythical creatures such as dragons and dramatic transformations, handled primarily by Zoic Studios in , which delivered 350 to 500 VFX shots per episode using ProRes 4444 files for high-quality integration on a television production schedule. This approach achieved feature-film-level visuals within the series' $4.5 million per-episode budget. Art direction evolved across seasons, starting with grounded, realistic depictions of Storybrooke's small-town setting in season 1 and progressing to more elaborate, fantastical constructions for expanded realms like and Arendelle in later installments, supported by green screen and virtual sets to accommodate the growing scope of fairy tale integrations.

Music

Poetic Sound Devices

"Once Upon a Time" employs without strict rhyme or meter, relying instead on rhythmic repetition and contrast to mimic traditions. The poem's "music" derives from the anaphoric repetition of phrases like "" for nostalgic innocence and "now they" for modern hypocrisy, creating a lamenting that echoes Nigerian . Alliteration and , such as in "laugh with their teeth" and "shake hands without their hearts," enhance the satirical tone, underscoring emotional superficiality through sharp, biting sounds. Okara's fusion of English with pidgin-like rhythms reflects indigenous linguistic music, critiquing cultural loss while evoking heartfelt lost to Western influences. This sonic structure reinforces the poem's themes without formal musical , as it is a literary work.[](https://africanpoetics.unl.edu/index of poets/item/apdp.person.000399) No official soundtrack or composed score exists for the poem, though its recitation in performances may incorporate tonal inflections from Ijaw oral traditions.

Broadcast and distribution

Airing history

Once Upon a Time premiered on ABC on October 23, 2011, airing initially on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET as part of the network's fall lineup. The series maintained this Sunday slot for its first two seasons before shifting to Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET for season 3 in the 2013–14 television season, a change intended to bolster the network's midweek programming alongside Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. It returned to Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET for seasons 4 through 6, concluding its run in that time slot with the season 6 finale on May 15, 2016. For its seventh and final season, the show moved to Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ET starting October 6, 2017, a decision influenced by ongoing scheduling adjustments amid viewership trends. The series spanned seven seasons, with the first six each consisting of 22 episodes, following ABC's standard full-season order for established dramas. Season 7 also received a 22-episode commitment despite a narrative reboot and shorter overall arc, airing from October 2017 to May 2018 with a midseason hiatus after the fall finale on December 15, 2017. Episodes were typically released in two batches per season—a fall arc and a spring arc—allowing for midseason breaks that aligned with network hiatuses and occasional event programming. ABC renewed for its seventh season in May 2017, but on February 6, 2018, the network announced that the season would serve as the series finale, airing its last episode on May 18, 2018. This conclusion followed the show's consistent seven-season run, marking the end of its original broadcast schedule on ABC.

Ratings and viewership

The premiere episode of Once Upon a Time on October 23, 2011, drew 12.93 million viewers and achieved a 4.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic, securing a strong launch for the ABC series. The first season maintained robust performance, averaging 9.92 million viewers overall and ranking among ABC's top scripted shows. Viewership peaked during the early seasons, reflecting the show's initial appeal as a family-oriented fantasy drama, but experienced a steady decline thereafter due to factors including heightened competition from rival series like The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, as well as the rise of streaming alternatives fragmenting linear TV audiences. By the series' conclusion in season 7, average viewership had fallen to 2.31 million, with the 18-49 demographic rating dropping to 0.50, a sharp contrast to the debut year's metrics and contributing to ABC's decision to end the show after seven seasons. Nielsen data highlighted this trajectory across seasons, as shown in the table below for total viewers (in millions) and 18-49 ratings:
SeasonAverage Viewers (millions)Average 18-49 Rating
19.923.3
28.462.7
37.082.2
46.562.18
54.401.37
63.150.94
72.310.50
Sources for seasonal data: TV Series Finale (seasons 1-7 averages). Live-plus-7 day adjustments revealed substantial DVR gains, often boosting totals by 20-30% or more, which was particularly pronounced for Once Upon a Time given its family demographic skew—18% of adult viewers co-watched with children or teens, enhancing delayed playback appeal. Special episodes, such as crossovers, provided temporary spikes; for instance, the season 4 premiere incorporating Frozen elements attracted 9.3 million viewers, up significantly from prior weeks amid promotional buzz. These events underscored the show's potential to draw larger audiences during high-profile tie-ins, though overall trends reflected broader challenges in sustaining linear viewership.

