Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Retro Videos with Pee-wee

The Saturday morning series Pee-wee’s Playhouse debuted on September 13, 1986 and ran for five years. Reruns of the popular series were pulled abruptly by CBS when series creator and star Paul Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure in Florida in July 1991.

The character virtually disappeared and hasn’t been seen since, with the exception of a brief on-stage appearance in September 1991 on the MTV Video Music Awards (pictured right).

The 45 episodes of Pee-wee’s Playhouse were very popular in their original run and have now acheived cult status 15 years later, via reruns on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim and on DVD.

To commemorate Pee-wee Herman’s upcoming return to the famous playhouse, here are a few clips of the impish character and his alter-ego Paul Reubens discussing Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Pee-wee’s appearance on Late Night with David Letterman just after the release of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.		The opening of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, first seen in September 1986 on CBS.
Pee-wee was a guest on the debut of Joan River’s ill-fated late-night talk show on October 9, 1986.		A serious and effective public service announcement from Pee-wee on the dangers of crack.
The surprise appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, following Reuben’s indecent exposure arrest.		Reubens discussing the casting of Pee-wee’s Playhouse on CBS.
Reubens discussing the reasons for the high security on his popular show.		Reubens talking about the pop culture impact of Pee-wee and the show.
What’s next for Pee-wee Herman and the pals in the playhouse?		A reunion from a screening of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in Hollywood in October 2006. (Poor video quality.)