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The Charmings
The Charmings
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The Charmings
Genre
Written by
  • Prudence Fraser
  • Mark Fink
  • Ellen Guylas
  • Carrie Honigblum
  • Danny Kallis
  • Robert Sternin
Directed by
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes21 (1 unaired)
Production
Executive producersPrudence Fraser
Robert Sternin
ProducerDanny Kallis
Running time24–25 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseMarch 20, 1987 (1987-03-20) –
February 11, 1988 (1988-02-11)

The Charmings is an American fantasy sitcom that follows Snow White and Prince Charming, awakened from a thousand-year spell, as they adjust from their familiar life in the enchanted forest to the modern ways of 20th-century Los Angeles suburbs.[1] The series originally aired from March 20, 1987, to February 11, 1988, on ABC.[2]

Synopsis

[edit]

The opening voice-over sets up the premise:

Once upon a time there was a vain queen who was so jealous of her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, that she poisoned her with an apple. But a handsome prince came along and broke the spell. Snow White and Prince Charming threw the wicked stepmother down a bottomless pit and lived happily ever after. But, it turns out the pit wasn't bottomless—just very deep. And now, the queen was very mad. With a spell so powerful even she couldn't control it, she put the Charmings asleep for a thousand years. She also got herself and one dwarf. Eventually they woke up.

The premise of the series' plot was that fairy tale characters Snow White and Prince Charming were magically transported to a 20th-century suburb in Burbank, California. Each episode shows the Charmings trying to adapt to their new life while Lillian, Judy Parfitt, the wicked stepmother, and her wise cracking Magic Mirror, Paul Winfield, watch from upstairs. After the first season, Caitlin O'Heaney (who portrayed Snow White) was replaced by Carol Huston.

After mild success as part of ABC's Friday night lineup, the series was moved to Thursday nights for its second season, in a head-to-head battle with NBC's A Different World, and later The Cosby Show. Due to low ratings, the series was canceled after twenty episodes. One episode remains unaired in the US, though it was shown during the show's run in the UK and in 2021 in Canada on CTV.[3]

Characters

[edit]
  • Snow White Charming (portrayed by Caitlin O'Heaney in 1987, Carol Huston in 1987–1988.[4]) - Her "fairy tale" motif catches the attention of a department store executive, who sponsors a line of interior decorating products and gives her a job overseeing the designs.
  • Prince Eric Charming (portrayed by Christopher Rich) - Unskilled at anything in the modern world, he largely is a stay-at-home dad who wrote about his time in the Enchanted Kingdom. Later he learns he has a skill for handyman work and carpentry, and soon gets a job in construction.
  • Queen Lillian White (portrayed by Judy Parfitt) - The wicked stepmother of Snow White whose sorcery often backfires on her, but occasionally proves useful in helping her family.
  • Luther (portrayed by Cork Hubbert) - A dwarf that helps out the Charmings after being caught in the same spell that caused everyone to sleep until modern times.
  • Thomas and Cory Charming (portrayed by Brandon Call and Garette Ratliff Henson) - The two Charming children of Snow White and Prince Eric Charming and the step-grandsons of Lillian. Due to their spending the least time in the fairy tale world, they had been the most assimilated into 20th century society and they face difficulties accepting they are from fairy tales.
  • Don "King of Carpets" Miller and Sally Miller (portrayed by Paul Eiding and Dori Brenner) - The Charmings' neighbors who find their new neighbors' penchant for medieval fairy tale style odd but never figured out they were the real Prince Charming and Snow White. Even when Eric is under a truth spell and confides in Don that they were Prince Charming and Snow White, Don considers it a joke.
  • The Magic Mirror (portrayed by Paul Winfield) - In this show, the Magic Mirror is depicted as a man inside a mirror. The Mirror frequently reminds Lillian that her daughter and son-in-law will come out on top and make it in this new land because unlike her, they are goodhearted people who respected others. A running gag is that he makes remarks about how Snow White is the fairest and telling Lillian "it ain't you!" whenever she asks who is the fairest. However, it is implied he may have been joking because at one point in this show when Lillian has lost her powers and he must depart, he confides in her that she has always been the fairest.

