There are a few things I've been known for throughout my life: My Jew-fro, being a Beastie Boys fanatic and my ability to watch TV in bulk. But evidently, I have a group of childhood friends who'd add liking Pee-wee Herman to the mix. It was 1986, when Pee-wee's Playhouse premiered. The show was the impetus for my humor and a career in kids' television. Almost 30 years later, it still remains one of my top ten favorite shows.
I was thrilled when Pee-wee's Playhouse became available on Netflix, so I could introduce it to my kids. And as I watched the pilot with them, I had a revelation just how before the times Paul Reuben was. You often hear how science fiction inspired inventions, but Pee-wee should get credit for 'seen it here first.' The following characters and Pee-wee moments perhaps also have a hand in inspiring the technology and terminology we use today.
