What do you think?
Rate this book
Inside Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Untold, Unauthorized, and Unpredictable Story of a Pop Phenomenon
Between 1986 and 1991, nearly ten million people a week watched Pee-wee’s Playhouse , the critically acclaimed and widely successful children’s program broadcast on CBS. Now, on the 25th anniversary of the show, the complete behind-the-scenes story is being told for the first time by those who experienced it. Complete with an episode guide, biographical information about the cast and key members of the show’s creative team, never-before-told anecdotes, and previously unpublished photos, Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse takes the first in-depth look behind the program TV Guide recently cited as one of the top ten cult classics of all time. Paul Reubens (as Pee-wee Herman) has been making a comeback since August 2010, appearing on Saturday Night Live , The View , The Jimmy Kimmel Show , Conan , and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno . He starred in a successful stage revival of his live show in January and February of 2010, and it hit Broadway later that year. It’s been turned into a special on HBO. His public Twitter and Facebook accounts boast over one million fans and followers. Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse is the first comprehensive look at this amazingly successful (and still revered) children’s program. Pee-wee Herman fans have been energized recently by the character’s re-emerging presence. From casual fans to devout followers, everyone will be interested in taking a look Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse .
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
46 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 1, 2016
Not as engaging I was hoping. I imagine this is more for the super-fan. Lots of tedious info I found to be a bit dry, though. The bits on set design and puppet creation were much appreciated. The final quarter of the book is a handy episode guide...in case you're ever wondering what the secret word of the day was on season two episode six.
May 12, 2020
When I graduated from college, I got a job in the big city. To prove I was a grown-up, I opened a checking account in a bank in one of the tallest buildings in the world, same building I worked in. And to whom did I write the first check from that highfalutin bank? The Pee-wee Herman Fan Club. This would have been in the middle of the run of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”, one of my favorite get-away-from-it-all shows that I rarely was awake to see. For my hard-earned dollars, I received a single one-page newsletter from the fan club. Seemed a little stingy.
I got the same impression about Pee-wee from this book. He is described here as creative at all costs, especially when it comes to dealing with people. He was always firing and occasionally rehiring the people that made his show unique. But in addition to the human resources rollercoaster, you get the details of the production of the show, with plenty of additional info on Pee-wee’s movies, shows, talk show appearances, and future plans. Most interesting were the many pictures of the production of the Playhouse, the behind-the-scenes stories about the production of key pieces of the Playhouse, like the short films, and the various characters like the King of Cartoons. The plentiful pictures of the cast and crew really were an interesting glimpse into what it must have been like working on that show. The last quarter of the book is an episode guide, with some great insight into the details of the cartoons and filmed parts, the guests, and the bloopers. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I hadn’t heard most of these stories before – I guess I wasn’t as much of a fan boy as I thought.
I got the same impression about Pee-wee from this book. He is described here as creative at all costs, especially when it comes to dealing with people. He was always firing and occasionally rehiring the people that made his show unique. But in addition to the human resources rollercoaster, you get the details of the production of the show, with plenty of additional info on Pee-wee’s movies, shows, talk show appearances, and future plans. Most interesting were the many pictures of the production of the Playhouse, the behind-the-scenes stories about the production of key pieces of the Playhouse, like the short films, and the various characters like the King of Cartoons. The plentiful pictures of the cast and crew really were an interesting glimpse into what it must have been like working on that show. The last quarter of the book is an episode guide, with some great insight into the details of the cartoons and filmed parts, the guests, and the bloopers. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I hadn’t heard most of these stories before – I guess I wasn’t as much of a fan boy as I thought.
November 23, 2011
I grew up watching and loving Pee-wee's Playhouse, so I was pretty excited about reding this, especially with the tagline "Untold, Unauthorized, and Unpredicatable." What I found in this was a short piece of boring garbage. Even as a fan there was nothing worth really learning about Pee-wee Herman or the show in this book.
The author, Caseen Gaines, spends most of the book tiptoeing around some of the more serious issues that might have plagued Pee-wee's Playhouse, like Pee-wee himself. There is not a negative word about the man who hired and fired so many people that the list of credits of the people who worked on the five years of the show is longer that the end credits of a movie. Even though anyone who is a fan has an inkling that Paul Reubens is probably a pretty hard person to get along with, no one will say this in the book, no one will admit it. It is all "Pee-wee had a vision. Pee-wee got his way. This was Pee-wee's show." There is a way that Gaine's side-steps around subjects that makes the terms untold and unpredictable truly predictable.
