As a child growing up in the 1980s (born October 1982), you could not avoid watching "Pee-Wee's Playhouse." Originally airing on CBS from 1986-1990, it was a staple in the viewing habits of youngsters of all ages (and sometimes, their parents too!)
Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Rubens) has a wacky, funny playhouse. When we come to visit his playhouse, Pee-Wee treats the visitors (viewers) to games, cartoons, friends, and the "The Secret Word of the Day" (AHHHHH!) The presentations in his playhouse are always fun and educational, and tend not to drive the parents crazy. The guests are assorted oddballs, such as Captain Carl, Miss Yvonne, and Cowboy Curtis, as well as "The Salesman" ("I'm here to make you this one-time special offer--" "AAAAHHHH!").
This was by-far one of the greatest kiddie shows on television during my early years. If you ask anyone around my age, they will proudly tell you that they watched Pee-Wee. (In fact, my brother and I used to scream when they said the Secret Word of the Day) This was one of the most fun sows on TV, and was cancelled so abruptly after Ruben's rather interesting ordeal. My mom used to watch this with my brother and I when we were in pre-school, and continued to watch it with us when we started Kindergarten in 1988. I was saddened when it was cancelled after I finished first grade in 1990, as was many kids who idolized Pee-Wee, and looked up to him as our entertainment.
This a such a great and educational show, and I am sad to not be able to see the reruns (tragically, I don't have any on tape) and that future generations will never see what a great show this was. I'm hoping a children's networ will bring back the reruns. I'm hoping I will find videos somewhere, as I would like to be able to show my own children some day who this children's programming genius was. You know how big of a fan I am??? I have Pee-Wee Herman's scream on my AOL Instant Messanger.
The secret word of the day is "fun." "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" is the most "fun" you can have in a half-hour. "Ahhhhhhh!" Brings back old memories.
