Go Back  DVD Talk Forum > Entertainment Discussions > TV Talk
Reload this Page >

Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Community
Search
TV Talk Talk about Shows on TV

Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-04-19 | 12:16 PM
  #1  
dex14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 47,065
Likes: 0
Received 5,339 Likes on 3,597 Posts
Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

EXCLUSIVE: Another classic sitcom is eying a return with its original star. UCP is developing Punky Brewster, a sequel to the 1984 NBC sitcom, with Soleil Moon Frye set to reprise her role as the titular character that became a pop culture icon of the 1980s.

The multi-camera original series, created by David W. Duclon, centered on Punky (Frye), a bright young girl raised by a foster dad (George Gaynes). In the multi-camera/hybrid reboot, Punky (Frye) is now a single mother of three trying to get her life back on track when she meets a young girl who reminds her a lot of her younger self.

The followup series is written and executive produced by Steve and Jim Armogida (School of Rock, Grounded For Life). Frye will also serve as executive producer along with Duclon and Emmy-winning producer Jimmy Fox (The Arrangement) of Main Event Media, an All3Media America company

Punky Brewster, which catapulted its young star Frye to fame, ran for four seasons, two on NBC, the rest in syndication. It nabbed three Primetime Emmy nominations including two for Outstanding Children’s Program. Frye also voiced the Punky character in It’s Punky Brewster, an animated animated spinoff series that ran two season and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program.

While UCP has produced hourlong and half-hour comedy series with Difficult People, Psych, Playing House and Happy!, Punky Brewster marks a the studio’s first foray into multi-camera/family sitcoms.

Other popular sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s that have made a return with the original stars over the past few years include Boy Meets World, Full House, Will & Grace, Roseanne and Will & Grace.

Following her breakout role on Punky Brewster, Frye has guest starred on such series as Friends, Saved by the Bell, and The Wonder Years and recurred on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch opposite Melissa Joan Hart. Frye has done extensive voice work on numerous animated series and films including The Ren & Stimpy Show, The Proud Family, Robot Chicken, and Bratz. Frye hosted 3 seasons of the Daytime Emmy-winning series Home Made Simple for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network and was an ongoing contributor for Today. Additionally, she has written two books, Happy Chaos and Let’s Get This Party Started. Frye recently wrapped production of Heirlooms, a crime comedy co-starring Shelley Long and Luke Wilson.

Headed by Dawn Olmstead, NBCU-owned UCP is behind Amazon’s Homecoming, Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, Hulu’s The Act, USA’s Mr. Robot, Dirty John, The Purge & The Sinner, Syfy’s The Magicians, and YouTube Originals’ Impulse, among others. The studio’s development slate also include Chucky for Syfy, Public Figures for Quibi, and an adaptation of the popular podcast, Dr. Death.
https://deadline.com/2019/06/punky-b...Eeja0wc8HQKB3M
Old 06-07-19 | 06:37 PM
  #2  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I remember the original show, but I never really binged it or even saw that many episodes. Might have to give them a watch. I really like the "sequel/continuation" trend. Much better than remaking everything. Hopefully, this gets a shot.
Old 01-16-20 | 07:24 AM
  #3  
dex14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 47,065
Likes: 0
Received 5,339 Likes on 3,597 Posts
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Punky Brewster Sequel Ordered to Series at NBC's Streaming Service
Everyone’s favorite pigtailed moppet is officially back: NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock has greenlit a sequel to the 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster, TVLine has learned.

As previously reported, Soleil Moon Frye will return as the titular character, and Cherie Johnson will reprise her role as Punky’s best friend, Cherie. Freddie Prinze Jr. will guest-star in the premiere as Punky’s ex-husband, Travis. The cast also includes Lauren Donzis (No Good Nick) and newcomers Quinn Copeland, Oliver De Los Santos and Noah Cottrell.

Season 1 will consist of 10 episodes that will follow a grown-up Punky, who’s now a single mom with three kids. Punky is in the process of pulling her life together when she meets Izzy (played by Copeland), a girl in the foster-care system who reminds Punky of her younger self.