This reaction could be because I feel let down by the book. I anticipated stories and conflict and tension and drama. There is more space dedicated to construction of puppets and the set than to any of these things. I feel like there might be a good book about Pee-wee Herman and about his show and troubles in the future, but this one isn't it.
The author, Caseen Gaines, spends most of the book tiptoeing around some of the more serious issues that might have plagued Pee-wee's Playhouse, like Pee-wee himself. There is not a negative word about the man who hired and fired so many people that the list of credits of the people who worked on the five years of the show is longer that the end credits of a movie. Even though anyone who is a fan has an inkling that Paul Reubens is probably a pretty hard person to get along with, no one will say this in the book, no one will admit it. It is all "Pee-wee had a vision. Pee-wee got his way. This was Pee-wee's show." There is a way that Gaine's side-steps around subjects that makes the terms untold and unpredictable truly predictable.
This reaction could be because I feel let down by the book. I anticipated stories and conflict and tension and drama. There is more space dedicated to construction of puppets and the set than to any of these things. I feel like there might be a good book about Pee-wee Herman and about his show and troubles in the future, but this one isn't it.
February 4, 2014
It definitely feels like this book only reveals the tip of the iceberg as far as Reubens' polarizing effect on his colleagues. To other reviewers who claim 'no one has anything negative to say' about him, I wonder if we actually read the same book. Halfway through, I told my husband, "Sometimes reading this book is like watching a bunch of toddlers throw mudballs at each other," and we agreed we're both glad we're not in show business.
It does read a bit like an extended Wikipedia entry with a Pee-wee fan blog tacked on, but for someone like me who never watched the show as a kid, it is interesting and entertaining. I do wonder if his indecent exposure scandal would be as big a deal today, when it would only be one of ten such incidents in a given news week. It's not like he was voting on legislature when he did it.
It does read a bit like an extended Wikipedia entry with a Pee-wee fan blog tacked on, but for someone like me who never watched the show as a kid, it is interesting and entertaining. I do wonder if his indecent exposure scandal would be as big a deal today, when it would only be one of ten such incidents in a given news week. It's not like he was voting on legislature when he did it.
May 15, 2025
7th book of the year was a bit of a two-fer. I’ve wanted to read Caseen Gaines’ oral history on the making of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse for some time, but it’s kind of hard to find, and the Dummy magazine issue on the art of the playhouse made for a perfect companion. It’s all a very eye opening (and at times brutally honest) about Paul Reubens as a creative perfectionist, and the village it took to create Pee-Wee and his Playhouse.
Gaines’ book is very well laid out, and no stone was left unturned, but there’s also a notable lack of input from man behind the titular character in this recollection. The “untold and unauthorized” subtitle seems important, but as is clearly laid out Reubens’ is very protective of his privacy, the character, and his version of how it all went down. I think the book is stronger for laying it all out there, but I would be interested in reading Reubens’ own biography (which was allegedly completed before his death) to see both sides of the trick coin.
The Dummy zine’s deep dive into the artwork of Gary Panter, Wayne White, and more was fascinating, especially hearing about the punk inspirations that went into this network merchandising mogul. If you can imagine the set production and puppet designs were of particular interest to me, but I also loved the look at unproduced Pee-Wee merch and hearing about the logistics behind all of that.
Ultimately both publications were exemplary of Paul’s artistic vision, but the highlight was definitely on all the people that came together to bring this world to life. As they say, it takes a village to bring Puppetland to life.
Gaines’ book is very well laid out, and no stone was left unturned, but there’s also a notable lack of input from man behind the titular character in this recollection. The “untold and unauthorized” subtitle seems important, but as is clearly laid out Reubens’ is very protective of his privacy, the character, and his version of how it all went down. I think the book is stronger for laying it all out there, but I would be interested in reading Reubens’ own biography (which was allegedly completed before his death) to see both sides of the trick coin.
The Dummy zine’s deep dive into the artwork of Gary Panter, Wayne White, and more was fascinating, especially hearing about the punk inspirations that went into this network merchandising mogul. If you can imagine the set production and puppet designs were of particular interest to me, but I also loved the look at unproduced Pee-Wee merch and hearing about the logistics behind all of that.
Ultimately both publications were exemplary of Paul’s artistic vision, but the highlight was definitely on all the people that came together to bring this world to life. As they say, it takes a village to bring Puppetland to life.
December 15, 2018
What kept impressing me about this was how well the author creates a narrative that is affectionate and non-judgemental, like the best meditations. It also weaves quotes from those involved smoothly into the telling, which is no mean writing feat.