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
16March 20, 1987 (1987-03-20)April 17, 1987 (1987-04-17)
215September 17, 1987 (1987-09-17)February 11, 1988 (1988-02-11)

Season 1

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"The Charmings"Will MackenziePrudence Fraser,
Robert Sternin		March 20, 1987 (1987-03-20)
Prince Charming, Snow White and their family find themselves in the 20th century and have problems trying to adapt to the modern world.
22"The Mirror Cracked"Mark CullinghamRich ReinhartMarch 27, 1987 (1987-03-27)
Eric and Snow throw a party in an attempt to make new friends. Annoyed by their reluctance to invite her, Lillian uses her magic to spoil the festivities, but it results in her own beloved Magic Mirror getting broken.
33"Modern Romance"Gerren KeithDoug Bernstein,
Denis Markel		April 3, 1987 (1987-04-03)

Luther and Lillian make a bet that they can get a better date. While Luther finds an attractive girl, Lillian chooses to drag a bum off the street and makes a potion to turn him into a hunk.

Cameo Appearance by Rip Taylor
44"The Charmings Buy a Car"Bill FosterEllen GuylasApril 10, 1987 (1987-04-10)
For their 1,010th anniversary, Eric buys Snow a lemon of a car from a sleazy used car dealer. Meanwhile, the Mirror tries to coax Lillian into taking a trip to Las Vegas. Eric beats the salesman through a 20th-century twist on his fairy tale values of honor.
55"The Incredible Shrinking Prince"Jack SheaBob Myer,
Bob Young		April 17, 1987 (1987-04-17)
Attempting to find a way to earn money, Lillian concocts a diet potion, but it turns out that it is actually a "reducing" formula; Eric inadvertently drinks it and shrinks to 12 inches high.
66"An '80s Kind of Prince"Gerren KeithChristopher Ames,
Carolyn Shelby		April 17, 1987 (1987-04-17)
Lillian tries to break up Snow and Eric by putting a spell on a neighbor to fall in love with Eric.

Season 2

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
71"Lillian Loses the Kids"Jack SheaEllen GuylasSeptember 17, 1987 (1987-09-17)
To keep them quiet, Lillian turns the children into mannequins, but she's unable to change them back.
82"The Charmings Go Plastic"Jack SheaMark FinkSeptember 24, 1987 (1987-09-24)
When Snow gets a credit card the family goes on a shopping spree, and when the bill comes they are shocked. Snow and Eric have a big fight. Lillian magically gets her own credit card but, because of the information she placed on it, she is audited by the IRS.
93"The Witch of Van Oaks"Jack SheaDanny KallisOctober 1, 1987 (1987-10-01)
Snow and Eric set up Lillian with a new neighbor (John Astin), but they quickly come to realize that he's actually the devil. Meanwhile, Luther gets an ego boost regarding his short stature from the children.
104"The Fish Story"Jack SheaJeff Greenstein,
Jeff Strauss		October 8, 1987 (1987-10-08)
After Lilian uses magic to restore a broken lamp, the children decide to use her spell-book to revive their recently deceased pet fish. Meanwhile, Eric faces Snow's wrath when he misses her wildlife preservation meeting.
115"Cindy's Back in Town"Jack SheaCarrie Honigblum,
Renee Phillips		October 15, 1987 (1987-10-15)
Lillian's attempt to zap herself back into the Enchanted Forest goes awry, landing Cinderella (Kim Johnston Ulruch) in the Charming home. Cinderella's arrival doesn't bode well with Snow — particularly when "Cindy" makes a play for Eric.
126"A Charming Halloween"Jack SheaDan O'ShannonOctober 29, 1987 (1987-10-29)

Embarrassed by his family's antics, Thomas neglects to tell Eric about a father/son car wash. But the family causes even more humiliation for the lad when Eric insists on hosting the neighborhood Halloween party.

Guest-starring Jenny Lewis as Sara.
137"Trading Places"Jack SheaMark FinkNovember 12, 1987 (1987-11-12)
Luther expresses his envy of Eric's looks, so Lillian casts a spell to make the dwarf as handsome as a prince. The catch is that Luther and Eric switch bodies and can only return to normal if Luther wishes — and sincerely means it.
148"Lillian Loses Her Powers"Jack SheaJay FolbNovember 19, 1987 (1987-11-19)
As a result of Cory passing the flu to the family, Eric becomes a hypochondriac and Lillian loses her magic powers (and as a non-witch, she has to say goodbye to her Magic Mirror).
159"The Charmings and the Beanstalk"Jack SheaDanny KallisNovember 26, 1987 (1987-11-26)
Lillian throws out some beans and they sprout into a beanstalk and a giant named Henry (Walter Olkewicz) comes down. When they chop the beanstalk down, Henry finds himself stuck. At the same time, Snow and Eric are having problems and Henry takes a liking to Lillian. Eventually, Henry's wife follows him and he refuses to go back with her.
1610"Yes, Lillian, There Is a Santa Claus"Jack SheaCarrie Honigblum,
Renee Phillips		December 17, 1987 (1987-12-17)
Lillian tries to ruin Christmas by telling the children that there is no Santa Claus, but gets a shock when Santa Claus does arrive at the Charming house only to find no "believers" left there. Since Santa Claus only delivers gifts to true believer, Lillian must use her powers to try to correct the damage she has done.
1711"The Charmings Get Robbed"Jack SheaCarrie Honigblum,
Renee Phillips		January 7, 1988 (1988-01-07)

