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Time Bandits is Apple TV+’s television adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy-adventure film. Created for television by Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris and Taika Waititi, the live-action comedy-adventure stars Lisa Kudrow and premiered on July 24, 2024, with its first two episodes. Its 10-episode release concluded on August 21, 2024.
What is Time Bandits about?
The story follows Kevin, an 11-year-old history enthusiast who encounters a ragtag group of thieves able to travel through time and space. He joins their adventures as they pursue treasure and try to save his parents—and ultimately the world.
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![Time Bandits (1981) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Australia ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZF0OA+3nL._SL160_.jpg)
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Time Bandits (1981) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Australia ] | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Time Bandits [Blu-ray] | $37.19 | Buy on Amazon |
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History supplies the backdrop for a comic fantasy adventure rather than a conventional historical drama. Apple’s descriptions place the group in settings that include Stonehenge, the Trojan War, prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, the Ice Age, ancient civilizations and the Harlem Renaissance. Apple’s trailer announcement gives the series premise and settings.
How is the series connected to the 1981 film?
Apple describes the program as the first-ever television adaptation of Gilliam’s cult 1981 film; Apple’s current listing calls it an “epic reimagining.” It carries forward the original’s time-traveling-thief premise, but expands that idea into a serialized, 10-episode story with a new cast. It is a television adaptation, not a claim that Gilliam directed the series or that the show retells the film scene for scene. Wētā Workshop’s project page also identifies the series as an adaptation of Gilliam’s film.
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- Time Bandits (1981)
- Time Bandits (1981)
Who created and stars in the show?
Creators and production
Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris and Taika Waititi created the series for television. Apple identifies Clement and Morris as co-showrunners; all three also wrote and directed selected episodes. Waititi is an executive producer and appears on screen, as does Clement. The project’s production companies are Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content’s AC Studios and MRC. Apple’s cast and production announcement lists these credits.
Cast
Lisa Kudrow leads the bandits, and Kal-El Tuck plays Kevin. Apple’s principal cast list also includes Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Charlyne Yi, Rachel House, Kiera Thompson, James Dryden, Felicity Ward, Francesca Mills and Imaan Hadchiti. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement make special guest appearances.
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When did the episodes come out?
Apple announced the premiere date on May 20, 2024, and unveiled the official trailer on July 9, 2024. The 10-episode season began July 24 with two episodes, then continued with two new episodes each Wednesday.
| Release date | Episodes |
|---|---|
| July 24, 2024 | 1–2 |
| July 31, 2024 | 3–4 |
| August 7, 2024 | 5–6 |
| August 14, 2024 | 7–8 |
| August 21, 2024 | 9–10 |
The dates are Apple’s announced 2024 release schedule, not upcoming premiere dates. See Apple’s May premiere announcement and its July trailer announcement for the original chronology.
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Where can you watch Time Bandits?
The series launched globally on Apple TV+ in 2024. Apple’s official U.S. show page is the viewing destination; availability may vary by location. That page is the U.S. listing, and no subscription price or trial terms are stated here.
Is it suitable for children?
Apple’s official listing gives the series a TV-PG rating and describes it as an all-ages adventure. Those are useful indicators, not a guarantee that every scene will suit every child; parents can consult the platform’s current content descriptors before watching. Apple’s official series page provides its listing and classification.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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