My kids are watching the show on Netflix and I watched it both as a child and 20 years ago as a student teacher over breakfast on cable reruns. This time around, I identify as a Maker and it was marveling at the artistry of the sets and props that inspired me to get the book and read it. I might have liked a little more detail in that area but the overall story kept my attention to the end, most likely because it didn't get bogged down in too many details.
My kids are watching the show on Netflix and I watched it both as a child and 20 years ago as a student teacher over breakfast on cable reruns. This time around, I identify as a Maker and it was marveling at the artistry of the sets and props that inspired me to get the book and read it. I might have liked a little more detail in that area but the overall story kept my attention to the end, most likely because it didn't get bogged down in too many details.
August 25, 2024
What I took away from this book was that Paul Reubens was a creative genius and very good with children. He was not always the nicest or fairest person to work with, adultwise. I watched Pee-Wee's Playhouse as a child, but reading this book shows me I don't remember very much about it. The level of puppetry and creative animation (well before modern computer animation) is outstanding, and the work that went into it is remarkable. I also didn't remember that the movie came before the show. I very much like the movie (the first one anyway). I would like to rewatch after reading this.
April 2, 2021
An interesting behind the scenes look. We all knew that Pee-wee's Playhouse was a creation and set rife with conflict, but it was kind of a bummer to hear it laid out so plainly. The details, the photos, and the eventual reconciliations or simply forgiveness were insightful. So, this is a great read, if you are a fan, I am not sure that it would appeal to anyone else.
August 22, 2021
If you enjoyed watching the Pee-wee Herman Show, you will want to read this book. It tells you everything you ever wanted to know or remember about the show. It also dispels some myths/inaccuracies about Paul Reuben's arrests for lewd behavior. According to Gaines, he was not a pervert or sexual deviant.
November 22, 2023
This book gave me an inside look at Pee Wee's Playhouse. So nostalgic. Brought me right back to my childhood where I thought I was Pee Wee's biggest fan. I loved learning about Paul Reuben's life before Pee Wee. I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. I'm glad I have it a try.
May 11, 2024
A must read for any Pee-Wee fan. In addition to a history of Pee-Wee's Playhouse, it also covers the background for The Pee-Wee Herman Show live show as well as Pee-Wee's Big Adventures, and has a detailed episode guide as one of the appendices.
October 20, 2021
It’s probably the best version of this book that could be made without Paul Reubens being involved.
May 6, 2023
A fun behind the scenes look at the show. Good trivia! And it has an episode guide, which will come in handy for a rewatching of the show.
August 3, 2023
Pretty well researched and hits all the high points. Skimmed some.
January 3, 2025
This book outlines in great detail and simultaneously not enough detail, the rise and fall of Pee Wee's Playhouse. Interesting in some parts, dry in others.
February 26, 2017
For a generation of children who were born in the 1980s, "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" was THE destination on Saturday mornings in front of the television. As a youngster, who couldn't get excited about the man-child Pee-Wee's exuberance for life and being surrounded by such an eclectic group of "characters"?! This book recalls some of the stories behind the Playhouse walls.
The "meat" of this book centers on how Paul Reubens turned his little comedy sketch routine into one of the most well-loved kids TV shows of all-time. From the initial idea, the movies, the production, the characters, and Pee-Wee's comeback after Reubens' embarrassing disgrace, this book is adept at covering all the major topics of the Pee-Wee phenomenon.
The final quarter of the text also provides an episode guide for the entire show, complete with plot synopsis and little tidbits about each episode that hardcore fans will really enjoy. Even the casual viewer of the show is almost certain to recall some part of an episode here or there!
Simply put, this book (like the show itself) is truly a labor of love. The character of Pee-Wee Herman, some how, some way, has managed to transcend multiple decades and still remain culturally relevant. This book will be most thoroughly enjoyed by the grown-up "children" who watched the show in their younger years, but it also provides interesting information about how to create such wacky animation and the thought processes behind the comedy.
In terms of "Inside Pee-Wee's Playhouse", the secret word of the day is: Buy!
The "meat" of this book centers on how Paul Reubens turned his little comedy sketch routine into one of the most well-loved kids TV shows of all-time. From the initial idea, the movies, the production, the characters, and Pee-Wee's comeback after Reubens' embarrassing disgrace, this book is adept at covering all the major topics of the Pee-Wee phenomenon.
The final quarter of the text also provides an episode guide for the entire show, complete with plot synopsis and little tidbits about each episode that hardcore fans will really enjoy. Even the casual viewer of the show is almost certain to recall some part of an episode here or there!
Simply put, this book (like the show itself) is truly a labor of love. The character of Pee-Wee Herman, some how, some way, has managed to transcend multiple decades and still remain culturally relevant. This book will be most thoroughly enjoyed by the grown-up "children" who watched the show in their younger years, but it also provides interesting information about how to create such wacky animation and the thought processes behind the comedy.
