# Once Upon a Time… Space (1982)

> Maestro and his companions cross the universe in a 1980s French animated series, meeting alien creatures and facing energy and ecological crises.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/4497

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 26
- Episode runtime: 26 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, science fiction
- Created by: Albert Barillé
- Network: France 3
- Cast: Alain Dorval, Roger Carel, Vincent Ropion, Annie Balestra
- TMDB rating: 7.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0282303/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: whimsical, gentle, hopeful, cozy

## What critics say

Audience reception is positive, with viewers appreciating the whimsical space adventure and its gentle ecological messages.

## Synopsis

Once Upon a Time... Space (1982-1983) is a French animated science fiction series created by Albert Barillé for France 3. Across a single season of 26 episodes, each running about 26 minutes, the series follows Maestro and his many friends on perilous journeys through the vastness of the universe. Voice performances by Alain Dorval, Roger Carel, Vincent Ropion and Annie Balestra give the crew of Commandant Le Gros, Colonel Pierre, Lieutenant Pierrot and President Pierrette their distinct personalities. Each episode is built around encounters with strange creatures from distant stars and the practical problems of keeping a ship running, such as energy shortages and ecological threats on alien worlds. The engine is curiosity and cooperation, with the crew solving problems together rather than through combat. Its hand-drawn look and gentle, whimsical register suit young viewers, and the episodic structure makes each adventure easy to follow on its own. Fans of Once Upon a Time... Life, Star Blazers and Ulysses 31 will find a similar mix of cosmic wonder, friendship and kid-friendly science fiction. The show remains a warm, optimistic piece of 1980s European children's television.

## Shows like Once Upon a Time… Space

- [Galactik Football (2006)](https://ember.film/tv/19362)
- [Galaxy Express 999 (1978)](https://ember.film/tv/29200)
- [Once Upon a Time... The Americas (1992)](https://ember.film/tv/4810)
- [Once Upon a Time... The Discoverers (1994)](https://ember.film/tv/5120)
- [Dans une galaxie près de chez vous (1999)](https://ember.film/tv/12776)
- [Once Upon a Time... The Explorers (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/4003)
- [The Why Why Family (1996)](https://ember.film/tv/8272)
- [The Little Prince (2010)](https://ember.film/tv/54809)
- [Starzinger (1978)](https://ember.film/tv/40677)
- [Ulysses 31 (1981)](https://ember.film/tv/3827)

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