Tuesday, August 01, 2023

Remembering Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman); Celebs for Fox's Season 2 of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

Paul Reubens

Actor and comedian Paul Reubens, who was best known for creating and portraying the character Pee-wee Herman, has died. He died on July 30 from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. At the time of his death he was diagnosed with both myelogenous leukemia and metastatic lung cancer. He had been diagnosed six years earlier, but had not revealed his diagnosis to the public. Mr. Reubens was 70.

Robin Williams and Paul Reubens in Mork & Mindy

Reubens made his sitcom debut in 1979 with two guest appearances as Heimlich, a delivery boy, in Working Stiffs, which starred James Belushi and Michael Keaton. He played Dickie Nimitz in the 1981 Mork & Mindy episode "Long Before We Met." He wears a blue bowtie and suit similar to what his Pee-wee Herman costume would become.

Pee-wee Herman in 227

His first appearance as Pee-wee Herman in a sitcom was in Madame's Place in 1982. He appeared as Pee-wee Herman in the 1987 227 episode "Toyland." While visiting a toy shop, Mary and Lester (Marla Gibbs and Hal Williams), run into Pee-wee Herman...and end up in the middle of a robbery.

Paul Reubens and Candice Bergen in Murphy Brown

Reubens had a recurring role as Andrew J. Lansing III in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown between 1995 and 1997. Andrew J. Lansing III is Stan Lansing's (Garry Marshall) sociopathic nephew. He is introduced as one of Murphy's (Candice Bergen) 93 secretaries du jour and was one of only three who measure up to Murphy's standards. The role earned him positive reviews and his first and only non-Pee-wee Emmy nomination, for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1995.

Ray Romano and Paul Reubens in Everybody Loves Raymond

He appeared as Russell, Amy's (Monica Horan) eccentric brother, in the 2000 Everybody Loves Raymond episode "Hackidu." Some of his other sitcom guest appearances as other characters included Campus Ladies in 2006, Reno 911! in 2006, and 30 Rock in 2007. He played an inbred Austrian prince named Gerhardt Hapsburg in the 30 Rock episode "Black Tie." In 2019, he appeared in episodes of What We Do in the Shadows and The Conners.

Some of his other television credits in various roles included Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ally McBeal, Dirt (3 episodes), Pushing Daisies (2 episodes), Portlandia, The Blacklist (5 episodes as Mr. Vargas), and Gotham (3 episodes).

Pee-wee's Playhouse

Reubens starred as Pee-wee Herman on the CBS Saturday morning children's program Pee-wee's Playhouse. It ran for five seasons from 1986 to 1990. The series garnered 15 Emmy Awards during its initial run, and was aired again on late-night television in the 2000s, during which TV Guide dubbed it among the top ten cult classic television programs. Reubens was also a writer, director, executive producer and set decorator. The cast included Laurence Fishburne, Lynne Marie Stewart, Phil Hartman, S. Epatha Merkerson and John Paragon.

He was also known for his voice work. Some of his credits included The Flintstone Comedy Show, Chowder, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Tron: Uprising, American Dad!, and Voltron: Legendary Defender.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Reubens produced, wrote and starred in the feature film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), directed by Tim Burton, which was a financial and critical success. He produced, wrote and starred in the sequel Big Top Pee-wee (1988). He co-wrote and starred in the Netflix original film Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016).

Some of his other film credits included Midnight Madness (1980), The Blues Brothers (1980), Cheech & Chong's Next Movie (1980) (as Pee-wee Herman/Desk Clerk), Back to the Beach (1987) (as Pee-wee Herman), Batman Returns (1992), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (voice), Dunston Checks In (1996), Matilda (1996), Buddy (1997), Mystery Men (1999), and Blow (2001).

Mr. Reubens was wonderful as Pee-wee Herman. He created an iconic character who remains very popular to this day. He was part of many childhoods with his films and television series. It was good to see him in his other roles as various characters on sitcoms and other series. We thank him for the many laughs and entertainment that he brought us during his career. He will be sorely missed.

Share your memories on our message board.


Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

Fox's ultimate celebrity social experiment, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, returns for a second season on September 25, enlisting a troop of household names to endure some of the harshest, most grueling challenges from the playbook of the actual Special Forces selection process.

Meet the 14 celebrity recruits joining the Special Forces:
Former All-American and NFL Star Dez Bryant
Television Personality and Contractor Tyler Cameron
Reality TV Star and Entrepreneur Savannah Chrisley
Actress, Model, Influencer and Entrepreneur Blac Chyna
Actor and 90's Icon Brian Austin Green
Seven Time NBA Champion Robert Horry
Olympic Gold Medalist Speed Skater Erin Jackson
Olympic and World Championship Gold Medalist Alpine Skier Bode Miller
Television Personality and Host Jack Osbourne
Actress and Pop Culture Phenomenon Tara Reid
Lifestyle Television Host, Influencer and Producer Kelly Rizzo
Reality TV Star, Restaurateur and Musician Tom Sandoval
Recording Artist and Global Superstar JoJo Siwa
Award-Winning Podcast Host, Author and Television Personality Nick Viall


Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, July 21

The Neighborhood - "Welcome to the Big Sleep" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
As Marty and Courtney struggle to get their newborn to sleep, the entire Butler family suffers along with them. While Calvin prefers to let the new parents figure it out, Tina insists on jumping in to help with Baby Daphne any way she can. When searching for their old baby swing, Dave finds an old list he made of cool things to do before age 40, which sends him spiraling as he realizes he hasn’t accomplished any of them.