In terms of "Inside Pee-Wee's Playhouse", the secret word of the day is: Buy!
March 12, 2015
This was an excellent little guide to the origins and inner workings of the development of one of the most under-appreciated programs that ever aired on television (and one that ended up becoming extremely controversial in its own right). This book contains the origins of the stage show with the Groundlings, the financial and pre-production development of the first season, the translation from (Big Adventure) the silver screen into the show, and then back again (Big Top), the move from NY to LA, the end of the program, a biography of all of the important players in the show, and a complete episode guide.
I picked this up after two things happened: I watched Wayne White's incredible 'Beauty is Embarassing' / read White's art book, and I also was able to rewatch the brilliant Playhouse in its entirety when it came onto Netflix in December 2014 with my six year old.
My fascination with the program grew along with my nostalgia, and understanding the back-end inner workings of the program and its history was fascinating. The book details its growing pains, Reubens' intense dedication and vision to the final product, the behind the scenes amazingness (the fact that they reshot the entirety of Season 2 ep 1 when their director and cinematographer had no idea what they were doing and it cost double the original 400,000 episode cost; that Cindi Lauper wrote and performed the theme and credited her backup singer because she felt bad that she could not perform in the manner Lauper and Reubens wanted; that Ms Yvonne is considered to be a virgin and is referring to someday kissing when being tongue-in-cheek), an entire incredible subchapter on the Christmas episode, and a variety of other really great facts.
I really liked this book, and the material that was presented was fascinating. I do have a couple complaints - namely that the book has a strange tone and voice most of the time that wavers in style as the book progresses, and the author approached writing some of it as if he was writing somewhat of an expose at times, somewhat of an anecdotal oral history that she editorializes over, and sometimes a list of facts that read like a documentary. I wish that the book as a whole sort of stuck to an objective documentary, and where there was an oral history component (which was great) that its inclusion was a little bit more streamlined into the documentary narrative, if that makes sense. As it stands, it felt at times like I was looking at a few different jigsaw puzzles fit together to be one picture. Still, regardless of these editorial decisions, the well-researched contents of the book was excellent.
All in all, I really enjoyed this stroll down memory lane and learning about the people and processes behind this edgy, postmodern MTV/Groundlings-originated children's show.
I picked this up after two things happened: I watched Wayne White's incredible 'Beauty is Embarassing' / read White's art book, and I also was able to rewatch the brilliant Playhouse in its entirety when it came onto Netflix in December 2014 with my six year old.
My fascination with the program grew along with my nostalgia, and understanding the back-end inner workings of the program and its history was fascinating. The book details its growing pains, Reubens' intense dedication and vision to the final product, the behind the scenes amazingness (the fact that they reshot the entirety of Season 2 ep 1 when their director and cinematographer had no idea what they were doing and it cost double the original 400,000 episode cost; that Cindi Lauper wrote and performed the theme and credited her backup singer because she felt bad that she could not perform in the manner Lauper and Reubens wanted; that Ms Yvonne is considered to be a virgin and is referring to someday kissing when being tongue-in-cheek), an entire incredible subchapter on the Christmas episode, and a variety of other really great facts.
I really liked this book, and the material that was presented was fascinating. I do have a couple complaints - namely that the book has a strange tone and voice most of the time that wavers in style as the book progresses, and the author approached writing some of it as if he was writing somewhat of an expose at times, somewhat of an anecdotal oral history that she editorializes over, and sometimes a list of facts that read like a documentary. I wish that the book as a whole sort of stuck to an objective documentary, and where there was an oral history component (which was great) that its inclusion was a little bit more streamlined into the documentary narrative, if that makes sense. As it stands, it felt at times like I was looking at a few different jigsaw puzzles fit together to be one picture. Still, regardless of these editorial decisions, the well-researched contents of the book was excellent.
All in all, I really enjoyed this stroll down memory lane and learning about the people and processes behind this edgy, postmodern MTV/Groundlings-originated children's show.
January 7, 2014
As someone who wrote a book on a uncooperative subject (Andy Griffith), I know that many are quick to criticize biographies or pop culture histories without input from the key player. In this case, Paul Reubens did not contribute to this book about the making of Pee-wee's Playhouse, but it seems like the lion's share of behind the scenes folks were happy to discuss their creative past with the author.
Is this a perfect book on the making of? No, not even close. Then again, I'm currently spoiled since I was reading THESE ARE THE VOYAGES (Season One) on the making of STAR TREK at the same time, and the research on display in the Trek book is almost too much of a good thing. I loved the first Pee-wee film, and the original HBO special ... the Saturday Morning stuff, not so much.
