Once Upon A Time
Detailed Ratings
Plot 4.0/5
Characters 5.0/5
Acting 4.0/5
Production 3.0/5

Once Upon A Time

Series 7 seasons
+2
Balance
+2 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
4.0/5
1
Reviews
Ranking among series: #10 Fantasy
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 19/03/2026

Fabled Realms and Modern Twists

When "Once Upon A Time" premiered in 2011, it enchanted viewers with its bold blend of classic fairy tales and contemporary storytelling. Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series arrived at a time when audiences craved fresh takes on beloved narratives. Its knack for intertwining mythical figures with modern-day dilemmas made it a unique cultural phenomenon.

The Concept

"Once Upon A Time" invites us into a world where fairy tale characters have lost their memories to live ordinary lives in Storybrooke, Maine. The show centers on Emma Swan, played by Jennifer Morrison, an unsuspecting bounty hunter who discovers her true heritage as the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Season 1 masterfully unveils layers of intrigue as Emma struggles to believe her son's claim that she is the savior destined to end the evil queen's curse.

The Series Identity

This series distinguishes itself with its intricate narrative structure, deftly woven together like a magical tapestry that rivals even the complexity of "Lost" (no surprise since Kitsis and Horowitz were key writers on that series). Its casting is pitch-perfect, featuring actors who breathe new life into characters we thought we knew. A standout performance from Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen adds depth beyond typical villainy, challenging viewers’ perceptions of good and evil.

Viewing Guide

The adventure spans seven seasons, each clocking in at around 43 minutes per episode. Though the series concluded in 2018, you can relive or discover its magic on various platforms like Disney+. While family-friendly, it occasionally broaches darker themes more suited to teens and adults who appreciate mythic tales with a twist.

+2
Balance
+2 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
4.0/5
1
Reviews
Ranking among series: #10 Fantasy
Detailed Ratings
Plot 4.0/5
Characters 5.0/5
Acting 4.0/5
Production 3.0/5
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 19/03/2026

Fabled Realms and Modern Twists

When "Once Upon A Time" premiered in 2011, it enchanted viewers with its bold blend of classic fairy tales and contemporary storytelling. Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series arrived at a time when audiences craved fresh takes on beloved narratives. Its knack for intertwining mythical figures with modern-day dilemmas made it a unique cultural phenomenon.

The Concept

"Once Upon A Time" invites us into a world where fairy tale characters have lost their memories to live ordinary lives in Storybrooke, Maine. The show centers on Emma Swan, played by Jennifer Morrison, an unsuspecting bounty hunter who discovers her true heritage as the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Season 1 masterfully unveils layers of intrigue as Emma struggles to believe her son's claim that she is the savior destined to end the evil queen's curse.

The Series Identity

This series distinguishes itself with its intricate narrative structure, deftly woven together like a magical tapestry that rivals even the complexity of "Lost" (no surprise since Kitsis and Horowitz were key writers on that series). Its casting is pitch-perfect, featuring actors who breathe new life into characters we thought we knew. A standout performance from Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen adds depth beyond typical villainy, challenging viewers’ perceptions of good and evil.

Viewing Guide

The adventure spans seven seasons, each clocking in at around 43 minutes per episode. Though the series concluded in 2018, you can relive or discover its magic on various platforms like Disney+. While family-friendly, it occasionally broaches darker themes more suited to teens and adults who appreciate mythic tales with a twist.

Status: Completed
Publication: 2011 - 2018
Country of origin: United States
Original language: English
Age rating: Teen (13+)
Genres: Fantasy

Reviews

lemonalyn

It's a mess. But it's got werewolves, hot cocoa, and a chosen one in a red leather jacket

so who cares?

I have a love-hate relationship with Once Upon a Time. As a fan of fractured fairy tales (thank you, Shrek), I immediately was drawn in by the premise and initial execution. There’s an eerie yet charming vibe to the show, and the way mysteries unfold throughout each season is just delightful. I loved seeing these familiar characters in very unfamiliar settings and the relationships they develop not only with each other but with the real world at large. While I did enjoy the introduction of certain Disney characters, they did grow distracting as the show went on. And the need for there to always be some great curse placed upon Storybrooke got old, if admittedly kinda funny, pretty quick. Overall, though, it is an enjoyable show, and I would recommend it to fans of Lost due to the similar story structure and overlapping casts, as well as fans of The Wolf Among Us/Fables, Ever After High, and The Sisters Grimm.
Recommends:
+2 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Acting
Production
15
Compete in the Heroes' Tournament and win Amazon gift cards! Discover