Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A sweet host and playful animations bring books to life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHELLEY DUVALL'S BEDTIME STORIES is a part live action, part animated show from the early 1990s in which actress Shelly Duvall (The Shining) uses animation to share her favorite children's books. Each "bedtime story" is first introduced by Shelly from a bedroom set with over-the-top props (and in the second season, an animated alarm clock and lamp), then the book is introduced and an actor reads it while animation brings the story to life. Each episode has two stories.
Is It Any Good?
Despite being nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, this short-lived show from the 1990s probably isn't one parents will remember. In Shelly Duvall's Bedtime Stories, actress Shelly Duvall uses theater scenery and a calming manner to introduce kids to some of her favorite books. The best thing about the show is how intentional it is about conveying a love of reading to its audience. Each episode features an animated adaptation of a book that's narrated by a celebrity. Importantly, a picture of the actual book, as well as the name of the author and illustrator, are all featured prominently before the story starts. Young viewers settling into this show will come away not only with a new story, but hopefully with a newfound excitement for reading.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why reading a bedtime story is a favorite nighttime routine for so many kids. Do you enjoy reading a story in bed before going to sleep? Why or why not?
Talk about the way the narrators of the books change their voices depending on the tone of the story. What else helps convey the intent of the story?
Do you prefer watching the animated version of these stories or reading the book yourself? How are the experiences different?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 21, 1992
- Cast : Shelley Duvall , Shelley Long , Rhea Perlman
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate