Harry and the Hendersons: Streaming, Sequel & TV Series Guide
There aren’t many films where a family accidentally hits a Bigfoot with their station wagon, brings him home, and sparks a national debate about cryptids. Yet Harry and the Hendersons pulled it off in 1987, becoming a beloved oddball comedy that still prompts two questions today: where can I actually watch it, and did they ever make a sequel? This guide clears up the confusion around streaming platforms, the TV series, the cast, and what the PG rating really means for your kids.
Release year: 1987 ·
Genre: Fantasy comedy ·
Director: William Dear ·
Lead actor: John Lithgow ·
Streaming on: Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi
Quick snapshot
- 1987 film directed by William Dear, starring John Lithgow (Netflix (streaming platform))
- Rated PG with 111-minute runtime (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- Streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and other services (JustWatch (streaming guide))
- TV series ran 1991–1993 with 72 episodes (Roku (streaming platform))
- Exact streaming availability varies by region — some services listed as US-only (JustWatch (streaming guide))
- IMDb entry for “Harry and the Hendersons 2: Back to the Forest!” exists but is not a confirmed production (IMDb (film database))
- Age recommendations beyond the PG rating are not standardized across all platforms (Common Sense Media (parental guide))
- June 5, 1987 — Original film released in theaters (Netflix (streaming platform))
- 1991–1993 — TV series aired for 72 episodes (Roku (streaming platform))
- 1988 — Film won Academy Award for Best Makeup (Flicks Australia (movie guide))
- No official movie sequel announced or in production (IMDb (film database))
- TV series available on Tubi free with ads (Tubi (streaming service))
- Digital rentals and purchases available on Apple TV and Amazon (Apple TV (digital store))
Eight key facts about the film form a clear picture of what the movie offers, where it ranks among critics, and how to watch it today.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Release year | 1987 |
| Director | William Dear |
| Genre | Fantasy comedy |
| MPAA rating | PG |
| Runtime | 111 minutes |
| IMDb rating | 5.8/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 50% (Tomatometer) |
| Streaming on | Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi (TV series) |
Which streaming service has Harry and the Hendersons?
Is it on Netflix?
Yes — Netflix carries the 1987 film in its US catalog. The Netflix (streaming platform) listing confirms a PG rating, a 111-minute runtime, and the core cast of John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, and Kevin Peter Hall. Availability outside the US may vary, so a quick check on your local Netflix library is worth it before settling in.
Is it on Prime Video?
Prime Video also offers the film with a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes, describing it as an “Oscar nominee John Lithgow vehicle” — Prime Video (digital storefront). The rental or purchase option gives you flexibility if you don’t subscribe to a streaming service. Users in different regions should verify access because licensing deals differ.
What about other services?
Beyond Netflix and Prime, Roku (streaming platform) shows the film available on AMC+, IFC, Philo, and DIRECTV Stream in the US. JustWatch (streaming guide) adds that free viewing is available on BYUtv. For the TV series specifically, Tubi (free ad-supported service) offers all 72 episodes with no subscription needed.
Streaming access is fragmented: the movie lives across half a dozen platforms, but no single service holds both the film and the TV series. Families planning a movie night may need to toggle between Netflix, Tubi, or a rental service — not ideal for a quick decision.
The implication: viewers in the US have more options than anyone else, which frustrates international fans hoping to show a classic to their own kids.
Did they make Harry and the Hendersons part 2?
Is there a movie sequel?
No official theatrical sequel followed the 1987 original. An IMDb entry exists for Harry and the Hendersons 2: Back to the Forest!, but IMDb (film database) does not confirm it as a produced film — it appears more as a placeholder or unverified listing. The Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) page shows no sequel entry at all, reinforcing that nothing substantial has been released.
Is there a TV series?
Yes — the continuation came in the form of a television series that aired from 1991 to 1993. Roku (streaming platform) confirms 72 episodes, which pick up the family’s life with Harry. The series is available for free via Tubi (free ad-supported service), though the cast shifted compared to the movie.
The pattern: any “sequel” confusion stems from the TV series doing what a movie sequel would have — but the format shift means a radically different viewing experience, especially for younger audiences who skew toward shorter episodic content.
Is Harry and the Hendersons appropriate for kids?
What is the MPAA rating?
The film carries a PG rating across every major platform that lists it — Netflix (streaming platform), Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), and Philo (streaming service) all agree. The PG rating means some material may not be suitable for children, but it does not require a parent’s explicit permission.
Content warnings
The film includes mild language, comic violence involving a car accident, and moments where the Sasquatch design could startle sensitive kids — the suit is realistic and appears suddenly. Common Sense Media (parental guide) recommends ages 6 and up, noting that younger children may find Harry’s appearance and some chase scenes scary. Parental guidance is especially advised for children prone to anxiety about monsters or loud noises.
The PG rating doesn’t distinguish between slapstick and emotional scare — a six-year-old who laughs at car crashes may still hide during a nighttime tracking scene. Common Sense Media’s age-6 baseline is a safer bet than the bare MPAA label.
The trade-off: the PG rating gives flexibility for family viewing, but parents should preview the tracking-scene footage if their child is under 7 or sensitive to suspense.
Who played the sasquatch in Harry and the Hendersons?
Who was the actor inside the suit?
Kevin Peter Hall portrayed Harry the Sasquatch. Hall, who stood 7 feet 3 inches tall, wore an intricate makeup suit that won the Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1988, as noted by Flicks Australia (movie guide). Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) lists him among the core cast alongside John Lithgow and Melinda Dillon.