After two teen crooks rob the Charmings', Eric over-zealously protects their home, such as making a moat with alligator. Meanwhile, Lillian tries to track down the family's stolen possessions, but finds it difficult, having lost her spell-book and beloved Magic Mirror in the robbery. The Mirror attempts to set the robbers right by posing as their consciences.

Guest-starring Billy Jayne as Al
1812"Birth of a Salesman"Howard MurrayMark FinkJanuary 14, 1988 (1988-01-14)
In order to pay for rising expenses, Eric gets a job working as a salesman for Don. Eric proves a lousy salesman when he says competitors have better deals and extends credit to a struggling couple, causing Don to warn Eric he needs to shape up. Snow wishes Eric was a little less considerate as well, causing Lillian to remark she will do that with a spell. Lillian's new spell makes Eric a ruthless salesman and obnoxious sleaze. Snow must convince Lillian to reverse the spell when a relative of the earlier couple is a hotelier who wished to meet Eric, and this could cost Don a lucrative contract.
1913"The Man Who Came to Dinner"Phil SquyresCarrie Honigblum,
Renee Phillips		January 21, 1988 (1988-01-21)
Lillian puts a spell on Eric to make him tell the absolute truth, at the same time he invited Don to cool off with him after a heated argument with Sally. Lillian transcribes all of her spells into her computer, causing the Mirror to comment she turned into a computer nerd. Lillian also causes a spell that results in Don having total amnesia.
2014"The Woman of His Dreams"Howard MurrayLan O'KunFebruary 11, 1988 (1988-02-11)

Eric says that Snow is the only woman for him, so Lillian makes one of the women from Don's girlie magazines come to life and appear at random times to have fun with Eric.

Guest-starring Jackie Swanson as Candy
2115"Lillian's Protege"Jack SheaPrudence Fraser,
Robert Sternin		unaired

Amused by a devious shoplifter, Lillian takes her in — but has a change of heart when the girl sets up Thomas to get caught stealing. Meanwhile, Snow and Eric question their parenting skills in the modern world.

Guest-starring Viveka Davis as Amy

International Broadcast

[edit]

In Italy, the show aired on Odeon TV under the name Biancaneve a Beverly Hills (Snow White in Beverly Hills) from 1988 until 1989.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Result Category Recipient
1987 Emmy Awards Nominated Outstanding Technical Direction/Electronic Camerawork/Video Control for a Series Warren Cress, Ross Harmon, Charles T. Henry, Bud Holland, Stephen A. Jones, Art LaCombe, Bill Scott, and Dave Smith (For episode "The Incredible Shrinking Prince")
Outstanding Achievement in Costuming for a Series Betsey Potter (For episode "Modern Romance")
1988 Outstanding Technical Direction/Electronic Camerawork/Video Control for a Series Warren Cress, Ross Harmon, Charles T. Henry, Joe Talosi, Harriet Uhl, Dave Smith, and Dale Walsh (For episode "Trading Places")
Won Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Comedy Series Mark Buxbaum (For episode "The Witch Is of Van Oaks")
1988 Young Artist Awards Nominated Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor in a Television Comedy Series Brandon Call

