The Adventures of Pete and Pete
Posted by MrShaunce@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 164 comments
I recently rediscovered this show, and man, it hit with a depression I didn't know I had left in me.
It was the perfect "kids" show, not talking down to us, but instead leaning into the angst and drama of growing up in that era. Where the problems we struggled with as kids was given full due. Where our pain, no matter how insignificant in the grand scheme of things, mattered in a way that we could feel heard.
I think it depresses me because (1) It makes me miss those times, and (2) Kids born in and after the 90's will have never had those kind of experiences.
It wasn't necessarily a good world back then, but at least it wasn't taboo to openly explore the challenges we faced.
therobotscott@reddit
Hands down my favorite Nickelodeon show.
avalonfaith@reddit
Like, how could you go from that show to Hey, Dude? It's not even a question. I feel like this era of Nick taught me how to curate.
Intelligent-Search88@reddit
The ladies on hey dude made it a little easier
GAMEYE_OP@reddit
Believe it or not, Hey Dude’s first episode was in 1989. Loved that show after school!
ObiWan-Shinoobi@reddit
It’s a little wild and a little strange isn’t it?
Carpenter-Confident@reddit
How you make your home out on the range?
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
There was a very narrow period of childhood intellectualism, quickly overtaken by slapstick, eventually leading to a stupid fucking sponge.
Remember Nick News? They presented real topics to a panel of children and discussed them with an impressively mature and open approach.
Kids only became idiots because they were treated like idiots.
eyelinerqueen83@reddit
It was on this show that I found out about Muslims when I was 9
Illustrious-Lead-960@reddit
I do not remember watching Nick News. But I do remember Vital Information for Your Everyday Life: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tsnzAi7dbao&pp=ygUodml0YWwgaW5mb3JtYXRpb24gd2l0aCBsb3JpIGJldGggZGVuYmVyZw%3D%3D&ra=m
Kairis83@reddit
Got newsround here in the UK since 1970s i remember watching that in the 90s sometimes
SirClarkus@reddit
Oh wow, you just unlocked a core memory of mine... I COMPLETELY forgot about Nick News, but it all came flooding back
Holland_Galena@reddit
If you actually watch SpongeBob, you’ll see hints of Ren and Stimpy. It’s pretty developed.
userunknowned@reddit
SpongeBob started 27 years ago in the 90s
arcanebrain@reddit
Technically true, but the late 90s were different than the late 80s to early/mid 90s, which is more the era being discussed by OP.
Ren and Stimpy were part of that earlier era that some call Nickelodeon's "golden age", but SpongeBob wasn't, it was a bit after. I still enjoy it in its own way and I can definitely see some Ren and Stimpy influence, but nothing hits like those earlier Nick shows imo.
goodhobbies@reddit
Remember Mr. Roger’s teaching kids about Picasso? Watch an episode of Sesame Street from the early to mid 1980s, they were raising us to be sophisticated in a way that got completely lost in this country.
Jay-Holiday@reddit
Mom woke me up SUPER early one morning when we were getting ready to leave for vacation. It was so early Nickelodeon hadn't started yet. Only a commercial on repeat about the Nick News Special where Magic Johnson discussed HIV with kids. The fact that it kept repeating freaked my little brain out for some reason. I must have been about 7. Nick News was awesome though!
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
I remember that distinctly.
The "adult" news made it sound so scary and prevalent (e.g. sensational).
It's like Nick News flew so under the radar that they could speak so honestly about it without the fear of propaganda.
Jay-Holiday@reddit
Yes! What a great time to be alive it was.
80s_angel@reddit
I loved Nick News
ReedPhillips@reddit
There's still Teen Kids News that's still being made (since the early 00s). Finding it can be tough because it's in syndication vs having a hard set place to find it.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Me too. It was a great illustration of how young humans are perfectly capable of understanding complex subjects.