International release and streaming

The series was distributed internationally in over 190 countries starting in 2012, with broadcasts in markets including on the Seven Network, on CTV, and on . Once Upon a Time was released on home media in DVD and Blu-ray formats by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, beginning with the first season in 2012 and continuing through the seventh season in 2018. The complete series set, encompassing all seven seasons, was issued on Blu-ray in October 2018. The show was made available for streaming on Netflix in the United States starting with season 1 in 2013, with subsequent seasons added annually until it left the platform in September 2020. All seven seasons launched on Disney+ on September 18, 2020, providing global access to subscribers. In the U.S., the series was added to Hulu on September 1, 2023, but removed on August 31, 2025; it remains available on Disney+ as of November 2025. The series has been dubbed and subtitled in multiple languages for international audiences, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin, to facilitate broader accessibility. In addition to , the international release included adaptations for regional preferences, such as localized promotions in and , contributing to its global popularity.

Reception

Critical response

The first season of Once Upon a Time garnered mixed to positive critical reception, earning a score of 66 out of 100 based on 26 reviews. Critics lauded the series for its innovative twists on classic fairy tales, robust ensemble performances, and incorporation of feminist themes that empowered female characters beyond traditional roles. On , the season holds an 81% approval rating from 37 reviews, with the consensus describing it as "charming and fantastical," bolstered by an outstanding cast and handsome visuals despite some tonal unevenness. Among the highlighted strengths were the depth of character development, particularly for complex antagonists like the Regina, whose layered motivations and portrayal by added emotional nuance to the narrative. Reviewers also appreciated the visual appeal of the production, blending modern-day settings with enchanting fairy-tale aesthetics, as well as its family-friendly emphasis on and redemption arcs that resonated across generations. Hank Stuever of called it a "smartly-crafted reward for fans of light fantasy," praising its blend of cleverness, action, and romance. As the series progressed, opinions became more divided, with later seasons drawing criticism for convoluted plotting involving multiple realms, inconsistent pacing, and an overreliance on nostalgic crossovers that diluted the original charm. of Variety observed in a of the Season 4 premiere that the show had shifted "from boundless promise to convolution," noting how expanding the fairy-tale universe began to "dilute the franchise" and suggested its "happiest days appeared well behind it." The seventh and final season received a lower 43% on from a smaller sample of seven reviews, reflecting ongoing concerns about narrative fatigue.

Awards and nominations

Once Upon a Time garnered significant industry recognition over its seven-season run, accumulating 13 wins and 95 nominations across various award ceremonies, with particular acclaim in genre-specific categories and technical achievements during its early seasons. The series peaked in nominations for and supporting performances in its initial years, reflecting praise for its production design and character portrayals. The show received multiple nominations at the , including for Favorite New TV Drama in 2012 (nominated) and Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show from 2013 to 2017 (nominated each year). It secured wins in other categories, such as Favorite Villain for in 2014, highlighting fan appreciation for its fantasy elements. At the , presented by the Academy of , Fantasy & Horror Films, earned 9 nominations, including for Best Network Series in 2012 (nominated) and multiple nominations for Best Supporting Actress for in 2013 and 2015 (nominated). Parrilla's performances as the /Regina Mills were frequently honored in this venue for their depth in genre television. Other notable nominations included the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music in 2012 and the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series for Robert Carlyle in 2012. The ensemble also received Teen Choice Awards nominations, with wins for categories like Choice TV Ship in 2016.
AwardYearCategoryResultRecipient
People's Choice Awards2012Favorite New TV DramaNominatedOnce Upon a Time
People's Choice Awards2013–2017Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV ShowNominatedOnce Upon a Time
Saturn Awards2012Best Network SeriesNominatedOnce Upon a Time
Saturn Awards2013Best Supporting Actress on TelevisionNominatedLana Parrilla
Saturn Awards2015Best Supporting Actress on TelevisionNominatedLana Parrilla
Primetime Emmy Awards2012Outstanding Main Title Theme MusicNominatedMark Isham
Golden Globes2012Best Supporting Actor - Series, Miniseries or Television FilmNominatedRobert Carlyle
Teen Choice Awards2012–2016Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi (various)NominatedEnsemble cast

