A Zipper For Pee-wee Herman :: essays research papers fc

A Zipper for Pee-Wee Herman Leaders in childrens television are and always have been concerned about what programs actually make it on the air. Most early programming for children of school age in the 1950's was the western program. Another type was the science-fiction thriller which tended to be based on hero's from the radio, comics, and films. However, a favorite of the youngest audience was the children's equivalent of the variety show. This usually contained circus, puppet, and/or animal segments. "Super Circus", which aired in 1949, consisted of music, circus acts, animals, and of course, clowns. In 1952, yet another type of program came about which reached a very similiar audience as the circus variety shows. It was called "The Ding Dong School". The Ding Dong School offered the conversation, low-key instruction, commercials, and entertainment of Miss. Frances, a professional teacher. With the help of these types of shows, a new genre was born. Children's television which was a mixture of songs, education, fun, and a whole lot more. In 1969, the first airing of "Sesame Street" took place. Sesame Street had programs which were sponsored by different letters of the alphabet or numbers each day, and relied on very short, animated cartoons with live and puppet segments which kept the interest of preschool children. The show was an instant outstanding success, and still broadcasts today. In 1970, "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" was born. Mr. Fred Roger's used puppets and music to teach patience and cooperation, while providing guidance to help children cope with feelings and frustrations. Mr. Roger's land of makebelieve's handpuppet characters interacted with humans in the mythical kingdom of King Friday XIII. There, the puppets and humans would deal with their feelings and emotions as they solve typical, everyday problems. This new genre of programming was a sensation. The children loved it, and the parents approved of it. During the following years, many new shows came about which still fit this genre. In the year 1986, yet another show was born into childrens television. "Pee-Wee's Playhouse". This series, starring host Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) used animation, puppets, and vintage cartoons to entertain and educate its audience. Between Pee-Wee Herman and his extraordinary playhouse, children were given the opportunity to let their imaginations go crazy. The "playhouse" had no permanent residents, that is, besides the furnishings. Not ordinary furnishings, you see, Pee-Wee's furnishings could move, talk, dance, and sing. These "characters" could be seen at the playhouse on a regular basis. Some of the favorites were: Globey, a talking globe who would show Pee-Wee the countries that his pen-pal's letters came from; Magic Screen, a toy of Pee-Wee's that enabled him to actually get