Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theatre, is an anime television series initially produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States and more recently solely produced by CBN for global distribution and broadcast.
The series chronicled the events of the Bible's Old and New Testaments in its 52 episode run. The first 26 episodes aired from October 1, 1981 to March 29, 1982. The series returned as Superbook II with 26 episodes to air from April 4, 1983 to September 26, 1983. Between both series in the first run was the companion series The Flying House. The Christian Broadcasting Network is currently producing a new Superbook series and has released fourteen episodes.
Best Episodes of Superbook
The Mighty Little Shepherd
S2 Ep20
10.0
15th Aug 1983
The time-travelers meet a young boy named David, who skillfully uses musical instruments and weapons.
Pitchers of Fire
S1 Ep10
10.0
3rd Dec 1981
The children witness the victorious story of Gideon and his army defeating the Midianites by shouting and breaking pitchers with torches inside.
Those Amazing Trumpets
S1 Ep9
9.3
26th Nov 1981
In this action-packed episode, the travelers experience the battle of Jericho, and the fall of the city walls.
Here Comes the Bride
S1 Ep5
9.3
29th Oct 1981
The children journey to see the courtship and marriage of Rebecca and Isaac.
In All His Glory
S2 Ep24
9.0
12th Sep 1983
The children experience the dedication of the temple and King Solomon's great wisdom.
David the King
S2 Ep23
9.0
5th Sep 1983
David, who has an opportunity to take Saul's life, spares Saul. Finally, David is proclaimed King of Israel after Saul dies in battle.
Worth Fighting For
S2 Ep14
9.0
4th Jul 1983
The time-travelers witness how Othniel conquers the Canaanite city of Debir because Caleb promised a daughter as a reward.
A Wonderful Gift
S2 Ep19
8.0
8th Aug 1983
The time-travelers nearly become involved in a war, and Israel demands that a king be established.
Snakes and a Donkey
S2 Ep13
8.0
27th Jun 1983
The children experience a complaining group of Israelites, who are punished with poisonous snakes. But finally after 40 years, Israel begins to rally round Joshua, their new leaders.
So You Want To Go Back To Egypt!
S2 Ep12
8.0
20th Jun 1983
The children witness how the Red Sea parted to provide the Israelites an escape from the Egyptians, and how the closing of the parted sea downs the Egyptian army.
Worst Episodes of Superbook
Flaming Chariots
S1 Ep22
6.0
25th Feb 1982
The children witness the exciting story of how Elisha, the prophet, was protected with chariots from the attacking Syrian soldiers. Elisha then leads the captive Syrian soldiers to Samaria.
The Lion's Den
S1 Ep23
6.0
4th Mar 1982
The children experience the story of Daniel, who was protected by an angel in a den full of lions.
Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem
S1 Ep24
6.0
11th Mar 1982
The children are accused of being spies and thus captured. Rescued by Nehemiah, the children experience the battle to protect Jerusalem without completed walls.
The Mighty Convert
S1 Ep26
6.0
25th Mar 1982
The children experience the many miracles of Paul's ministry.
Just Rewards
S2 Ep18
6.0
1st Aug 1983
The children witness the story of Eli and Samuel in the city of Shiloh.
How It All Began
S1 Ep1
6.1
1st Oct 1981
Chris, Joy and Gizmo meet Superbook while reluctantly cleaning the attic for Chris' father. Superbook transports the children back in time, where they meet the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden.
The Wicked Queen
S2 Ep25
6.5
19th Sep 1983
The children almost experience death when Queen Athaliah decides to kill her "rivals" for the throne, but eventually, the Queen is put to death and a just ruler is installed.
The Giant Killer
S1 Ep19
7.0
4th Feb 1982
The children witness how David kills Goliath the giant with a slingshot. Saul then becomes jealous of David and attempts to kill David.
The Good Left Arm
S2 Ep15
7.0
11th Jul 1983
The children witness Ehud's overthrow of King Eglon of Moab. A rebellion has erupted and the Israelites are fighting for their freedom
A Matter Of Time
S2 Ep26
7.0
26th Sep 1983
The children find themselves in a country about to be invaded by the might Assyrian army. However, God intervenes and destroys the Assyrians. The children then return to the 20th Century.
Superbook Episode Guide
How It All Began
S1 Ep1
6.1
1st Oct 1981
Chris, Joy and Gizmo meet Superbook while reluctantly cleaning the attic for Chris' father. Superbook transports the children back in time, where they meet the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden.
