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CBS

Following the success of the 1985 movie "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," CBS asked Paul Reubens to develop a Saturday morning series for his Pee-wee Herman character.

Inspired by material from the more adult-skewing Groundlings stage show "The Pee-wee Herman Show," "Pee-wee's Playhouse" delighted kids with comedy so absurd and creative that even grown-ups found themselves captivated and getting up early to watch the show themselves.

After running for five seasons from 1986 to 1990, its legacy was nearly overwhelmed by scandals in Reubens' personal life.

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Today, it's remembered fondly, the sort of show those who grew up with it want to pass on to their own children.

In the formulaic wasteland of '80s children's programming, you'd think making such a one-of-a-kind show would take a genie's wish, but no such magic was needed — only a willingness to take risks and get really, really silly.

This article will examine some of the real stories behind the making of this comedic cultural phenomenon. You might be surprised by just h

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