Watching “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” years after it became a cult hit, it’s easy to see where shows like “Blue’s Clues,” and “Yo Gabba Gabba” obtained their influence. Though it’s absolutely surreal, “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” dares to be different and innovative, while putting the lovable character of Pee Wee Herman on display. What’s even more refreshing is that show host Pee Wee instills positive ideas in his audience, without derailing the show entirely. There are subtle lessons about imagination, creativity, enjoying sweets with moderation, and how to deal with bullies.
“Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” is still an entertaining and raucous kid’s show, even without the rose colored nostalgia glasses on. I fondly recall watching this as a child and loving every minute, and the show still garners a broad appeal and very accessible humor. And just like every show that played during Saturday mornings, it’s a loud and fast paced series that adheres to the great gimmick of prompting characters to scream every time a specific word is muttered throughout an episode. Unlike the movie, Pee Wee lives in a magical house where his furniture and pets engage him in conversations and activities. Meanwhile, Pee Wee is visited daily by friends like The King of Cartoons, and Cowboy Curtis, as played by a young Laurence Fishburne.
Much of “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” definitely is a product of its decade, with nods to the sixties (the bouffant sporting Miss Yvonne), a very neon colored setting, and robot pal Conky that sounds like he’s beat boxing when he speaks. “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” thankfully isn’t hampered by its eighties sensibilities, though. It’s only part of what makes the show so different and appealing. Some of the highlights of the series are Phil Hartman’s crusty sea Captain Carl, the great claymation (some by “Wallace and Gromit” creators Richard Goleszowski and Nick Park), and the excellent animated short series “Penny” about the young girl with pennies for eyes. Anyone from nostalgic adults, to young children can enter in to Pee Wee’s world and watch what he accomplishes for the day with his penchant for making the most out of any situation.
The DVD set from Shout! Factory comes with an hour long series of interviews about the creation of the character Pee Wee, and how he went from a stand up comedy routine to a kids show host and cult icon. Featuring interviews with Laurence Fishburne, and (ex-set security guard) director John Singleton, it’s a very informative and entertaining glimpse at how creator Paul Reubens took the world by storm with such an unusual character.