The plots are as predictable as an '80s sitcom, so if that's still viewers' jam 32 years after the original ended, the new show's writers are happy to oblige.
If viewers are looking for a blithe skip down Memory Lane, Punky Brewster trips on the untied laces of its pink and orange Converse... Punky Brewster would be funnier, and perhaps even endearing, if it weren't trying quite so hard to be both.
Despite the audible laughs, absolutely nothing in these six episodes is remotely funny, and many of the lines that inspire alleged audience laughter aren't even jokes.
The new Punky Brewster simply dons an ill-fitted costume of an aged-up favorite without sincerely growing up, remaining reliant on old catchphrases and adorable spunk without unearthing anything that is truly fresh.
Punky Brewster is not as arch as Peacock's Saved By The Bell, nor as smart as Netflix's aforementioned One Day At A Time, but it is sweet, touching, and occasionally even clever. Family members of all ages will not hate watching it together.
The heart of the original series is delightfully intact, and the new elements they've added shine a light on what we loved about it when it debuted. A sweet story of love, hope, and overcoming life's obstacles is at the center of Punky Brewster.
This new 10-part sequel stays true to the spirit of the original and Frye is a delight once more, giving an infectiously joyous and big-hearted performance as the suddenly middle-aged Punky Brewster.