Itchy-Apartment-Flea@reddit
RIP Sesame Street and good public broadcasting.
ReedPhillips@reddit
Both of those still exist. PBS Kids is absolutely amazing at teaching the things kids need (emotional control, kindness, nature, empathy, problem solving, history, and even subtle hints at computer programming). 🚦 Sesame Street in it's current (Netflix) & previous (HBO) leave something to be desired IMHO. That said, the basics are still there and ready to be absorbed by the kids. Plus you can always go back in time for the older, still relevant, episodes on PBS Kids app, Amazon Prime (subscription), and Tubi (free).
My daughter's favorite PBS Kids Shows over the years: Lyla in the Loop, Wild Kratts, Xavier Riddle & The Secret Museum, Peg + Cat, Elinor Wonders Why, Alma's Way, Donkey Hodie & Daniel Tiger (which are both part of the RogersVerse).
OverCommunity3994@reddit
Nick News was great with Linda Ellerbee!
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
It was! That glorious era where kids were treated like curious and aware little humans who were trusted with knowledge.
detectiveriggsboson@reddit
I loved both shows 😭
Luger14@reddit
Agreed, they need to release “volume 3”
CurrentHair6381@reddit
It was kind of perfect, really
YakiVegas@reddit
I’m with you. It was an amazing show with the time. I should rewatch it sometime.
Luckycat612@reddit
One of my top five tv shows of all time. I endlessly love this show and always will. I met them once at a comic con, they were both really nice guys, and a lot of fun to talk to.
Barkerfan86@reddit
I absolutely love this show, my wife even got me the complete collection for christmas a couple years ago. It is hard to watch it sometimes because of the melancholy it gives me. Makes me extremely nostalgic and sad for simpler times.
winobambino@reddit
Artie!! The strongest man in the world!!!!
Bike-513@reddit
He was only able to push the house an inch, but that was enough for the dad to miss the key hole.
rarepinkhippo@reddit
Oh man, that was such a great show! I’m gonna have to figure out how/where to do a rewatch. Off to ask Dr. Google, and hoping that Paramount+ isn’t the only option because f**k the guy that bought Paramount!
stephsco@reddit
Someone linked to YouTube in another comment.
rarepinkhippo@reddit
Thank you!!!
MrCrash@reddit
I'll just put this here for your enjoyment:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qkGtGt1L6iU&list=RDqkGtGt1L6iU&start_radio=1&pp=ygURUG9sYXJpcyBoZXkgU2FuZHmgBwE%3D
ShrewSkellyton@reddit
I havent watched since it aired but that episode when the clocks roll back an hour and the older Pete has a second chance to ask a girl out (?) Not exactly sure of details, just remember it was quite romantic 😭
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Perfect example of the magic in this show. The clocks rolling back let you redo the last hour and gives you another chance to fix what you screwed up.
My wife and I actually celebrated this on our first daylight savings time together, because of that episode.
Ginger630@reddit
I loved that show!!!
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Props to Iggy Pop for not only wanting to play a drab "dad" character, but insisting on being a regular in that role.
truckthecat@reddit
There were so many great guest stars! The show was weird enough and popular enough to attract big-ish names: - LL Cool J - Syd Straw - Michael Stipe - Iggy Pop - Debbie Harry - Adam West - Juliana Hatfield - Janeane Garofalo - Lucious Jackson (the whole band) - Patty Hearst (!?!) - Kate Pierson of the B-52s
Kuroude7@reddit
Completely forgot Adam West guest starred! Should bring that up on the next Adam West day (I’m from his hometown, we have one every year on his birthday)…
Think-Cry-5284@reddit
Mona's Pop ❤️
sweetnsassy924@reddit
I loved this show. A buddy of mine has the petunia tattoo!
To this day, I text my dad telling him to send me expired tapioca labels so I can have a sick day excuse.
Ok_Neighborhood2032@reddit
It made me depressed because Michelle Trachenburg is gone and that makes me feel so old. Like, the child who starred in my childhood show is gone?!