The Neighborhood - "Welcome to Great Beyond" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Butlers and Johnsons receive shocking news about their neighbor that changes their outlook on life.

Complete TV Listings


Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of July 21)

Monday, July 21

  • Alan Cumming (Schmigadoon!) - Alan guest hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear/Girls) - Watch Ebon on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Pamela Adlon (Better Things/King of the Hill/The Facts of Life) - Pamela appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
  • Sandra Oh (Arli$$) - Sandra is a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Dave Franco (The Afterparty/Scrubs/Do Not Disturb) - Dave stops by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 11:35pm on CBS.
  • Jerrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show) - Jerrod appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
  • Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite/Benched) and Doug Benson (You're the Worst) - Maria and Doug are guests on After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
  • Megan Stalter (Too Much/Hacks) - Meg appears on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 10pm on Bravo.
  • Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish/Girlfriends) - Tracee appears on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 10pm on Bravo. She also talks about Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am and in the 10am hour.
  • Sterling K. Brown (Starved) - Sterling talks about Washington Black on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
  • Kristen Johnston (Leanne/Mom/The Exes/3rd Rock from the Sun) - Kristen talks about Netflix's Leanne on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
  • Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio) - NBC's Today catches up with Chase in the 9am hour.


New on DVD and Blu-ray

The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series Frasier (2023) - Season Two Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered) Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

01/28 - Wait Till Your Father Gets Home - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
02/04 - The Wayans Bros. - The Complete Series
03/11 - Frasier (2023) - Season Two
04/01 - Abbott Elementary - The Complete Third Season
05/13 - The Drew Carey Show - The Complete Series* (missing 4 episodes and some music has been replaced or altered)
06/06 - Shoresy - Season 2
06/17 - Looney Tunes - Collector's Vault - Volume 1 (Blu-ray)
07/22 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)

More Recent and Upcoming TV DVD and Blu-ray Releases / TV Shows on DVD, Blu-ray and Prime Video / DVD Reviews Archive


Recent SitcomsOnline.com News Blog Posts

07/21 - Hallmark Channel Acquires Gilmore Girls; Freida Pinto to Star in Netflix Series
07/20 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 21, 2025)
07/19 - SitcomsOnline Digest: CBS Cancels The Late Show; Gilmore Girls Headed to Hallmark
07/18 - ABC Fall 2025 Premiere Dates; The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to End in May 2026
07/17 - Netflix's Geek Girl Season 2 Starts Production; The CW Picks Up Sullivan's Crossing for Season 4
07/16 - Antenna TV's Still Dreaming of Jeannie 60th Anniversary Marathon; 77th Primetime Emmy Nominations
07/15 - Shark Tank Season 17 Guest Sharks; Tubi YA Comedy Film with Paris Berelc
07/14 - CBS Fall 2025 Premiere Dates; HBO and Larry David Team Up Again
07/13 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 14, 2025)
07/12 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Scrubs Reboot Headed to ABC; New King of the Hill Trailer Released
07/11 - The Office Spinoff The Paper Premieres September 4; Upload Season 4 Returns August 25
07/10 - The Big Bang Theory's Stuart Spinoff Ordered by HBO Max; Long Story Short Premieres August 22 on Netflix
07/09 - New Girl Summer on Hulu; Vir Das Gets Brand New Netflix Special
07/08 - Tubi Comedy Series Demascus Premieres in August; LEGO Masters Jr. Lines Up Celebs for 4-Week Event
07/07 - Digman! Season Premiere Moved to July 23; Hulu's Reasonable Doubt Returns September 18
07/06 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of July 7, 2025)
07/05 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Comedy Central Delays South Park and Digman! Season Premieres; Jackée to Appear in Guest Role in Netflix Series
07/04 - Happy 4th of July; Antenna TV's McHale's Navy Red, White and Navy Independence Day Marathon
07/03 - The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 3 Premieres August 6; South Park New Season Moves by Two Weeks
07/02 - FETV Acquires The Rookies; Hulu Renews The Bear for Season 5
07/01 - Bert Kreischer Gets Netflix Sitcom; NBC Gets Into Survival Mode This Summer
06/30 - The Comeback Makes Another...Comeback; First Look at Black Rabbit at Netflix
06/29 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of June 30, 2025)
06/28 - SitcomsOnline Digest: The Comeback Returning for a Third and Final Season; South Park to Remain on HBO Max
06/27 - The White Lotus Star Teams Up with Netflix; Remembering Bobby Sherman, Lynn Hamilton, and Rick Hurst
06/26 - The CW's Fall Movie of the Week; First Look at New York Comic Con 2025
06/25 - Netflix Renews Ransom Canyon for Season 2; My Life with the Walter Boys First Look for Season 2
06/24 - Marc Maron Gets Second HBO Comedy Special; Outlander Prequel Renewed for Season 2 Ahead of Series Premiere
06/23 - MeTV Summer Changes, Adds Adventures of Superman; Jimmy Kimmel Live! Summer Guest Hosts
06/22 - Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows; This Week in Sitcoms (Week of June 23, 2025)
06/21 - SitcomsOnline Digest: Night Court Officially Dead After Not Finding New Home; Weigel Announces New WEST Network