Fantasy spreads its wings on Apple TV with The Sisters Grimm, an animated series inspired by Michael Buckley’s beloved books. This new production preserves the essence of the original pages, dressing it with the same spark of mystery, adventure, and wonder that pulsates in classic fairy tales. The Sisters Grimm is a threshold into a world where imagination takes shape and stories seem to tell themselves.

The series follows Sabrina (voiced by Ariel Winter of Modern Family) and her younger sister Daphne (Leah Newman), who arrive in an enigmatic town after the mysterious disappearance of their parents. Exhausted from moving between different foster homes, both view the world with suspicion, especially Sabrina, who has taken on the role of guardian to her little sister.

There, they are welcomed by Relda (Laraine Newman of SNL), a grandmother they don’t know, but who is willing to offer them a refuge similar to home… although they will soon discover that nothing in this place is as simple as in fairy tales. Amid shadows, secrets, and creatures straight out of an enchanted book, the sisters must sort out tests and puzzles that will not only reveal clues to their parents’ fate, but also the magical weight of their own lineage.

The children’s fantasy series remains faithful to the spirit of the books, a gesture that will undoubtedly delight those who grew up among its pages and are now discovering the animated version. Showrunner Amy Higgins (Star vs. the Forces of Evil) gently embraces the original concept while working alongside author Buckley, as if the two are casting the same spell. After all, when a story is born with a soul of its own, why change its essence?

Today, that story flourishes again, followed not only by the children who once read it via flashlight, under the covers, but also by their own kids, creating a shining chain of stories passed down between generations. Newcomers with fantasy in their blood will also surely fall for it.

For me, it’s always a delight to find tales that transcend reality and beat with a true heart. The Sisters Grimm is proof that magic exists: it unfolds before us and invites us to inhabit it – even if only for a few moments – hand in hand with Sabrina and Daphne.

The first season features guest appearances by universally recognized fairy tale characters, although two particularly shine: Puck (Billy Harris) and Charming (Abubakar Salim). They’re peculiar friend-enemies who, amid disputes and cunning, end up joining forces with the girls to face a giant and protect the inhabitants of Ferryport Landing. It is an alliance as fragile as it is necessary, worthy of stories where ingenuity is measured against the enormous force of the impossible.

While the adventures keep coming, Sabrina and Daphne are burdened with a doubt that threatens to destabilize everything – what if their family is responsible for keeping the Everafters imprisoned in this enchanted town? What if, deep down, the Grimms are the real villains of the story? As in any good story, the answer is much more complex than a simple “yes” or “no.”

And that’s where The Sisters Grimm transcends the mold of episodic storytelling, opening space for reflection and showing that even in magical worlds, there are shadows and nuances. Because just like in real life, long-lasting stories are those that accept different perspectives and remind us that neither heroes nor villains are as flat as they seem.

On this journey, the Grimm sisters discover the roots of their family tree and the invisible bond that connects them to a vast fantasy world. Like their ancestors, they take on the mission of supporting the Everafters, a task that requires observing, researching, and recording stories for posterity. Because the Grimms don’t just write, they guard, watch over, and protect the delicate legacy of the magical universe.

To bring this vision to life, the animation studio Titmouse (Big Mouth, Star Trek: Lower Decks) deployed its artistry in vibrant and immersive 2D. With warm tones and autumnal light, the series transports us to a small town where the air seems thick with secrets and magic can be felt in every corner.

Premiering on Apple TV October 3, The Sisters Grimm invites us all to cross the threshold into a world where stories surprise and magic persists.