Can you tell me what the name of this TV special was? It may have aired on Showtime or HBO in the late 80s or early 90s.

December 22, 2011 6:24 PM

Long ago (late 80s? early to mid 90s?) my sister had a videocasette tape of something that was presumably recorded from Showtime or HBO. It seemed to be a "special" of some sort that involved a guy in a very stage-like unrealistic bedroom interacting with large monster-like puppets and singing strange comical songs. I think at some point he also swung on a vine from one area of the room to the other. There were a lot of musical segments. I think at one point he was dressed up in a safari outfit, but I'm not certain. I know I haven't provided a lot of details here, but maybe you know what I'm talking about?
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night to Media & Arts (11 answers total)

Are you thinking of the hbo special of The Pee Wee Herman Show?

gah, can't believe that wikipedia article doesn't have a photo. Here's some.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 6:29 PM on December 22, 2011

Response by poster: It's not the pee-wee herman show, but you do get points because that does completely fit the description yet is not the answer!
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 6:32 PM on December 22, 2011

Not a TV show, not from the 80s, but the movie Monkeybone (2001) sure had that feeling and some of those details. It is an obscure movie that seemingly few people have seen or liked. I guess there's at least a slim chance this is what you are thinking of. (And it was great to watch, despite the low IMDB rating.)
posted by Listener at 7:43 PM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

Steven Banks Home Entertainment Center?
posted by jaimev at 7:43 PM on December 22, 2011

Howie Mandel's First HBO Special?
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:44 PM on December 22, 2011

The TV Wheel?
posted by vrakatar at 8:06 PM on December 22, 2011

Seconding Steven Banks.
posted by pineapple at 8:23 PM on December 22, 2011

Best answer: I seem to recall a friend of mine had that on tape when we were little. I believe it was called "Tim Noah's ...." something. And a quick google of the name seems to match my rather hazy 25 year old recollection.

I think it's this: http://www.timnoah.com/wow.htm
posted by Riemann at 1:28 AM on December 23, 2011

Fraggle Rock?
posted by bookrach at 4:27 AM on December 23, 2011

Response by poster: It's totally the Tim Noah Wow Wow Wibble Wabble Wozzie Woodle Woo!

Holy crap! You got it!
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 6:17 AM on December 23, 2011

Response by poster: Also want to mention, I myself turned up on Steven Banks (who was not the answer, but was interesting) and found that he's Billy the Mime, from The Aristocrats!

Man, I love Wikipedia.
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 6:18 AM on December 23, 2011