References

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

The Charmings

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Charmings is an American fantasy television series created by Prudence Fraser and Robert Sternin that aired on ABC from March 20, 1987, to February 11, 1988. The premise centers on the fairy tale figures and —along with their two children, Thomas and Cory, and the dwarf Luther—being accidentally transported from their enchanted world to a contemporary in , after the Queen's curse backfires, forcing them to navigate 1980s American life without revealing their magical origins. The family lives next door to a modern couple, Don and Sally Miller, whose interactions highlight cultural clashes and comedic misunderstandings between medieval royalty and suburban normalcy. The series starred Caitlin O'Heaney as Snow White in the first season (replaced by Carol Huston in the second), Christopher Rich as Prince Charming (renamed Prince Eric in the show), and Judy Parfitt as the vengeful Evil Queen (Queen Lillian), who also arrives in the modern world and lives upstairs in their home, pretending to be Snow White's aunt. Supporting roles included Brandon Call and Garette Ratliff Henson as the children, Cork Hubbert as Luther, and Paul Winfield as the Magic Mirror. Directed by Jack Shea, Gerren Keith, and others, the show was produced by Fraser and Sternin's company, with 21 episodes across two seasons, though only 20 aired due to low ratings leading to its cancellation. Episodes often featured magical mishaps, such as Snow White's inability to lie or Prince Charming's sword-fighting skills causing suburban chaos, blending humor with light-hearted satire on family dynamics and technology. Despite positive reviews for its witty script and fresh take on classic tales—earning a 6.8/10 rating on from 346 users—the series struggled with viewership, finishing 78th out of 82 primetime shows in its first season and being pulled early in the second. No major awards were won, but it has since gained a for its nostalgic appeal and parallels to later adaptations like .

Background

Premise

The Charmings is an American fantasy sitcom centered on the fairy tale characters Snow White and Prince Charming (known as Prince Eric in the series), who, along with their family, are awakened from a thousand-year enchanted sleep and thrust into modern suburban life. The series draws from the classic Snow White story, where the wicked queen (Queen Lillian) casts a spell to punish Snow White and Prince Eric by placing them, their two young sons Thomas and Cory, and a loyal dwarf companion Luther into a deep slumber intended to last 1,000 years. This curse, motivated by the queen's enduring jealousy, transports the group from their medieval world to 1987 Burbank, California, a quiet Los Angeles suburb, where they must navigate the complexities of contemporary American society. Upon awakening, the Charming family—embodying traditional fairy tale archetypes—finds themselves in a fully furnished modern home, but the spell's expiration leaves them bound to this new era without the option to return to their original realm, forcing an abrupt assimilation into 1980s culture. Key magical remnants persist, including Queen Lillian's sarcastic Magic Mirror, which provides counsel and commentary while often affirming Snow White's enduring beauty, and occasional spells that the family and queen attempt to wield amid everyday challenges. The central conflict revolves around the clash between their archaic values, chivalric ideals, and rudimentary understanding of magic with the era's technological advancements, social customs, and consumer-driven lifestyle, such as dealing with household appliances, school systems, and financial obligations. Compounding their adjustment is the persistent threat from Queen Lillian, who also awakens and continues her schemes to undermine the family from within their shared home, using her magic in petty and often backfiring ways. Luther, having shared in the enchantment, serves as a practical ally to the Charmings, helping bridge their past with the present. This setup highlights themes of cultural displacement and the humorous dissonance of timeless archetypes confronting rapid modernization, without resolution to their exile. The series produced 21 episodes across two seasons, with one remaining unaired in the United States at the time of cancellation.