Legacy

Spin-offs and tie-ins

The primary spin-off from Once Upon a Time is Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, a 13-episode limited series that aired on ABC from October 10, 2013, to April 3, 2014. Created by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Zack Estrin, and Jane Espenson—the same core team behind the original series—the show centered on Alice (played by Sophie Lowe) returning to Wonderland to find her true love, Cyrus (Peter Gadiot), while incorporating characters like the Red Queen (Barbara Hershey) and the Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha). It expanded the Once Upon a Time universe by exploring Wonderland's lore, with crossovers including guest appearances from main series characters like the White Rabbit and brief ties to Storybrooke. The series was canceled after one season due to declining viewership, averaging 3.76 million viewers per episode, which fell short of network expectations. In addition to the spin-off, official prose tie-in novels provided deeper backstories for select characters. The junior series, published by Hyperion Books for Children, began with Reawakened: A Once Upon a Time Tale in 2013, written by Odette Beane, which retold the events of the show's first season from the perspectives of and , emphasizing themes of destiny and family. These young adult novels, aimed at expanding the show's mythology for younger readers, emphasized themes of identity and destiny while aligning with the series' canon. Marvel Comics produced a series of graphic novels that bridged narrative gaps in the Once Upon a Time storyline. The first, Once Upon a Time: Shadow of the Queen (2013), written by Daniel T. Thomsen with art by Michael Avon Oeming, explored the Evil Queen's manipulation of the Huntsman after the events of season one's "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter," detailing their tense alliance against Snow White. Released in a digital-first format before print, it highlighted the Queen's quest for power and the Huntsman's internal conflict. The follow-up, Once Upon a Time: Out of the Past (2015), plotted by Kalinda Vazquez and scripted by Corinna Bechko with art by Vasilis Christopoulos and others, consisted of four interconnected stories bridging seasons 2 and 3, including the Knave of Hearts' pre-Wonderland adventures and the origins of Outlaw Queen (Robin Hood and Regina). These digital-first graphic novels maintained continuity with the TV series, offering canonical expansions on romantic and adversarial dynamics. Beyond narrative media, Once Upon a Time inspired limited merchandise tie-ins, including apparel, collectibles, and accessories available through official ABC channels, though no major video game adaptations were developed.

Cultural impact and revival discussions

Once Upon a Time played a significant role in reviving interest in fairy tale narratives on television during the early 2010s, blending classic stories with modern twists and contributing to a broader cultural resurgence of the genre. The series aired alongside contemporaries like Grimm, both of which modernized folklore elements and attracted audiences seeking updated interpretations of timeless tales, thereby influencing subsequent fantasy programming. Its portrayal of characters drew from diverse cultural backgrounds, including strong representation of people of color in roles such as Jasmine and Aladdin, which highlighted color-conscious casting in fantasy media. Additionally, the show featured notable LGBTQ+ representation, particularly through Mulan's implied romantic feelings for Aurora, positioning her as a queer character of color in a mainstream Disney-inspired narrative. The series fostered a vibrant fan community that remains active years after its 2018 finale, with dedicated conventions, cosplay events, and online engagement sustaining its popularity. Events such as in 2025 continue to host Once Upon a Time panels and gatherings, where fans celebrate the show's characters through immersive experiences. This enduring has also intersected with media, amplifying the series' reach through novels and that extend its universe. The program's success in live-action adaptations of elements helped pave the way for Disney's broader trend of remaking animated classics in real-world settings, emphasizing character-driven storytelling over animation. Discussions of a potential revival have persisted among and creators, reflecting the show's lasting appeal amid its streaming resurgence on Disney+. In 2023, , who portrayed Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, reflected on the series in an interview, noting its strong early seasons while acknowledging it may have overstayed its run, though he expressed fondness for the experience without directly endorsing a return. By 2024, , known for playing , voiced optimism about revival prospects in a interview, stating that the show "could definitely go again" and that he had discussed it with creators and , suggesting it could pick up from the finale. In 2025, , who played , expressed support for a in a interview, stating she would be "in full support" if it featured a new to continue the legacy, though she prefers fresh characters over reprises of originals. As of November 2025, however, no official revival plans have been announced by ABC or Disney. Academic analyses have further cemented its legacy, examining Once Upon a Time as a postmodern of that challenges traditional roles and structures through themes of transformation and resistance. Such studies highlight its contribution to contemporary reinterpretation, blending feminist and perspectives with serialized storytelling.

