“Punky Brewster” Peacock Series Review by Stephanie Chapman
March 18, 2021 6:59 pm |
Peacock’s “Punky Brewster” (created by Jim Armogida, Steve Armogida and David W. Duclon) is a courageous attempt at a revival of the 80’s classic sitcom of the same name. Soleil Moon Frye reprises her role as “Punky”, only now she is an adult going through a divorce while raising 3 children. If you remember the 80’s version fondly with decent acting and an adorable storyline that captured the hearts and minds of children, then hold those memories tight. Even the return of her original best friend “Cherie” (played by Cherie Johnson) from the show’s original run, can’t give this attempt to revive a classic enough momentum. Remember when she got locked in the refrigerator playing hide-n-seek? Classic!
The new “Punky Brewster” attempts to use a similar formula but lacks the heart. In the first episode, Punky fosters a young child from an orphanage. Punky becomes the modern version of “Henry” who was the delightful man who took her in as a child in the 80s. Shenanigans ensue and with her 3 children, ex husband “Travis” (played by Freddie Prinze Jr.), dog and newly fostered precocious adolescent child you can feel the desperation for laughs oozing from your TV screen. The show makes an attempt to re-create a similar story that evokes similar emotions but falls flat.
If “Punky Brewster” is looked at through the fresh eyes of today’s youth, this show might stand a chance. It may just require a lack of nostalgia and memories brought on by the original run. It’s not hard to see how Soleil Moon Frye made the original show such a hit as she brings a lot of that charisma to the revival. Unfortunately, I doubt it’s enough to keep this show afloat for more than 1 season.
PCL Rating: Low Taste It
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Rotten
Tags: pop culture leftovers, Punky Brewster, Punky Brewster Peacock 2021, Punky Brewster Revival, TV Review
Categorised in: Television Reviews
This post was written by Leftover Brian
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