I loved, LOVED this show in the 90's when I was in grade school. When I tried watching this show again in February 2014 (I was 27 at the time), I was sick at home with a bad head cold. At that time, I thought the show was cheesy and outdated. But giving it another try in 2021, I know now that it was and still is heartwarming and thought-provoking...for any age, really. I think what turned me off originally in 2014 was the production value. Some segments are still a little childish, but it had its moments even for adults. I'd take a dose of The Puzzle Place over most of what PBS aired after they got rid of Square One TV (when if it all is that show ever going to be released on DVD?!), and it was far better than Barney & Friends.
So what exactly made the show so good? I can think of a few reasons:
-The idea for the show came about because of the Los Angeles race riots involving the Rodney King beatings and the associated white policemen who were acquitted.
-Most of the puppeteers came from Sesame Street and the show was produced by Lancit Media, who were responsible for Reading Rainbow.
-No two kids were the same ethnicity, and that was the point, to celebrate their diverse backgrounds.
-Careful research was made on all the ethnicities.
-Some episodes were heartwarming, including Leon not being invited to his white friend's birthday party just because he was black.
-Besides racial harmony, it also talked about the equality of boys and girls.
-Sizzle and Nuzzle were so cute, and the subplots involving them were just as entertaining.
-Guest stars included Ernie Hudson, Sinbad, Amy Hill, Patti LaBelle and Nia Peeples, as well as Lynne Thigpen as the Chief from Acme Crimenet.
-The Puzzle Place itself was the perfect spot to let loose and have fun.
-Many real-life children wished they could be teleported to The Puzzle Place.
Also, if you'd like a good history of the show, check out the Defunctland documentary on YouTube.
If they ever release The Puzzle Place on DVD, I'll buy it. It needs to become popular again.