This is a fun read for fans of Pee-wee Herman - have at thee!
Is this a perfect book on the making of? No, not even close. Then again, I'm currently spoiled since I was reading THESE ARE THE VOYAGES (Season One) on the making of STAR TREK at the same time, and the research on display in the Trek book is almost too much of a good thing. I loved the first Pee-wee film, and the original HBO special ... the Saturday Morning stuff, not so much.
This is a fun read for fans of Pee-wee Herman - have at thee!
February 19, 2012
A decently engaging overview of the hit children's show and it's impact on American culture. For an "unauthorized" book, the author goes out of their way to sidestep some of the more controversial aspects of Pee-wee. I guess this is a missed opportunity, although perhaps those stories have less to do with the television show than a reader might think. I got the feeling while reading this that Inside Pee-wee's Playhouse is probably not a great book for super-fans of the show or the character, but as someone who only has a couple of stray, happy memories of watching on Saturday mornings, this was an enjoyable diversion.
January 31, 2015
I was pretty impressed with the detail of the set design and production, but the issues and drama were definitely glossed over. Apparently Paul Reubens will be coming out with a memoir soon so this will have to do!
I was excited to read about all of the characters I grew up with without having to watch the show - although I watch the Christmas special every year, and Pee-Wee's Big Adventure every few years, I recently checked it out on Netflix and deemed it obnoxious about 5 minutes in. Sorry, inner child!
I was excited to read about all of the characters I grew up with without having to watch the show - although I watch the Christmas special every year, and Pee-Wee's Big Adventure every few years, I recently checked it out on Netflix and deemed it obnoxious about 5 minutes in. Sorry, inner child!
April 28, 2024
Thorough book on Pee-wee’s playhouse. Lots of photos.
I had no idea how much work Paul Reubens did on the show. He designed sets as well as writing the show. It’s no wonder that he is referred to as difficult to work with. I was hoping to read more about Paul Reuben’s work ethic or personality. Even some fun antecdotes would have been nice.
There are some charming photos of the star when he was quite young and healthy.
Although most of book is about the characters other than Pee-wee, this is a very good book.
I had no idea how much work Paul Reubens did on the show. He designed sets as well as writing the show. It’s no wonder that he is referred to as difficult to work with. I was hoping to read more about Paul Reuben’s work ethic or personality. Even some fun antecdotes would have been nice.
There are some charming photos of the star when he was quite young and healthy.
Although most of book is about the characters other than Pee-wee, this is a very good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2011
I enjoyed this book because I'm a big fan of Pee-wee, but as stated before there was nothing scandalous in this book. The conflicts that were discussed were presented as arguments. There was no new information about Pee-wee's arrest. There was more time spent on the details of the puppets than anything controversial. This reads more like a fact book and I'd only recommend it to people who are big fans.
May 13, 2013
I enjoyed the book overall. I would have liked more in depth interviews with the behind the scenes people (writers/puppeteers/artists. More backstage or production drawings/designs would have dressed it up too.
If you are a fan of the show, or Pee-Wee in general, you'll enjoy it. Worth borrowing from the public library.
If you are a fan of the show, or Pee-Wee in general, you'll enjoy it. Worth borrowing from the public library.
April 14, 2015
Great little read to find some interesting history about the show and the characters. The only bad thing is that I was thirsty for more! While there was a lot I learned I felt there was a lot more not being discussed. I found the information about the original stage show and Big Top Pee Wee to be the juiciest bits. Love this show to this day! Go Pee Wee! Can't wait to see you again!
January 29, 2015
Despite Paul Reuben's lack of participation in the writing of this, it still came out pretty great. Definitely gives you a look into the shows inner workings and drama. Pee-Wee stepped on a couple toes to get where he ended up.
October 12, 2015
another great Caseen Gaines read. I've now read all 3 of his books. Great insight into what went on behind the scenes, including the moving of the show from NY to LA after Season 1.... for TV junkies some truly great stuff. highly recommended!
March 25, 2013
A good insider's look into a beloved show. The author obviously likes Paul Reubens, but didn't shy away from addressing problems and things that might make him seem unlikeable.
October 25, 2013
Interesting. I would have liked more about the Big Adventure days, but that's just me.
December 18, 2011
For what it was, a surface assessment of Paul Rueben's character's rise and fall, it was lacking. As a fanboy's patchwork quilt, it won't keep you warm for long.
December 25, 2011
Wow, Peewee was difficult to work with? Shock. Decent, quick read, but not terribly in-depth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews