Written by Rachel Rodriguez
Punky Brewster, based on the 1984 sitcom of the same title, premiered its first season this Friday on Peacock and seems to be a great addition to Peacock’s current original lineup.
Penelope “Punky” Brewster (Soleil Moon Frye, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) is now a newly divorced mother, living with her daughter Hannah (Lauren Lindsey Donzis, No Good Nick), and her two adopted sons, Diego (Noah Cottrell, Skyscraper) and Daniel (Oliver De Los Santos). The story is set in Chicago, paying homage to the original series as Punky is living in the same apartment she grew up in with her foster father. The show makes many references to its predecessor, which helps a new audience easily engage in the depths of its plot. Cherie (Cherie Johnson, Family Matters), Punky’s childhood best friend, also makes an appearance in the revamped show, along with a sweet rescue pup similar to the one Punky had in the original.
The show excels at creating the heartwarming feeling of a family sitcom while still tackling modern challenges in society. In the first episode, we are introduced to Punky’s ex-husband, Travis (Freddie Prinze Jr., She’s All That) and we get a glimpse at the intricacies of their relationship. We are also introduced to Izzy (Quinn Copeland), a rebel child within the foster care system who shares the same spunk as a younger Punky. Punky is tasked with the challenge of juggling her personal life (with Hannah pushing her to date, and Travis still hanging around), her professional life as a photographer, and her role as a mother. These are all universal experiences that open up the target audience for the show while keeping Punky as a relatable character.
Anyone who is a fan of Fuller House or Saved By the Bell will be happy to find the same zany, silly energy in Punky Brewster. However, what really sets this show apart is its deeply moving premise. Not only does Punky meet Izzy, but she decides to take her in as a foster child. Along with this, topics of gender are discussed as Daniel opens up about his interest in things such as painting his nails and wearing eyeliner. Punky Brewster strikes the balance of discussing heavy topics in a lighthearted manner, allowing children to find themselves in the younger characters as well. Overall, Punky Brewster is made for the modern-day fan of family sitcoms and bears the torch well for the family sitcoms that came before it.
Punky Brewster is now streaming on Peacock for free.
