Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    Banner
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • Shows by Decade
        • 1950s Television
        • 1960s Television
        • 1970s Television
        • 1980s Television
        • 1990s Television
      • Shows by Genre
        • Comedy
        • Drama
        • Kids TV
        • Variety
        • News & Sport
        • Advertisements
      • Shows by Country
        • UK TV
        • USA TV
        • Australia & NZ TV
        • Canada TV
        • Europe TV
        • Japan TV
      • Shows A to K
        • Shows A
        • Shows B
        • Shows C
        • Shows D
        • Shows E
        • Shows F
        • Shows G
        • Shows H
        • Shows I
        • Shows J
        • Shows K
      • Shows L to Z
        • Shows L
        • Shows M
        • Shows N
        • Shows O
        • Shows P
        • Shows Q
        • Shows R
        • Shows S
        • Shows T
        • Shows U
        • Shows V
        • Shows W
        • Shows X
        • Shows Y
        • Shows Z
      • Shows 0 to 9
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • 1950s Music
        • 1960s Music
        • 1970s Music
        • 1980s Music
        • 1990s Music
      • Music A to K
        • Music A
        • Music B
        • Music C
        • Music D
        • Music E
        • Music F
        • Music G
        • Music H
        • Music I
        • Music J
        • Music K
      • Music L to Z
        • Music L
        • Music M
        • Music N
        • Music O
        • Music P
        • Music Q
        • Music R
        • Music S
        • Music T
        • Music U
        • Music V
        • Music W
        • Music X
        • Music Y
        • Music Z
      • Music 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • 1950s Movies
          • Movies 1950
          • Movies 1951
          • Movies 1952
          • Movies 1953
          • Movies 1954
          • Movies 1955
          • Movies 1956
          • Movies 1957
          • Movies 1958
          • Movies 1959
        • 1960s Movies
          • Movies 1960
          • Movies 1961
          • Movies 1962
          • Movies 1963
          • Movies 1964
          • Movies 1965
          • Movies 1966
          • Movies 1967
          • Movies 1968
          • Movies 1969
        • 1970s Movies
          • Movies 1970
          • Movies 1971
          • Movies 1972
          • Movies 1973
          • Movies 1974
          • Movies 1975
          • Movies 1976
          • Movies 1977
          • Movies 1978
          • Movies 1979
        • 1980s Movies
          • Movies 1980
          • Movies 1981
          • Movies 1982
          • Movies 1983
          • Movies 1984
          • Movies 1985
          • Movies 1986
          • Movies 1987
          • Movies 1988
          • Movies 1989
        • 1990s Movies
          • Movies 1990
          • Movies 1991
          • Movies 1992
          • Movies 1993
          • Movies 1994
          • Movies 1995
          • Movies 1996
          • Movies 1997
          • Movies 1998
          • Movies 1999
      • Movies A to K
        • Movies A
        • Movies B
        • Movies C
        • Movies D
        • Movies E
        • Movies F
        • Movies G
        • Movies H
        • Movies I
        • Movies J
        • Movies K
      • Movies L to Z
        • Movies L
        • Movies M
        • Movies N
        • Movies O
        • Movies P
        • Movies Q
        • Movies R
        • Movies S
        • Movies T
        • Movies U
        • Movies V
        • Movies W
        • Movies X
        • Movies Y
        • Movies Z
      • Movies 0 to 9
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Radio
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Television»Shows by Decade»1980s Television
    1980s Television Comedy Kids TV Shows P 3 Mins Read

    Punky Brewster

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    1 9 8 4 – 1 9 8 8 (USA)

    How is it that a seven-year-old is able to start her own dog-grooming business or build her own treehouse? A little something called “Punky Power”. That combination of pluck, sass, and downright adorability made the charming and lovable

    punky_12Punky Brewster, played by Soleil Moon Frye (sister of Voyagers! co-star Meeno Peluce), was braver than most adults.

    The orphaned bundle of sunshine was adopted by lonely 60-year-old widower Henry Warnimont, who ended up learning a thing or two from Punky.

    Punky (who turned her nose up at her real name, Penelope) was abandoned first by her father, and then by her mother who went into a Chicago shopping mall one day and never came back out.

    The waif wandered the streets of Chicago and finally hid out in a vacant apartment with her puppy Brandon.

    She was soon discovered by the conservative and stuffy building manager Henry, played by George Gaynes. Punky’s future neighbour and playmate Cherie Johnson was actually the first to find her, and the soon-to-be best friends bonded when Cherie brought Punky food.