References

  1. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Fisherman_s_Invocation.html?id=41zfxQEACAAJ
  2. https://scholarworks.umb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=africana_faculty_pubs
  3. https://africanpoetics.unl.edu/index-of-poets/item/apdp.person.000399
  4. https://guardian.ng/art/gabriel-okara-has-written-in-all-genres-yet-not-much-attention-has-been-given-to-his-work/
  5. https://folukeafrica.com/once-upon-a-time-by-gabriel-okara/
  6. https://sde.uoc.ac.in/sites/default/files/sde_videos/WAYS%20WITH%20WORDS%20LITERATURE%20IN%20ENGLISH.pdf
  7. https://ew.com/gallery/once-upon-time-lands/
  8. http://hollywoodnorthbuzz.com/2012/03/v-i-a-yvrshoots-series-once-upon-a-time-in-steveston-village.html
  9. https://shotonwhat.com/once-upon-a-time-2011
  10. https://www.productionhub.com/press/49775/once-upon-a-time-dp-stephen-jackson-uses-blackmagic-cinema-cameras
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0145524/
  12. https://www.themusicinthedark.com/2019/05/30/behind-the-scenes-of-once-upon-a-time-a-conversation-with-eduardo-castro/
  13. https://www.eduardocastrodesigns.com/once-upon-a-time/
  14. https://www.cgw.com/Press-Center/In-Focus/2015/Once-Upon-A-Time.aspx
  15. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-once-upon-a-time-orloff-zoic-studios-20141006-story.html
  16. https://jimhillmedia.com/green-screen-cgi-make-abcs-once-upon-a-time-s-fairytale-settings-seem-real/
  17. https://screenrant.com/tv-shows-most-expensive-cost/
  18. https://screenrant.com/once-upon-a-time-season-one-not-aged-well/
  19. https://deadline.com/2011/06/abc-announces-fall-series-premiere-dates-143632/
  20. https://deadline.com/2011/10/ratings-rat-race-strong-start-for-abcs-once-upon-a-time-186125/
  21. https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/once-upon-a-time-series-finale-season-7-1202687788/
  22. https://deadline.com/2017/05/abc-schedule-primetime-fall-2107-2018-once-upon-a-time-greys-anatomy-marvels-inhumans-the-goldbergs-blackish-1202094339/
  23. https://deadline.com/2011/11/abc-gives-full-season-orders-to-once-upon-a-time-last-man-standing-scripts-for-pan-am-190785/
  24. https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/once-upon-a-time-season-7-trailer-comic-con-abc-1202503637/
  25. https://deadline.com/2017/12/once-upon-a-time-midseason-premiere-date-abc-robert-carlyle-lana-parrilla-1202227923/
  26. https://deadline.com/2013/05/abc-to-air-some-dramas-in-two-batches-of-12-episodes-next-season-498768/
  27. https://deadline.com/2018/04/once-upon-a-time-the-middle-series-finale-dates-abc-1202362776/
  28. http://www.spottedratings.com/2015/06/the-war-of-18-49-once-upon-time.html
  29. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-ratings-2011-2012/
  30. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-season-seven-ratings/
  31. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-season-two-ratings-24748/
  32. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-season-three-ratings-30144/
  33. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-season-four-ratings-34113/
  34. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-season-five-ratings-38198/
  35. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/upon-time-season-six-ratings/
  36. https://www.vulture.com/2011/11/once-upon-a-time-is-a-rare-hit-with-the-whole-family.html
  37. https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/viewship-ratings-are-down-whats-going-161525/
  38. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/09/29/simpsons-family-guy-once-upon-a-time-ratings/16426865/
