Once Upon a Time... The Americas

From ancient shores to the present day, the Americas are traced through a lively mix of story and fact. The journey begins with the continent's first inhabitants and travels through the rise and fall of civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas, the era of conquest, the struggle for independence, and the gold rush that drew dreamers north and south. A friendly company of guides including Maestro, Pierrot, Pierrette, Petit Gros, le Teigneux, le Nabot and others roams through time, stopping to explain ideas, events, and everyday life. The tone stays approachable and warm, inviting families to learn without getting bogged down in dates or jargon. It is a guided tour of peoples, places, and decisions that helped shape a vast land. It favors short, self-contained segments that build a bigger picture over time, ensuring repeated messages about cooperation, diversity, and curiosity. While it covers complex issues like conquest and colonization, the tone remains respectful and inviting, never punitive.

Created by Albert Barillé as part of the Once Upon a Time series, this 1992 animation blends education with gentle humor. The voice cast includes Roger Carel as Maestro, Olivier Destrez as Pierrot, and Marie-Laure Beneston as Pierrette.

Fans remember the show for turning history into approachable stories without dumbing things down. Its recurring hosts and modular chapters made learning feel like a friendly field trip, and the format helped spark curiosity about the Americas across generations and borders.

Critical response praised its balance of facts, accessibility, and warmth. The program treats Indigenous histories and colonial events with care while emphasizing shared human experiences, inviting viewers to consider how past choices echo in today's world.

There are no widely reported major awards or nominations listed for this title in available sources. The series is best known for its educational approach, its approachable hosts, and its place in Barillé's long running history franchise that has educated generations.