X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia is a television series created by the HBO Network and the for-profit branch of the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), Distinguished Productions. The series premiered on the HBO network in 1988. Each episode covered a letter or series of letters in the alphabet, with short skits of sketch comedy devoted to up to twelve corresponding encyclopedia topics. Several topics were related through song. Three of the six writers of the show had also been writers for NBC's Saturday Night Live: Patricia Marx, Brian McConnachie, and Mitchell Kriegman. The series featured the band BETTY, who performed both the opening and closing themes as well as individual songs for selected topics.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Faith Prince
Various
Jim Fyfe
Various
David Henry Sterry
Various

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

A

Mon, Sep 19, 1988

Sketches include 'air', 'alchemy', 'alligator' 'ambidexterity', 'amoeba', 'antler', 'ant', 'archaeology', 'armor', and avalanche. 'Atom' and 'Attila the Hun' are the subjects of the songs.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 1989 - Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction - nominated
  • 1989 - Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design - winner
  • 1989 - Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Makeup - winner
  • 1989 - ACE - Children's Educational or Informational Special or Series - nominated

You May Also Like See All

The Office
Blue Planet II
Planet Earth II
The Larry Sanders Show

Popular Shows See all shows

History of the World: Part II

1 Season
After waiting over 40 years there is finally a sequel to the seminal Mel Brooks film, HISTORY OF THE WORLD, PART I, with each episode featuring a variety of sketches that take us through different periods of human history.
64   Metascore
2023 Comedy, Documentary

Best Medicine

2 Seasons
A brilliant surgeon leaves Boston to become a doctor in the small town where he spent childhood summers. Despite his medical skills, his rude manner alienates locals as he battles hidden phobias and struggles with personal connections.
60   Metascore
2026 Comedy, Drama

Mom

8 Seasons
Single mom Christy has her hands full with two children, Violet and Roscoe, and maintaining newfound sobriety, when her passive-aggressive, recovering-alcoholic mother re-enters the picture, brimming with criticisms about Christy's life. As the daughter works to be the best mother she can and to overcome mistakes she made, she must also navigate dysfunctional relationships with romantic interests, and with her irresponsible ex-husband, Baxter. Despite the uphill battle, Christy tries to remain positive and stay on a path to help her reach her goals.
69   Metascore
2013 Comedy, Drama

Rooster

1 Season
A comedy set on a college campus centering on an author’s (Carell) complicated relationship with his daughter (Charly Clive).
67   Metascore
2026 Comedy

Real Time with Bill Maher

26 Seasons
He's irrepressible, opinionated, and of course, politically incorrect. Comedian and satirist Bill Maher hosts this long-running, Emmy-nominated talk show, covering the week’s news and featuring a panel of guests, including actors, activists, politicians, musicians, comedians and more.
43   Metascore
2003 Comedy, News, Talk & Interview

Shrinking

4 Seasons
Jimmy is struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a dad, friend, and therapist. He decides to try a new approach with everyone in his path: unfiltered, brutal honesty. Can he help himself by helping others? Will it bring him back into the light?
71   Metascore
2023 Comedy, Drama