    When Henry found out, he sent Punky to an orphanage named Fenster Hall, but Punky quickly escaped. The dour, old photographer eventually gave in and became Punky’s legal guardian.

    Quick-tempered but always forgiving, Henry was always scrambling to keep up with Punky.

    punky_086

    From breaking his new video camera while making a Jane Fonda-inspired workout video, to getting arrested for stealing a Christmas present, Punky kept Henry on his arthritis-ridden toes.

    Henry developed a soft spot for Punky, even searching through every dumpster in Chicago for Punky’s ratty old doll, which was accidentally thrown down the garbage chute.

    And if there were any doubts that the old man’s heart was softened, Henry opened up a restaurant in the third season – named “Punky’s Place”.

    Neighbours included the loud and nosy Mrs Betty Johnson (Cherie’s grandmother) – a nurse at Cook County Hospital – and Eddie, the quirky building handyman.

    Punky’s most visible pals and fellow classmates were the snobbish very rich beauty queen Margaux Kramer (Ami Foster) and the sheepish Allen Anderson.

    NBC Entertainment Executive Brandon Tartikoff (yes, the dog was named after him) christened the series in honour of his childhood crush.

    The real Punky Brewster was tracked down and given royalties for the use of her name, and even made a guest appearance as one of the teachers at Punky’s school.

    punky_001

    In the fall of 1985, NBC introduced a cartoon version of the show, which took Punky and pals on fantastical adventures courtesy of a hamster-looking magical being called Glomer.

    Punky’s colourful patch-covered clothes, mismatched funky bedroom and endless adventures became an inspiration to many young girls, who imitated their young idol in hopes of siphoning off a little “Punky Power” of their own.

    The show launched the “Just Say No” anti-drugs campaign, following an episode where older children offer Punky drugs.

    When the Challenger shuttle exploded in January 1986 the executives at NBC knew a lot of children would be devastated by the loss of schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, as the shuttle launch was shown in many schools. A script was immediately written in which Punky had to come to terms with what the shuttle explosion meant to her.

    Penelope “Punky” Brewster
    Soleil Moon Frye
    Henry Warnimont 

    George Gaynes
    Eddie Malvin 

    Eddie Deezen
    Cherie Johnson 

    Cherie Johnson
    Mrs Betty Johnson 

    Susie Garrett
    Margeaux Kramer 

    Ami Foster
    Mrs Kramer 

    Loyita Chapel
    Allen Anderson 

    Casey Ellison
    Mrs Morton 

    Dody Goodman
    Mike Fulton 

    T.K. Carter

    Related Posts

    • Norman Conquests, The
      Norman Conquests, The
      1 9 7 7 (UK) 3 x 120 minute episodes The Norman Conquests comprised a trilogy of two-hour plays, each examining a…
    • Circus Boy
      Circus Boy
      1 9 5 6 - 1 9 5 8 (USA) This NBC family adventure series told of life under the big…
    • Co-Ed Fever
      Co-Ed Fever
      1 9 7 9 (USA) 6 x 30 minute episodes This CBS sitcom featured the young residents of Brewster House, a…
    • Children of the Dog Star
      Children of the Dog Star
      1 9 8 4 (New Zealand/UK) 6 x 25 minute episodes When budding 12-year-old astronomer Gretchen Kierney (Sarah Dunn) goes to…
    • Texas Wheelers, The
      Texas Wheelers, The
      1 9 7 4 - 1 9 7 5 (USA) 9 x 30 minute episodes "I spent my whole life…
    • Best of the West
      Best of the West
      1 9 8 1 - 1 9 8 2 (USA) 22 x 25 minute episodes A spoof cowboy series from ABC…
    • Aldrich Family, The
      Aldrich Family, The
      1 9 4 9 - 1 9 5 3 (USA) Before it became a successful sitcom on television, The Aldrich Family had been…
    • Roy Rogers Show, The
      Roy Rogers Show, The
      1 9 5 1 - 1 9 5 7 (USA) 100 x 26 minute episodes The Roy Rogers Show was a modern Western…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleJunior Criss Cross Quiz
    Next Article Zingalong

    Comments are closed.

    Can you help?
    Nostalgia Central has been a labour of love for me since 1998. The site carries no advertising, and I rely on donations to help with the running costs of the site and ensure I can keep Nostalgia Central running for your entertainment and education.