Steve and Jim Armogida (School of Rock) will write and executive-produce the sequel series; Frye, original series creator David Duclon and Jimmy Fox (The Arrangement) also will serve as executive producers.
https://tvline.com/2020/01/16/punky-brewster-sequel-series-order-revival-peacock/
Old 01-16-20 | 09:21 AM
  #4  
Suspended
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 31,779
Received 101 Likes on 87 Posts
From: Formerly known as "GizmoDVD"/Southern CA
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Originally Posted by dex14
Punky Brewster Sequel Ordered to Series at NBC's Streaming Service
https://tvline.com/2020/01/16/punky-brewster-sequel-series-order-revival-peacock/
No one is asking for this. This feel just like the sequel series to Fuller House, Raven etc.
Old 01-16-20 | 10:15 AM
  #5  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,787
Received 345 Likes on 252 Posts
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Originally Posted by Gizmo
No one is asking for this. This feel just like the sequel series to Fuller House, Raven etc.
The single mom raising three kids makes it sound a lot like Fuller House. If this shows doesn't focus on the annoying love triangle/ romance plots like fuller House did, it may be interesting. Fuller House just got old well before the first show ended,
Old 01-16-20 | 10:25 PM
  #6  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I'll probably catch it at some point. I need to fully watch the first series first I remember the first show was about 4 seasons or so and it was everything 80's Sad that George Gaynes is no longer with us, but it will be interesting to see what became of Punky in her adulthood
Old 01-16-20 | 10:45 PM
  #7  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 6,880
Received 327 Likes on 243 Posts
From: Chicago, IL
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I guess it would cost too much to get Mayim Bialik to do a Blossom revival. Damn you, Big Bang Theory!
The following 3 users liked this post by windom:
Kurt D (01-16-20), MysterioMan007 (01-18-20), rduncan (01-17-20)
Old 01-17-20 | 11:22 AM
  #8  
mwbmis's Avatar
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,468
Received 337 Likes on 272 Posts
From: Land of Lincoln
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Blossom makes a lot more sense as a Peacock revival than Punky Brewster. I certainly don't remember it as some sort of ubiquitous syndication show like Saved by the Bell.

If we're going to bring back 80s NBC Sunday night comedies then maybe we can do Sister Kate next. They can even get Fab to come back and lipsync to Blame It on the Rain again.
Old 04-16-20 | 10:55 AM
  #9  
DJariya's Avatar
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 87,104
Received 6,004 Likes on 4,059 Posts
From: La Palma, CA
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

First teaser of the new Punky Brewster

Old 04-16-20 | 11:10 AM
  #10  
Inhumans99's Avatar
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 100,005,494
Received 474 Likes on 382 Posts
From: Fremont, CA
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I was a fan of the OG Punky Brewster series so I plan to watch (I know in another thread it was noted that I might be able to watch free w/limited commercial interruptions, if this is still true...yay, because there are several Peacock shows I look forward to sampling).
Old 04-16-20 | 04:24 PM
  #11  
Michael Corvin's Avatar
DVD Talk Godfather
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 63,453
Received 1,377 Likes on 943 Posts
From: Louisville, KY
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Yay! Another streaming service.
Old 04-16-20 | 05:43 PM
  #12  
ben12's Avatar
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,609
Received 70 Likes on 60 Posts
From: Where I live?
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I'm not watching if there's no Glomer.
The following users liked this post:
ddrknghtrtns (02-02-21)
Old 04-17-20 | 02:39 PM
  #13  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,693
Received 308 Likes on 224 Posts
From: Cincinnati, OH
re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Originally Posted by dex14
Soleil Moon Frye set to reprise her role as the titular character
Not so much since she got the reduction...
The following users liked this post:
Doc Moonlight (04-17-20)
Old 02-02-21 | 02:34 PM
  #14  
Deftones's Avatar
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 83,597
Received 2,058 Likes on 1,387 Posts
From: Arizona
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Trailer
Old 02-02-21 | 03:06 PM
  #15  
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,798
Received 45 Likes on 37 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Looks... rather generic. I have a soft spot for the original show, so I'd probably give this revival a chance if it was already on a service I streamed, but I'm not picking up Peacock just for this.
Old 02-03-21 | 09:29 AM
  #16  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Peacock comes with my cable service, so I'm not paying any extra for it. I just recently went through the original show. A little over-the-top silly in later seasons, but I still enjoyed it. I hope they address whatever happened to her mom during the original series. Glad to see Cherie back. Hope this is at least decent.
Old 02-25-21 | 12:36 PM
  #17  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I went through the ten episodes this morning. Pretty quick watch. If you liked the original series, it's pretty much the same thing, just with updated "wokeness". It's like 80's sitcom taking place in today's world. I'm not too sure about the decision to make Cherie gay, but ok, it didn't kill the show for me. It won't fall on any top 10 or even 100 lists, but it was a perfectly fine addition to the original show. Same apartment building, same set designs. Punky herself is still just as endearing as she was back in the 80's and it's like Soleil Moon-Frye never stepped out of the role..

