Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988)
The wildly inventive 1988 holiday TV special where Pee-wee Herman throws the most chaotic, star-studded Christmas party ever broadcast.
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special - Movie Information
- Original Title: Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Wayne Orr, Paul Reubens
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Comedy, TV Movie
- Runtime: 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 21, 1988
- Alternative Titles: Рождественский спецвыпуск (RU), Pee.Wees.Playhouse.Christmas.Special (US)
- Production Companies: Pee Wee Pictures, Binder Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special - Plot
Pee-wee Herman and pals are celebrating Christmas in the Playhouse in their own creative ways: Pee-wee makes a list for Santa Claus 1.5 miles long, teaches Little Richard how to ice skate, goes for a sleigh ride with Magic Johnson, enslaves Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello into making 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! Finally, Big Red arrives and announces that Pee-wee's Christmas list was so big, he didn't have enough presents for all the children of the world. Will Pee-wee follow his own advice and help others?
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special - Trailer
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Watch Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special video on YouTube ↗
If you love Christmas then why don't you merry it?
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Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wayne Orr
- Paul Reubens
Main Cast
- Paul Reubens
- Kevin Carlson
- Laurence Fishburne
- Aaron Fletcher
- Ric Heitzman
- Suzanne Kent
- William Marshall
- George McGrath
- S. Epatha Merkerson
- Alison Mork
Writers
- John Paragon
- Paul Reubens
Producers
- Steve Binder
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special - FAQs
Who are the celebrity guests in Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special?
The special features an impressive lineup of celebrity guests including Little Richard, Magic Johnson, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Dinah Shore, k.d. lang, the Del Rubio Triplets, and Charo, each appearing in fun, offbeat holiday segments alongside Pee-wee Herman.
Where can you stream Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special?
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special is available to stream for free with ads on Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, and Tubi TV. These platforms make it easy to enjoy this classic holiday special without a subscription.
What is Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special about?
Pee-wee Herman celebrates Christmas with an outrageously long Santa wish list and a parade of celebrity guests. Packed with musical performances, slapstick humor, and a heartwarming lesson about generosity, the special blends Pee-wee's signature surreal comedy with genuine holiday spirit.
Does Pee-wee learn a Christmas lesson in the special?
Yes. When Santa reveals that Pee-wee's enormous wish list left too few presents for the world's children, Pee-wee must decide whether to put others first. The special wraps its zany comedy around a genuine message about selflessness and the true spirit of giving.
When was Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special released?
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special originally aired on December 21, 1988, on CBS. The one-hour primetime broadcast became an instant cult classic and remains a fondly remembered piece of late-1980s holiday television.
Who directed Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special?
The special was co-directed by Wayne Orr and Paul Reubens, who also stars as Pee-wee Herman. Reubens, the creative force behind the entire Pee-wee franchise, brought his distinctive surreal vision to this holiday production alongside producer Steve Binder.
How long is Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special?
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special runs approximately 49 minutes. Originally broadcast as a one-hour primetime special on CBS, the runtime without commercials clocks in just under the hour mark, making it a perfectly sized holiday viewing experience.
What are some similar holiday specials to watch?
If you enjoy Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special, you might also like Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales, Johann's Gift to Christmas, or A Wonderful Christmas Time. For more Pee-wee content, The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway captures a similar spirit of playful, nostalgic entertainment.
More About Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
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