  39. https://www.broadcastersaustralia.com.au/news/once-upon-a-time-australian-premiere
  40. https://www.ctv.ca/shows/once-upon-a-time
  41. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/disney-abc-television-group-announces-international-sales-for-once-upon-a-time-143632/
  42. https://dvdizzy.com/onceuponatime-season1b.html
  43. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Once-Upon-a-Time-The-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/213487/
  44. https://www.tvguide.com/news/once-upon-a-time-leaving-netflix-for-disney-plus/
  45. https://whatsondisneyplus.com/once-upon-a-time-officially-moving-from-netflix-to-disney-in-september/
  46. https://press.hulu.com/schedule/september-2023/
  47. https://deadline.com/2023/08/once-upon-a-time-streaming-hulu-premiere-disney-plus-1235530111/
  48. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/once-upon-time-leaving-hulu-050350593.html
  49. https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-44740525-94c5-4495-8c61-c904fcf6e756
  50. https://www.apps.disneyplus.com/om/shows/once-upon-a-time/1260027603
  51. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/once-upon-a-time/season-1/
  52. https://thesocietypages.org/girlwpen/2011/11/04/pop-goes-feminism-what-a-difference-a-strong-snow-white-makes-a-review-of-once-upon-a-time-and-grimm-two-new-fall-prime-time-tv-shows/
  53. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/once_upon_a_time/s01
  54. https://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-once-upon-a-time-gets-frozen-and-cooler-resurrection-stays-lifeless-1201312265/
  55. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/once_upon_a_time/s07
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843230/awards/
  57. https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Time
  58. https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/once-upon-time
  59. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/once-upon-a-time/
  60. https://www.tvline.com/news/abc-new-series-fall-2013-tv-shows-once-upon-a-time-spinoff-432697/
  61. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/once-upon-a-time-in-wonderland-season-one-ratings-30317/
  62. https://www.amazon.com/Reawakened-Once-Upon-Time-Tale/dp/1401312721
  63. https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/46877/once_upon_a_time_shadow_of_the_queen_premiere_hc_hardcover
  64. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/03/28/once-upon-a-time-graphic-novel/2029007/
  65. https://oncepodcast.com/forums/topic/out-of-the-past-ouat-graphic-novel-coming-april-1-2015/
  66. https://shopabctv.com/collections/once-upon-a-time
  67. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323859051_NOT_SO_GRIMM_ANYMORE_ADAPTATION_AND_TRANSFORMATION_OF_FAIRY_TALES_IN_ONCE_UPON_A_TIME
  68. https://www.criticsatlarge.ca/2011/11/once-upon-time-and-grimm-fairy-tales-go.html
  69. https://www.leeandlow.com/blog/people-of-color-in-once-upon-a-time/
  70. https://www.mic.com/articles/122716/100-lgbtq-characters-of-color
  71. https://depauliaonline.com/76741/artslife/fandom-springs-into-action-this-april-at-c2e2/
  72. https://fanxsaltlake.com/fandom/once-upon-a-time/
  73. https://www.cbr.com/once-upon-a-time-disney-plus/
  74. https://screenrant.com/once-upon-a-time-run-duration-robert-carlyle/
  75. https://collider.com/once-upon-a-time-revival/
  76. https://collider.com/once-upon-a-time-reboot-jennifer-morrison-return-one-condition-new-cast/
  77. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1764&context=etd
  78. https://wtamu-ir.tdl.org/bitstreams/0d9825b4-9adf-4a22-a9fc-51bc91ed3d05/download
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.