It was nice to see Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair for an episode, as well as Seth Green and a guest appearance by Margaux, who I probably wouldn't have recognized. No Allen or anything, though. The kids are pretty well-done. Most of these reboots (like Fuller House) have the most bland kid characters imaginable, but I actually enjoyed all of these kids. Freddie Prinze, Jr. as Travis was a good character, although it's a little bit of a stretch for me to see him as an ex-musician. Nice nostalgia with the tree house episode.

And they addressed the biggest loose end from the original series in Punky's mom. I was worried they were going to tease the reunion all season and then just leave it as a cliffhanger when they meet. But they didn't. And we got to see Punky reunite with her, a scene which had me tearing up a little. All in all, season 1 was a decent follow-up to the original series. They left it at a place where it could be a one and done as well as a starting point for a season 2. I guess we'll know later which is the case. Better than the Saved By the Bell reboot and more heart.
Old 02-25-21 | 04:02 PM
  #18  
DJariya's Avatar
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 87,104
Received 6,004 Likes on 4,059 Posts
From: La Palma, CA
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I've watched the 1st 2 episodes so far and they're fine for that they are. It's a 80s style multi-camera sitcom that takes place in 2021.

They did a really good job recreating Henry's old apartment. And I liked seeing Punky acknowledge the photo of him. The kids are fine, including the one who plays Punky's real daughter. It was also cool seeing Cherie back in this incarnation. I'll probably finish the rest up later tonight.

I noticed that Punky called the dog "Brandon" That was a nice nod to her original dog as a kid.
Old 02-25-21 | 04:11 PM
  #19  
Inhumans99's Avatar
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 100,005,494
Received 474 Likes on 382 Posts
From: Fremont, CA
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

AV club was down on this (I think they gave it a C or C+) but based on MysterioMan's and DJariya's comments I very much look forward to watching. Will check this out starting tonight, and thanks for the reminder that they episodes are up and ready to watch.
The following users liked this post:
MysterioMan007 (02-25-21)
Old 02-25-21 | 04:13 PM
  #20  
dex14's Avatar
Thread Starter
Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 47,065
Likes: 0
Received 5,339 Likes on 3,597 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

In somewhat related news... this SMF doc is coming to Hulu next month.

The following users liked this post:
MysterioMan007 (02-25-21)
Old 02-25-21 | 09:03 PM
  #21  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Originally Posted by Inhumans99
AV club was down on this (I think they gave it a C or C+) but based on MysterioMan's and DJariya's comments I very much look forward to watching. Will check this out starting tonight, and thanks for the reminder that they episodes are up and ready to watch.
I think a 'C' is a fair grade. Average. It won't be something I constantly rewatch, but I didn't hate it and I didn't have any trouble getting through it.
Old 02-25-21 | 09:11 PM
  #22  
MysterioMan007's Avatar
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,184
Received 259 Likes on 161 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Originally Posted by dex14
In somewhat related news... this SMF doc is coming to Hulu next month.

https://youtu.be/0kbgWzN0OWc
This looks pretty interesting. Didn't know she had filmed all this stuff. It'll be interesting to see what she did all these years, because I really only remember seeing her in one of the Pumpkinhead movies and that Friends episode where she was punching Joey all the time after the original Punky Brewster ended. I'm sure she did more, but I never saw her stuff. I wonder how she managed to stay "normal" considering how a lot of the 80's child stars turned out.
Old 02-26-21 | 10:47 AM
  #23  
jpcamb's Avatar
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 9,289
Received 662 Likes on 477 Posts
From: Guilford VT
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

she was on Jimmy Kimmel recently talking about the documentary. Seems she took hundreds of hours of videotape and lots of child actors were her friends, she pulled them out of storage to see if she remembered her childhood as it was, and the documentary sort of flowed from there. Might be worth a watch..
Old 02-26-21 | 12:28 PM
  #24  
Suspended
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 31,779
Received 101 Likes on 87 Posts
From: Formerly known as "GizmoDVD"/Southern CA
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

Does Punky ever not wear overalls?
Old 02-26-21 | 12:43 PM
  #25  
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,707
Received 73 Likes on 43 Posts
Re: Punky Brewster (Peacock) -- sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye

I remember seeing her in Wonder Years and Saved by the Bell as well.


Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.