Christmas at Pee-wee's Playhouse

Pee Wee Herman, many of the Playhouse regulars and a load of celebrities celebrate the holidays in a grand and glorious way. Among the many funny skits is an interminable rendering of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' by Dinah Shore on Pee Wee's multi-media phone device.

The celebrities are too numerous to mention, and all are very good sports. In the end, Pee Wee (and the viewers) learn a wonderful lesson about selflessness and sharing.

Regardless of his press in recent years, Pee Wee is a comic genius who tickles the funny bones of children as well as adults. Well worth viewing.

Pee-wee Herman and pals are celebrating Christmas in the Playhouse in their own creative ways: Pee-wee makes a list for Santa Claus 1 1/2 miles long, teaches Little Richard how to ice skate, goes for a sleigh ride with Magic Johnson, commands Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello to make Christmas cards, receives a long phone call from Dinah Shore, even has more musical fun with k.d. lang, the Del Rubio Triplettes and Charo! I understand some people may find Pee-wee annoying, and if that is the case, there is not much you are going to like about this. But if you like him, you will love this Christmas special. A crazy amount of guests, many who are abruptly cut off (which I find hilarious)... and even a little bit of that subversive humor sneaking in.

It is still hard to believe all the people who got heir start off of Pee-wee Herman. Even just in this special, we see Laurence Fishbourne in his silly Cowboy Curtis persona which he probably would not do anymore.

This is the best christmas special I have ever seen on TV and on VHS! This christmas has handful of special guest stars who are really great people. Pee-wee was hilarious and all the other characters in the playhouse were also funny. Pee-wee Herman is the funniest guy in the world and I wish he could come back and make brand new Pee-wee movies and bring back Pee-wee's Playhouse on the air again.

Pee Wee Herman and friends join in the holiday spirit tour de force in what might be the greatest holiday special ever. The regulars are all there, from Capt. Carl (the late, great Phil Hartman) to Reba the Mail lady. In addition to the already sensational cast, numerous guests are in attendance including (but in no particular order by any means) Frankie and Annette, the Derubial Triplets, Charro, Grace Jones, and Little Richard (and I'm positive I'm forgetting a few, and I'm sorry for that [I want to say k.d. lang, but don't quote me on that]).

Now, the special does focus its attention on Christmas, but it also brings Hanukah into light for a moment (hence my persistence on dubbing it as a 'holiday special') - and it does so both educationally and entertainingly (if that's a word).

This single episode of Pee Wee's Playhouse is forever held dear to me, not only because of the sheer amount of comedic goodness, but also because I feel it best sums up entirely the greatness of what was arguably one of the greatest shows ever!

The Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988) is currently available on Tubi and features our quirky host, Pee-Wee Herman, as he eagerly prepares to receive Christmas gifts from Santa. Along the way, he's joined by a lineup of iconic celebrity guests.

Directed by Wayne Orr (Gallagher), the special stars Paul Reubens (Blow), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), William Marshall (Blacula), Kevin Carlson (Team America), and S. Epatha Merkerson (Jacob's Ladder).

The guest list is truly remarkable, featuring Little Richard, Magic Johnson, Grace Jones, Charo, Oprah Winfrey, Dinah Shore, Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Frankie Avalon, Cher, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others. It's one of the most star-studded holiday specials I've ever seen. Watching this reminded me of how innovative Pee-Wee's Playhouse was-bursting with creativity, hijinks, and its unique ability to pull you into its zany universe. The props and sets are visually stunning, while Paul Reubens' facial expressions and mannerisms add to the hilarity. The dialogue, voice work, and over-the-top charm keep the laughs coming. There's also fun claymation and nostalgic callbacks to classic cartoons.

In conclusion, the Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special is a delightful mix of legendary guests, nostalgic charm, and endless fun. I'd rate it 8/10 and strongly recommend it.