My Brother's Keeper
S1 Ep2
7.8
8th Oct 1981
Chris, Joy and Gizmo meet Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The travelers witness a jealous Cain who kills Abel, and then gets punished.
The Flood
S1 Ep3
7.8
15th Oct 1981
Superbook takes the children back in time to witness the story of Noah and the flood. During the flood, the children board Noah's ark, along with two of every living thing on earth.
The Test
S1 Ep4
8.0
22nd Oct 1981
The children travel to meet Abraham and his son Isaac. They witness Abraham attempting to sacrifice Isaac on an altar.
Here Comes the Bride
S1 Ep5
9.3
29th Oct 1981
The children journey to see the courtship and marriage of Rebecca and Isaac.
Double Trouble
S1 Ep6
7.5
5th Nov 1981
The children witness the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob, but later regrets it and threatens to kill Jacob.
A Dream Come True
S1 Ep7
7.5
12th Nov 1981
The children witness the rise to office of a young man, Joseph. The story includes Joseph's slavery in Egypt, his wisdom and revelation, and his becoming governor.
The Miracle Rod
S1 Ep8
7.8
19th Nov 1981
The children witness the life of Moses, and his leadership of the Israelites. The travelers see many miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the discovery of drinking water.
Those Amazing Trumpets
S1 Ep9
9.3
26th Nov 1981
In this action-packed episode, the travelers experience the battle of Jericho, and the fall of the city walls.
Pitchers of Fire
S1 Ep10
10.0
3rd Dec 1981
The children witness the victorious story of Gideon and his army defeating the Midianites by shouting and breaking pitchers with torches inside.
Muscleman
S1 Ep11
10th Dec 1981
The children travel back to live the story of Samson, one of the world's most powerful men. Samson gets deceived, captured, and then destroys the temple where he's held a prisoner and slave.
The First Christmas
S1 Ep12
7.5
17th Dec 1981
The children experience the first Christmas where they meet Mary and Joseph. Mary bears a child, and King Herod attempts to kill the baby.
Miracles of Love
S1 Ep13
7.5
24th Dec 1981
Superbook takes the children back in time to see the highlights of Jesus' life, which includes many miracles.
The Best News Yet
S1 Ep14
7.3
31st Dec 1981
The children experience the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Mother's Day
S1 Ep15
7th Jan 1982
Superbook takes the children through time to ancient Israel, where they meet Naomi and Ruth. Ruth falls in love with Boaz and gets married.
The Patience of Job
S1 Ep16
14th Jan 1982
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo back in time to meet Job, a wealthy man of great faith.
Big Fish and Little Fish
S1 Ep17
7.5
21st Jan 1982
Superbook takes the children on a journey to meet Jonah. Jonah is thrown from a ship and swallowed by a giant fish. The fish them spits Jonah on the shore.
The First King
S1 Ep18
28th Jan 1982
Superbook takes the children back to ancient Israel where they meet Saul, Israel's first King, and see his rise to office.
The Giant Killer
S1 Ep19
7.0
4th Feb 1982
The children witness how David kills Goliath the giant with a slingshot. Saul then becomes jealous of David and attempts to kill David.
Superbrain
S1 Ep20
11th Feb 1982
The children experience how King Solomon came to office and how the King rules with wisdom and understanding.
A True Prophet
S1 Ep21
18th Feb 1982
The travelers witness the story of Elijah the prophet. Elijah performs many miracles, spiritually battles the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, and wins!
Flaming Chariots
S1 Ep22
6.0
25th Feb 1982
The children witness the exciting story of how Elisha, the prophet, was protected with chariots from the attacking Syrian soldiers. Elisha then leads the captive Syrian soldiers to Samaria.
The Lion's Den
S1 Ep23
6.0
4th Mar 1982
The children experience the story of Daniel, who was protected by an angel in a den full of lions.
Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem
S1 Ep24
6.0
11th Mar 1982
The children are accused of being spies and thus captured. Rescued by Nehemiah, the children experience the battle to protect Jerusalem without completed walls.
The Beauty Queen
S1 Ep25
18th Mar 1982
The children witness the story of Queen Esther, and how she successfully intercedes for her people to the Persian King. Esther has wisdom on how an internal enemy of the King is deceiving him.
The Mighty Convert
S1 Ep26
6.0
25th Mar 1982
The children experience the many miracles of Paul's ministry.