    If you find the site informative or enjoyable, please consider a donation – no matter how small.


    Thank you so much, and please enjoy your trip in the time machine!
    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • Mr Majeika
      1 9 8 8 (UK) 20 x 25 minute episodes Comedian Stanley Baxter […]
    • Anti-Pasti
      Hailing from Derbyshire, England, Anti-Pasti were part of the […]
    • 1910 Fruitgum Company
      The 1910 Fruitgum Company began life as Jeckell and The Hydes in […]
    • Armchair Thriller
      1 9 7 8 (UK) 26 x 30 minute episodes 1 9 8 0 (UK) 28 x 30 minute […]
    • Mr Lucky
      1 9 5 9 – 1 9 6 0 (USA) 34 x 30 minute episodes ‘Mr […]
    • Phil Silvers Show, The
      1 9 5 5 – 1 9 6 0 (USA) 142 x 30 minute episodes 1 x 60 […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    ... See MoreSee Less

    14 hours ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    I remember using whatever one was cherry-flavoured.

    www.raleigh.co.uk/gb/en/look-whos-back/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Look whos back | Raleigh UK

    www.raleigh.co.uk

    They will be available to buy online and at Raleigh Bikes Nottingham. The online sale will have a virtual queuing system in place and at Raleigh Bikes Nottingham there will be a queueing system outsid...
    16 hours ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    FIREBALL XL-5 begins this Saturday, 3rd June at 2:35pm on #TalkingPicturesTV So here's five fascinating facts about the Gerry Anderson's 'Supermarionation' programme!
    1 - The series was inspired by the 'space race' between the USSR and the USA. 2 - 39 episodes were made in black and white. 3 - The series premiered on ATV London in October 1962. 4 - The voice of Steve Zodiac was provided by actor Paul Maxwell. 5 - The famous theme song was sung by Don Spencer.
    ... See MoreSee Less

    2 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 3
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/31/bruce-springsteen-review-murrayfield-stadium-edinburgh

    That's why they call him "The Boss".
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Bruce Springsteen review – after half a century, still having the time of his life

    www.theguardian.com

    Springsteen and the E Street Band feel like a bar band that can’t believe their luck to be playing a stadium – and the enthusiasm is infectious
    2 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Sad news. We wish her well 🤗

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Dame Esther Rantzen says her lung cancer is in stage four

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The TV presenter and Childline founder says she is on a new form of medication for the disease.
    7 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 3

    Comment on Facebook

    Oh no 😢 in my prayers Esther xxx

    Didn’t she want to put the unvaccinated into camps during lockdown…

    That’s not cool 😞

    Another great voice has left us 😪

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Tina Turner: Music legend dies at 83

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Her unmistakable voice on hits like The Best and What's Love Got to Do With It made her a superstar.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    I found out on tiktok before I saw it on any news channels..

    Terrible, terrible news. Taken far too young. Vale Andy Rourke!

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Andy Rourke: The Smiths bassist dies aged 59

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed Rourke died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9_xELTfEds

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-65576903 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Beatles: Rare first edition White Album given to charity

    www.bbc.co.uk

    A 1968 White Album, complete with original inserts, is given to a Sutton Coldfield charity shop
    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    I recently fulfilled the dream of over 40 years and saw The Zombies perform live (They were amazing!). Their current bass player is a chap called Søren Koch, and this is his regular band - The Beatophonics. If you love 60s Beat music, do yourself a favour and have a listen. They are truly superb. open.spotify.com/artist/5W05FY5rERtVTBippPjold?si=nU5zM8gJSXONAGCWOUrTnA

    variety.com/2023/film/news/beetlejuice-2-release-date-theaters-1235607767/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    ‘Beetlejuice 2,’ Starring Michael Keaton and Jenna Ortega, to Hit Theaters in 2024

    variety.com

    Whether or not you say his name three times, Beetlejuice is returning to movie theaters next year. Warner Bros. has announced that “Beetlejuice 2” will be released on the big …
    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 3
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-65470238 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Why The Wicker Man has divided opinion for 50 years

    www.bbc.co.uk

    It has been described as the Citizen Kane of horror movies - and one of the worst films ever made.
    4 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Tag Cloud
    Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games British Invasion Britpop Canada Cold War Crime Disco Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen Kraütrock Labels Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Politics Power Pop Prog rock Pub rock Punk Radio Scotland Ska Soul music Sport Surf music Video games
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central. Run by volunteers. Funded by donations.
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.