Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995–1999)

Hercules, aided by his best friend Iolaus, goes on many adventures helping people and slaying mythical monsters using his half-god strength.

Creator:

Christian Williams

Stars:

Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hurst, Kevin Smith

7 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Kevin Sorbo	...	Hercules (111 episodes, 1995-1999)
Michael Hurst	...	Iolaus (77 episodes, 1995-1999)

Storyline

In this quasi-mythological costume series, Hercules (in Greek Herakles), the noble bastard son of Zeus, hence hated to death by his step-mother Hera, doesn't live as an Olympian after accomplishing his Works and the Argonauts' journey, as classical myth has it, but relinquishes immortality and continues to fight both human and supernatural evil on earth, as a wanderer in and beyond Greece, usually accompanied by his human side-kick Iolaus and sometimes by dodgy Salmoneus. Countless are the challenges, either especially set up by Hera or just on his way, but he always triumphs against all odds, delivers otherwise often hopeless mortals and moves on to new adventures.

---

Plot Keywords:

hercules | hera | hero | queen | ares | 

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

---

Details

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 January 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hercules

Filming Locations:

Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

MCA Television, Pacific Renaissance Pictures Ltd., Renaissance Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (116 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

From September 1998 to March 1999, this was one of three different American television series to feature Hercules as the protagonist. The other two were Young Hercules and Hercules.

---

Quotes

Autolycus: Gadzooks, if I were a woman I'd kiss myself!

---

Crazy Credits

On the credits of "Unchained Heart" the credits read "No vicious beasts intent on taking over the world were harmed on the production of this film" where the Humane Society disclaimer would normally appear.

---

Connections

Featured in I Love the '90s: 1995 (2004)

User Reviews

Good but inaccurate

Hercules is a good show, with some interesting twists and turns, although it is hardly a correct re-telling of the Greek hero's life. The man himself was not the goody two-shoes portrayed by Sorbo, but was in fact a person wracked by personal problems and with a taste for bloody deeds, such as killing his entire family in rage, as well as smashing his music-teacher over the head with a lyre when he dared to criticize the would-be hero's lack of dexterity. Being a swede, the show that really stood out as another fine mess was the one with the Norse gods. Some enlightenment: The viking-age took place some 2000 years after Hercules had died. Odin is one-eyed, and he meets his end in Ragnarok. Thor's hammer (Mjollnir) has a shortened shaft due to Loki's interference. Loki is described as a dark-haired, beautiful man (with a devious mind). But since this is a fantasy - who cares ? The acting is mostly fine, with Iolaus as the most complex character of the two, giving the show some depth. And there are some great characters coming and going, such as the self-absorbed thief Autolocus, the money-loving Salmoneus, and Falafel the chef, for comic relief. The women portrayed are for the most part strong and independent, with a will and resourcefulness to match the men, especially Echidna, Aphrodite, and the no nonsense Amazon warriors. Its a pity though that they didn't put Athena in the script, since she is the embodiment of female ingenuity and power - it would have been fun to watch the ongoing feud between her and Ares, but as it is, Xena is a worthy successor to the part. On the whole, this is a very nicely produced series, which, although it isn't a history-lesson, should generate some interest in the original sources - and that is never a bad thing.