As a kid growing up in the ’80s, I was obsessed with Punky Brewster.
I mean, she was a spitfire. She had her own unique style and approach to life. Everyone loved her (except for maybe her rich-girl classmate Margaux). And who could forget “Punky Power!”
Despite the initial low ratings, the series was a huge hit for kids and often addressed real-life issues such as the “Just Say No” campaign and the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
I grew up in lock-step with Punky. I watched as her pigtails transformed into a more mature tween/teen look, and the show continued tackling more complicated issues like divorce, racism, and the fact that Punky was abandoned by her family and how that impacted her identity.
That’s why I’m so excited the cult fan-favorite is coming back for a reboot 35-years after the original.
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Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, shared the first photo of the cast of the “Punky Brewster” reboot on Wednesday along with the news that all 10 episodes of the highly anticipated revival will launch on Feb. 25 (binge alert!).
The cast includes the original Punky, Soleil Moon Frye, as a single mom of three, and Freddy Prinze, Jr. as her ex-husband, Travis. In the reboot, Punky (Moon Frye) is trying to get her life back on track when she meets a young girl named Izzy who, much like herself, was in the foster system. Cherie Johnson, who played Punky’s best friend, will also return, which makes it all the sweeter. I’m just hoping Punky has found a furry best friend to replace Brandon!
“I am beyond thrilled and honored to be bringing Punky back!” Moon Frye told Entertainment Weekly in a statement in January. “I’m grateful to our NBCUniversal Content Studios and Peacock family and to our incredible team of creators, writers, producers, cast and crew that have put their hearts into this journey every step of the way.”
Even better news? If you want to show the kids a little Punky Power before diving into the new one, you’re in luck! Every episode of the original series is streaming right now on Peacock.