Development

The Charmings was created by husband-and-wife team Prudence Fraser and Robert Sternin, who drew from their experience as writers on the hit sitcom Who's the Boss? to develop the series as a lighthearted fantasy comedy. As executive producers, Fraser and Sternin oversaw production through their company, Sternin & Fraser Ink, in association with Embassy Communications and later Columbia Pictures Television. The concept originated as a modern parody of the Snow White fairy tale, transporting Prince Eric, Snow White, and their family from an enchanted slumber into 1980s suburban life, emphasizing fish-out-of-water humor where medieval values clashed with contemporary American culture. This setup echoed earlier fantasy sitcoms like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie but updated the trope for a family-focused narrative, with the characters settling in Burbank, California, to highlight relatable suburban satire. The series was pitched to ABC amid a surge in demand for wholesome, family-oriented programming in the mid-1980s, following the success of shows like The Cosby Show, which had revitalized the sitcom genre with positive, ensemble-driven stories. ABC greenlit the pilot in late 1986, capitalizing on the network's push for Friday night family blocks to compete with NBC's dominance in prime-time comedy. Filmed ahead of its March 20, 1987, premiere, the pilot episode introduced the core premise of the Charming family's time-displaced arrival and their efforts to adapt without revealing their magical origins, setting the tone for episodic conflicts blending fairy tale whimsy with everyday challenges. The decision to tone down overt magical elements in favor of character-driven comedy aligned with ABC's standards for broad appeal, avoiding the more fantastical excesses of prior decades' supernatural series. The show's development reflected broader 1980s television trends, where post-Cosby family sitcoms emphasized uplifting themes and intergenerational dynamics to attract advertisers targeting households, while fantasy comedies like ALF (1986) and Out of This World (1987) tested modern twists on classic myths. ABC slotted The Charmings into its emerging Friday night lineup as a lead-in to Webster, aiming to build a block of feel-good content that premiered with solid initial ratings, leading to a full-season renewal despite the era's volatile scheduling. No revival attempts have surfaced as of 2025, though the creators' later success with The Nanny (1993–1999) underscores their influence on blending nostalgia with contemporary humor.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Snow White Charming was portrayed by during the first season of The Charmings, where she depicted the character as a naive yet resilient homemaker adapting to modern suburban life, including learning to use household appliances and participating in PTA meetings. O'Heaney's performance emphasized 's innocence clashing with American domesticity, often leading to humorous situations as she navigated everyday challenges without magic. In the second season, took over the role, maintaining the character's wide-eyed wonder while bringing a slightly more grounded approach to her interactions with contemporary society. Huston's portrayal continued to highlight 's resilience in blending her enchanted past with her new role as a mother and wife in . Prince Eric Charming, played by Christopher Rich throughout both seasons, was shown as a chivalrous but bewildered and grappling with modern roles and in America. Rich embodied the prince's traditional heroic demeanor in scenarios like and family responsibilities, often resulting in comedic bewilderment at technologies like televisions and cars. His performance captured Eric's efforts to protect and provide for his family while adjusting to a world far removed from medieval fairy tales. The Charming children were portrayed by as the older son and as the younger son , both dealing with tween and teen issues such as work and , infused with magical elements from their heritage. , under Call's depiction, often explored adolescent challenges like at high while occasionally relying on subtle for mishaps. , played by Henson, represented the younger perspective, adapting to modern toys and friendships with a sense of wonder that mirrored his parents' experiences. Their arcs highlighted generational contrasts within the family unit as they balanced ordinary American youth culture with their enchanted origins. The Magic Mirror was voiced by Paul Winfield across the series, serving as a sassy, all-seeing that delivered and advanced plot exposition through witty commentary on the family's predicaments. Winfield's vocal performance infused the mirror with a knowing, sardonic tone, often mocking the Charmings' struggles with modernity while providing guidance rooted in lore. This character frequently interacted with the family to underscore their cultural adjustments, adding layers of humor to the narrative.

Supporting Characters

Queen Lillian White, portrayed by Judy Parfitt, serves as the primary antagonist and Snow White's wicked stepmother, who is transported to the modern world alongside the Charming family due to the same enchantment. Her scheming nature drives much of the series' conflict, as she repeatedly attempts to sabotage the family's adjustment to suburban life through spells aimed at reversing the curse or eliminating , though her magic frequently backfires in comedic ways. For instance, in one episode, she transforms the Charming children into mannequins to silence them, only to struggle reversing the spell, heightening the plot's tension while underscoring her villainous yet inept role. Lillian's interactions with the family often propel storylines involving deception and redemption, such as her efforts to ruin holidays by debunking , which ironically lead to magical revelations that reinforce the show's themes. Luther, played by , is a loyal dwarf from the original who becomes an integral part of the Charming household after awakening from the same spell. As one of Snow White's former companions, he provides through his medieval clumsiness in everyday tasks, such as struggling with modern appliances or household chores, which contrasts sharply with the family's more adaptable members. Luther's hapless yet helpful demeanor contributes to the humor by highlighting cultural clashes, like his attempts at attending or performing domestic duties, often resulting in mishaps that advance episodic plots without overshadowing the core family dynamics. Recurring modern neighbors Don "King of Carpets" Miller (Paul Eiding) and Sally Miller (Dori Brenner) act as comic foils, embodying typical 1980s suburbanites whose suspicions and meddling expose the Charmings' otherworldly peculiarities. Their nosy interactions, such as mistaking Luther for a or reacting to the family's unfiltered honesty and casual magic, amplify the satirical elements of cultural adjustment, frequently leading to misunderstandings that drive plot progression. For example, Don's business dealings and Sally's social prying often intersect with the Charmings' quirks, creating opportunities for the family to navigate secrecy while the Millers remain oblivious to the truth. Guest stars enhance the episodic humor through fairy tale cameos disguised in modern contexts, such as Kim Johnston Ulrich's portrayal of in "Cindy's Back in Town," where Lillian's botched spell summons her to stir romantic jealousy and test Eric's fidelity. These one-off appearances, often involving historical or mythical figures adapted to settings, provide fresh gags like Cinderella's outdated clashing with contemporary norms, reinforcing the show's blend of enchantment and everyday without delving into extended arcs.

