Heidi

After charming her reclusive grandfather and falling in love with the beautiful mountain he calls home, Heidi is uprooted and sent to Frankfurt where she befriends Klara, a young girl confined to a wheelchair.

Heidi (1993) is an American family drama miniseries created by Jeanne Rosenberg for Disney Channel, adapted from the classic children's book. Noley Thornton plays Heidi, a cheerful orphan who wins over her reclusive grandfather, played by Jason Robards, and falls in love with the mountain home they share. When she is uprooted and sent to the bustling city of Frankfurt, the story turns on how her unshakable warmth meets a rigid household. Her friendship with Klara, a young girl confined to a wheelchair and played by Lexi Randall, gives the series its emotional center, while Jane Seymour plays the stern governess Fräulein Rottenmeier. The two-episode run moves at a measured, unhurried pace, with each episode built from small domestic moments, kindness, and gradual change. The tone is gentle, sincere, and nostalgic, with a storybook wistfulness and a steady undercurrent of hope. Its alpine landscapes and European period setting give it a soft, pastoral atmosphere. Fans of Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Little Women will find resonance in its heartfelt focus on childhood, belonging, and the healing power of friendship.

Critics broadly acclaimed this faithful, warmly acted adaptation of the classic children's novel.

• Anne of Green Gables (1985)shared family drama tone, orphan coming-of-age, heartwarming period storytelling
• Little Women (1994)shared children's literary adaptation, rural mountain setting, sentimental family drama
• The Secret Garden (1993)shared gentle wholesome family tone, classic children's book adaptation

Created by

Jeanne Rosenberg

Release Date

1993-07-18

Episode runtime

96 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (42)

What is Heidi about?

A cheerful orphan girl leaves her beloved Alpine mountain for a strict city household, where her warmth begins to heal a lonely invalid girl.

What is Heidi like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Heidi as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Heidi violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Heidi.

What did critics think of Heidi?

Critics broadly acclaimed this faithful, warmly acted adaptation of the classic children's novel.

Which shows are like Heidi?

Shows with a similar feel include Anne of Green Gables (1985), Little Women (1994), and The Secret Garden (1993).

How long is Heidi?

Heidi: 1 season, 2 episodes.

Is Heidi still running?

No, Heidi has ended.

Where can I watch Heidi?

In United States, Heidi is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.