Afternoon Delights: Pee-wee Herman’s Anti-Crack PSA

This 1991 Anti-Drug Public Service Announcement (PSA) is such an odd beast. By using beloved children’s figure Pee-wee Herman, it’s clearly aimed at youth to avoid crack. But Pee-wee isn’t using his fun voice or doing any of his antics—which signifies that he’s being very serious, but also robs any of the charm that Herman (actually Paul Reubens) has with kids.

It’s a continuation of the idiotic Reagan administration’s “Just Say No” policy that birthed D.A.R.E. and millions of similarly awkward PSAs featuring characters popular with kids. Though the tagline, “the thrill can kill”, is perfect for some action or horror movie (or both!).