HBO Storybook Musicals is a series of television specials that aired on HBO, combining animation that is true to the original storybook's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters. The specials have also aired on HBO Family. Background When Doctor DeSoto was nominated for an Academy Award for a Best Animated Short film, HBO and Michael Sporn agreed to make animated specials for the network. HBO also oriented on family-friendly programs and never financed/produced a children's television series. Michael Sporn directed and produced Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical, HBO's first animated television special and aired on November 18, 1987. Then, HBO presented a few animated specials, such as The Story of the Dancing Frog (aired in October 1989), The Red Shoes and Earthday Birthday, both aired in early 1990. The specials combined illustrations with songs. Episodes The first four episodes originally aired as individual, stand-alone TV specials; the HBO Storybook Musicals branding was introduced with the fifth episode. 18 episodes of HBO Storybook Musicals aired from 1987 to 1993. In addition, only eight episodes are currently owned by Home Box Office, while others are owned by other distributors, such as WildBrain (formerly known as DHX Media) and First Run Features. References 1980s American animated television series 1990s American animated television series 1980s American anthology television series 1990s American anthology television series 1987 American television series debuts 1993 American television series endings American children's animated anthology television series American children's animated education television series American children's animated musical television series English-language television shows HBO network specials HBO original programming Reading and literacy television series Television series by Home Box Office