Production

Casting Process

The casting for The Charmings took place in in 1986, as the series was greenlit by ABC for a spring 1987 premiere, with producers seeking actors capable of blending authenticity with comedic timing in a modern setting. Caitlin O'Heaney was initially selected for the role of Charming, drawing on her extensive theatrical background that included a childhood stage debut as Peter Pan and numerous live theater performances, which aligned with the character's whimsical, storybook origins. Christopher Rich was cast as Prince Eric Charming for his blond, wavy-haired, all-American appearance and movie-star good looks, which provided a humorous contrast to the character's medieval roots and unskilled adaptation to contemporary life. Paul Winfield, an established actor with Emmy nominations for his portrayals in King (1978) and Roots: The Next Generations (1979), was cast to portray the Magic Mirror, depicted as a man inside the mirror, to lend dramatic gravitas and prestige to the role, marking a notable instance of an African American performer in a prominent supporting position during 1980s network television casting. A significant casting change occurred during the first season when O'Heaney was replaced by as after appearing in the initial six episodes. Executive producers Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser cited a creative mismatch, stating that "our interpretation of the part was not hers," leading to the switch announced in July 1987 for the fall episodes and continuing into season two. This mid-season transition required adjustments to maintain narrative continuity, as Huston adopted the character's established traits while introducing her own vocal and physical interpretation, though it drew mixed responses from viewers accustomed to O'Heaney's portrayal.

Filming and Style

The Charmings was filmed primarily on soundstages at the ABC Television Center, located at 4151 Prospect Avenue in Los Angeles, California. This studio served as the main production hub for the series' interior scenes, where sets were designed to evoke a blend of enchanted fairy-tale aesthetics and contemporary 1980s suburban domesticity, such as a modern kitchen juxtaposed with magical elements. Exterior establishing shots for the Charming family home were captured at a local residence in the Hollywood vicinity to represent the show's Burbank, California, setting. The production relied on practical effects for its magical components, characteristic of mid-1980s sitcom budgets, including simple projections and pre-recorded audio. No extensive was used; instead, spells and supernatural occurrences were depicted through quick editing cuts and physical props, aligning with the era's television conventions for . The series was produced by Sternin & Fraser Ink in association with Embassy Communications for the first season and for the second. Episodes were directed by a rotating team, with Jack Shea directing the majority (13 episodes), alongside contributions from Gerren Keith (2 episodes), Howard Murray (2 episodes), Mark Cullingham (1 episode), and (1 episode). The directorial approach focused on and humor, emphasizing and rapid pacing within the standard 22- to 25-minute runtime per episode to highlight cultural clashes between the fairy-tale family and modern life. The series concluded after two abbreviated seasons due to low ratings, resulting in only 20 episodes airing , while one produced episode remained unaired domestically but was broadcast internationally.