Other main cast members
John Lithgow stars as George Henderson, the father who accidentally hits Harry. Melinda Dillon plays Nancy Henderson, his wife. The supporting cast includes Don Ameche as Dr. Wallace Wrightwood and David Suchet as a nosy neighbor, according to Netflix (streaming platform). Apple TV (digital store) also lists Margaret Langrick and Joshua Rudoy as Sarah and Ernie Henderson, rounding out the family.
The pattern: the cast balanced big names (Lithgow, an Oscar nominee) with character actors, which is why the film still draws audiences who recognize faces from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Trading Places.
What is the Harry and the Hendersons TV series about?
How does it differ from the movie?
The series continues the story of the Henderson family living with Harry, but shifts from the film’s single-location comedy to episodic adventures. Roku (streaming platform) lists 72 episodes that expand the world with new characters and subplots — neighbors, scientists, and local authorities reacting to the sasquatch in suburbia.
Where can I watch it?
The full series streams for free on Tubi (free ad-supported service). It’s also available on Prime Video and Apple TV as a purchased digital collection. JustWatch (streaming guide) notes that no major subscription service currently offers the series beyond Tubi, so ad-supported free viewing is the simplest route.
For fans wanting more Harry after the movie, the TV series is the only official answer — but be prepared for a lighter, more episodic tone that lacks the film’s visual polish. Families with young children may actually prefer the series because its PG-level humor fits shorter attention spans.
The implication: the series is a genuine continuation, not a sequel, and adults expecting the film’s pacing may find the 22-minute episodes less satisfying — while kids will likely enjoy the serialized silliness.
“The Hendersons bring him home after hitting him with their car” — Philo (streaming service) synopsis
“Harry and the Hendersons won Best Makeup at the Academy Awards in 1988” — Flicks Australia (movie guide)
Comparison: Movie vs. TV series
7 key differences between the two versions — one pattern: the movie is a self-contained story, while the series stretches the premise across years of episodic content.
| Feature | Movie (1987) | TV series (1991–1993) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Theatrical film | 72 episodes (22 min each) |
| Runtime | 111 minutes | ~26 hours total |
| Rating | PG | TV-PG (approximate) |
| Primary cast | John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Kevin Peter Hall | Rotating cast, few original actors |
| Director | William Dear | Multiple directors |
| Available on | Netflix, Prime Video, AMC+ | Tubi (free), digital purchase |
| Plot scope | Single family + Harry introduced | Expanded family adventures with neighbors |
The catch: if you want the original cast and the quieter, more heartfelt tone of the film, stick with the movie. If you need background noise or a series your kids can binge, the TV series fills a lot more hours.
Specifications summary
Six core specs of the film across platforms — one pattern: runtime varies by 1–3 minutes depending on the streaming service, likely due to intro credits and end-card trimming.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Production company | Amblin Entertainment |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
| Aspect ratio | 1.85:1 |
| Sound mix | Dolby Stereo |
| Budget | Estimated $10 million |
| Box office | $50 million (worldwide) |
| Academy Award | Best Makeup (1988) |
| IMDb score | 5.8/10 |
The pattern: a modest budget turned into a solid box office return, driven largely by the makeup spectacle — not the plot — which explains why the film retains cult status rather than mainstream reverence.
Pros and cons
Upsides
- Family-friendly with an iconic Sasquatch design that won an Oscar
- Widely available on Netflix and Prime Video — no hunt for obscure platforms
- TV series offers 72 episodes for free on Tubi
- Strong cast led by John Lithgow delivers genuine warmth
Downsides
- No official movie sequel exists, disappointing fans who want more
- PG rating may still scare sensitive children under 6
- Streaming availability is region-locked on many platforms
- Rotten Tomatoes score of 50% indicates mixed critical reception
The trade-off: you get a visually impressive creature feature with real heart, but the shallow critical reception and lack of a proper sequel limit its staying power as more than a nostalgic watch.
Related reading: **Along for the Ride Movie Guide: Cast, Ending & FAQ** · **The Grinch Jim Carrey Nearly Quit Over $20 Million Makeup Hell**
Frequently asked questions
What is the runtime of Harry and the Hendersons?
The film runs 111 minutes according to Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), though some listings such as Prime Video (digital storefront) show 1 hour 49 minutes due to slightly different credits and metadata.
Who wrote the screenplay for Harry and the Hendersons?
William Dear wrote the story, and the screenplay was co-written by Dear, Bill Martin, and Ezra D. Rappaport, as credited on Netflix (streaming platform).
Is Harry and the Hendersons based on a true story?
No — the film is a fictional comedy inspired by Bigfoot folklore but not tied to any real encounter. Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) categorizes it as a fantasy-comedy.
How much did the movie gross at the box office?
It earned approximately $50 million worldwide against a budget of $10 million, according to IMDb (film database).
Does the TV series have the same cast as the movie?
No — most of the original cast did not return. Kevin Peter Hall reprised his role as Harry in some episodes, but John Lithgow and Melinda Dillon were replaced by new actors, per Roku (streaming platform).
Are there any other Bigfoot movies similar to this?
Fans often compare it to The Sasquatch Gang (2006) and Small Town Bigfoot (2016), though none match the family-comedy tone or Oscar-winning makeup of the original, as noted by Flicks Australia (movie guide).
Where was Harry and the Hendersons filmed?
Principal photography took place in Oregon and Washington, capturing Pacific Northwest forest settings, according to Netflix (streaming platform).
For parents in the US looking for a fun but not-too-scary family movie, the choice is clear: stream the original on Netflix for a tight 111-minute watch, or turn to Tubi’s TV series for a longer, sillier commitment. Whether you go with the movie or the series, the big guy with the gentle eyes is ready to move into your living room.
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