Bye, Pee-wee: The Best Episodes from Paul Reubens’ Brilliant and Beloved ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’
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There’s a special sadness in saying goodbye to a performer we’ll always remember as a little boy. On Monday, the family and friends of Paul Reubens announced the death of the beloved actor — better known as Pee-wee Herman — who at 70 years old had been quietly battling cancer for more than six years.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement on Reubens’ official Facebook page reads.
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“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” it continues. “A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Tim Burton‘s “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) shot to number two on iTunes shortly after the news broke. And while it makes sense that admirers would flock to Reubens’ most famous film following his passing, there’s no place that feels more appropriate for mourning Pee-wee than inside “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
The zany kids’ comedy (not streaming anywhere, but well worth purchasing à la carte) ran from 1986 to 1990 — Saturday mornings on CBS — and followed Herman, his magical Playhouse, and a rotating cast of friends, neighbors, critters, puppets, and talking furniture native to the show’s broader Puppetland. Created by Reubens from his more adult stage show, the kids’ program won 15 Emmys — celebrating its kaleidoscopic design and generally spectacular execution.
Now isn’t the time to be pitting beloved children’s entertainers against one another. But there’s no denying Pee-wee was decidedly and delightfully different from his fun-ducational peers. Yes, Pee-wee sported the formal attire and championed the kindness of someone like Mr. Rogers. And sure, he had the whimsical playfulness and anthropomorphic belongings of someone like “The Big Comfy Couch” clown Loonette (who came later). And yet, Pee-wee always stood apart because of his sharp wit and Reubens’ unmatched ability to play across the ages in any living room with smart, sweet silliness.
A timeless, bow-tied testament to making space for joy, Pee-wee and Reubens may be gone but they’ll never be forgotten. Listed in chronological order, these are the 10 most essential episodes of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” including “Rainy Day,” “Pajama Party,” “Camping Out,” and more. Plus, an honorable mention.
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