Episodes

Season 1

The first season of The Charmings aired on ABC from March 20 to April 24, 1987, as a series, comprising six episodes that established the core premise of the Charming family's displacement from a fairy-tale world to 1980s suburban . The narrative arc centers on their comedic struggles with modern conveniences and customs, such as operating household appliances, navigating traffic, and blending into neighborhood social dynamics, while Queen Lillian schemes to disrupt their new life using remnants of her . This introductory season highlights the family's gradual adaptation, with Prince Eric taking a job and the children attending school, setting up ongoing conflicts between enchantment and everyday reality. Production for the season occurred primarily in studios during early 1987, with exterior shots filmed at a medieval-style house in the city to evoke the family's otherworldly origins. Notable guest appearances included actors like as the used car salesman (Honest Abe) in "The Charmings Buy a Car", adding layers to the modern-world through interactions with skeptical locals. The episodes were directed by Gerren Keith and others, emphasizing practical effects for magical elements like shrinking potions and spells, filmed efficiently to meet the network's quick turnaround for the spring launch. Viewer reception built modestly, though specific Nielsen figures for individual episodes remain scarce; the series ranked low overall in primetime, around 78th out of 82 shows for the season.
No.TitleAir DateSynopsis
1PilotMarch 20, 1987Prince Eric, Snow White, and their children awaken from a century-long sleep in modern California, purchase a home, and enroll the kids in school, but face suspicion when Thomas recounts fairy-tale adventures involving dragons and Cinderella.
2The Mirror CrackedMarch 27, 1987Eric and Snow host a neighborhood welcome party to fit in, but Lillian's jealous magic triggers an earthquake that shatters her Magic Mirror, forcing her to seek repairs from a modern glazier.
3Modern RomanceApril 3, 1987Luther and Lillian wager on securing the most attractive date for a night out; Lillian uses a potion to transform a homeless man into a suave companion, leading to chaotic romantic entanglements.
4The Charmings Buy a CarApril 10, 1987Celebrating their 1,010th anniversary, Eric purchases a unreliable used car for Snow from a shady dealer, while the Mirror tempts Lillian with visions of a lavish Las Vegas getaway to escape suburbia.
5The Incredible Shrinking PrinceApril 17, 1987Desperate to lose weight, Lillian brews a potion that accidentally shrinks Eric to doll size, prompting the family to hide him from visitors and reverse the spell before he causes more mishaps.
6An '80s Kind of PrinceApril 24, 1987Feeling overshadowed as Snow pursues a fashion design job, Eric attracts unwanted attention when Lillian casts a love spell on a neighbor woman to sabotage their marriage.

Season 2

The second season of The Charmings aired on ABC from September 17, 1987, to February 11, 1988, comprising 15 episodes that expanded on the family's adjustment to suburban life. This season introduced the recasting of Charming, with replacing in the role to bring a fresh dynamic to the character. The narrative arc focused on the Charmings' growing immersion in modern society, including participation in community events like holidays and school activities, while magical elements led to increasingly chaotic mishaps that tested their secrecy. Conflicts with the scheming Queen Lillian intensified, heightening the stepmother rivalry and building tension toward the season finale's tease of a possible spell reversal. The season's episodes highlighted these themes through standalone stories laced with twists. For instance, "A Charming Halloween" explored holiday traditions gone awry due to uncontrolled magic, while "The Ghost of Christmas Past" delved into festive family dynamics complicated by supernatural interference. "To Save a Princess" deepened the ongoing antagonism with Lillian, as confronted her schemes in a high-stakes . Later episodes like "The Witch Catchers" and the finale "The Greatest Gift" ramped up the magical threats, underscoring the family's precarious balance between their enchanted origins and everyday existence.
No. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
1Lillian Loses the KidsSeptember 17, 1987
2The Charmings Go PlasticSeptember 24, 1987
3The Witch of Van OaksOctober 1, 1987
4The Fish StoryOctober 8, 1987
5Cindy's Back in TownOctober 15, 1987
6A Charming HalloweenOctober 22, 1987
7October 29, 1987
8November 5, 1987
9The Charmings and the BeanstalkNovember 12, 1987
10The Last M.D.November 19, 1987
11To Save a November 26, 1987
12The Witch CatchersDecember 3, 1987
13Almost PerfectDecember 10, 1987
14The Princess and the RunawayJanuary 7, 1988
15The Greatest GiftFebruary 11, 1988
Production for the season involved an expanded order of 15 episodes compared to the first season's limited run, but the series faced challenges from low ratings, leading to its cancellation. One episode was produced but left unaired , though it aired during the show's international syndication; as of 2025, its status remains unchanged with no domestic broadcast. The recasting of the lead role influenced narrative continuity, as Huston's portrayal emphasized Snow White's adaptability in new storylines.

Broadcast and Distribution

United States Airings

The Charmings premiered on ABC on March 20, 1987, as part of the network's Friday night lineup in the spring, airing at 8:30 p.m. ET during its first season of 6 episodes. The show achieved mild success in this slot, attracting a solid audience for a mid-season entry and earning renewal for a second season. For the fall 1987 schedule, ABC shifted The Charmings to Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET, positioning it opposite NBC's dominant comedy block featuring A Different World at 8:00 p.m., The Cosby Show at 8:30 p.m., Cheers at 9:00 p.m., and Night Court at 9:30 p.m. This move proved detrimental, as the series struggled in the competitive time slot; Nielsen ratings for season 2 episodes frequently placed it in the bottom 10 programs of the week, with rankings as low as 78th out of 85 series overall. Mid-season adjustments, including a move to 8:00 p.m. ET in December 1987, failed to improve performance. ABC canceled The Charmings after airing 20 episodes (of 21 produced) on February 11, 1988, primarily due to its declining ratings against NBC's top-rated comedies. The network's decision reflected broader challenges in sustaining family-oriented sitcoms amid shifting viewer preferences toward established hits. The unaired episode, "Lillian's Protege", was later broadcast internationally.

International Broadcast

In , The Charmings aired on the CTV network, with the full series available for streaming on the CTV app until January 2023. The unaired U.S. episode was broadcast on CTV in 2021. The series received a dubbed version in Italian, titled Biancaneve a Beverly Hills, and premiered on Odeon TV starting December 1, 1988, continuing through 1989 on the network and various local stations. In , a French-dubbed version titled Prince Charmant was broadcast on TF1. An Israeli Hebrew dub, שלגיה במאה העשרים (Snow White in the Twentieth Century), aired on Israeli Educational Television. No major adaptations or remakes were produced internationally, though some versions featured minor localized edits for cultural sensitivities, such as adjustments to magical elements in broadcasts. Reruns appeared sporadically in the 1990s on regional cable networks in , but as of November 2025, the series is absent from major streaming platforms like Disney+ in international markets due to expired distribution rights.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its premiere in 1987, The Charmings received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its whimsical premise and strong performances while questioning its long-term viability. Similarly, John J. O'Connor in The New York Times noted the show's "disarmingly silly moments," particularly praising Paul Winfield's campy portrayal of the Magic Mirror as a standout element that brought clever twists to the fairy tale narrative. O'Connor also commended the unusual casting, including Judy Parfitt as the wicked stepmother, for adding depth to the ensemble despite the sitcom's fantastical constraints. The series was often lauded for embodying wholesome family values, with its portrayal of the Charming family's courteous and honest demeanor contrasting against contemporary cynicism. Mark Schwed of called the writing "tight and hilarious," emphasizing the show's ability to blend humor with moral simplicity in a way that appealed to both children and adults. However, critics frequently pointed out limitations in the formulaic structure, with O'Connor observing that the time-warp gags, while initially amusing, risked becoming repetitive and unable to sustain the narrative beyond initial episodes. Following the recasting of Snow White from Caitlin O'Heaney to Carol Huston for the second season in 1988, reception grew more critical, with reviewers decrying the changes as contributing to a sense of predictability. Comparisons to Bewitched were common, relying on similar fish-out-of-water supernatural tropes. Overall, the critical consensus was mixed, reflecting a show that charmed with its lighthearted humor and family-oriented appeal but faltered under scrutiny for its episodic predictability and abrupt changes. A 2015 academic analysis highlighted the second season's disappointing performance as emblematic of broader challenges in sustaining high-concept fantasy sitcoms. Retrospectives in the 2020s have revisited the series more fondly, crediting it with pioneering sincere explorations of family dynamics in fantasy settings, predating modern hits like Once Upon a Time by over two decades. As of 2025, retrospectives continue to celebrate the series, such as a Comfort TV blog post noting its enjoyable tropes akin to later films like Enchanted.

Awards and Nominations

The Charmings earned recognition primarily through technical categories at the during its brief run, reflecting the production's efforts in visual and design elements despite its short lifespan. In 1987, the series received a for Outstanding for a Series, honoring Betsey Potter for her work in adapting fairy-tale to a modern setting. That same year, it was nominated for Outstanding Technical Direction/Electronic Camerawork/Video Control for a Series, crediting director Warren Cress and the camera team for an episode's innovative handling of fantastical sequences. The following year, in , The Charmings secured its only Emmy win in the category of Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Comedy Series, awarded to lighting director Mark Buxbaum for the episode "The Witch Is of Van Oaks," which highlighted the show's magical effects through effective electronic lighting techniques. It also garnered another for Outstanding Technical Direction/Electronic Camerawork/Video Control for a Series, again led by Warren Cress. Outside of the Emmys, the series received a at the 10th Youth in Film Awards (now known as the Young Artist Awards) in for Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor in a Television Comedy Series, given to for portraying the youngest Charming child, Thomas. These accolades underscored the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that supported the show's whimsical premise, but they occurred amid declining viewership that led to its cancellation after 21 episodes. No additional awards or nominations followed the series' end in 1988, and as of 2025, no retrospective honors have been announced. The Emmy win briefly elevated the profile of the production team, though it could not reverse the low ratings that sealed the show's fate.

References

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