If anyone wants quick nostalgia the Water Underground by Real Estate music video provides it in spades.
Major_Resolution9174@reddit
Really great song. Never seen the video though.
Ok_Neighborhood2032@reddit
It's worth a look. You will have feels.
Turd_fergu50n@reddit
I got high and took shrooms one time in college with little Pete. Lit off some Roman candles, great memory actually.
Sufficient_Turn_9209@reddit
Did he show before or after the shrooms?
Turd_fergu50n@reddit
lol, fair question. He was a really cool dude, this was over 20 years ago; he was in a jam band and was just living his best life.
_bigeuge_@reddit
The band was called Jounce
Turd_fergu50n@reddit
Yes! Damn, thank you, I never would have remembered.
_bigeuge_@reddit
A friend of mine was a freshman when he was a senior (04/05??) or something. When she told me she partied with him I almost passed out. Yall probably rubbed elbows
Equal_Question_4594@reddit
😂
fermentedradical@reddit
I saw Little Pete's band play in a club in NYC ten years ago. Pretty awesome.
Dean_Proffitt@reddit
Hampshire?
MissDizzo@reddit
I remember running into him at a show & being surprised he didn’t have the mermaid tattoo for real. (Sorry to hear they’re shuttering your alma mater.)
Kennikend@reddit
I had to get a plate fused on to my skull and I immediately thought of Pete & Pete. I asked the neurosurgeon if the metal plate would make flying/TSA a bitch. He was flabbergasted and said we haven’t used metal in decades! I told him my reference was Pete & Pete and he said, “a classic for sure.” We had a good laugh.
StellarSloth@reddit
I love that “Mom’s plate” always had an intro in the opening credits.
genesimmonstongue415@reddit
Fantastic theme song. & 1 of the reasons I have a naked lady zapped on my arm. That + I'm a rock n roll dirt ball.
agentmkultra666@reddit
I also have a Petunia tattoo, though she’s not naked
genesimmonstongue415@reddit
So cool.
Clearing it up: mine is a generic naked lady, not Petunia.
Kennikend@reddit
Love Polaris
medyolang_@reddit
That album was on loop in my iPod back then
captain_flak@reddit
Dance, sonorità, dance!
thrakkerzog@reddit
I was talking to my wife about this and she had zero recollection of the show. Even when I showed her clips / photos.
It came up because my daughter was talking about tattoos and I mentioned something about Petunia and my wife thought that I was nuts.
misskellycupcake@reddit
Literally thought of this show on Wednesday and YouTube the guest episode. All because I realized I'd never learned the real words to the theme song, looked them up and YouTube was like hey you ...wanna watch an episode? Probably where my love of redheads originated.
000ttafvgvah@reddit
Ooh, where are you finding Pete & Pete? I miss that show sooo much and would love to show it to my daughter.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
DVDs. I buy them to ensure I can watch them whenever I want.
Illustrious-Lead-960@reddit
Plus, it was our first chance to meet J.K. Simmons before everyone knew him from everything. And Michelle Trachtenberg.
fermentedradical@reddit
Affectionate_Big8239@reddit
That show was fantastic. One of the Petes went to my college at the same time as me. We never met because it was a big school but I had friends who knew him.
New_me_310@reddit
I knew the younger Pete IRL while the show was on air. He was in my CCD class. And a really nice kid. I don’t think he made a career out of acting. Solid show.
Bubbly-Stretch8975@reddit
When I was in college my friends and I got high every day and watched Pete and Pete on dvds. I mean. We did other stuff too but that was a great summer. The theme song slaps.
arcanebrain@reddit
Me and a couple friends used to do the same in our mid 20s. "Pete & Pete" and also "Eerie, Indiana" and an awful lot of bong hits.
Bubbly-Stretch8975@reddit
Our other show was degrassi lol
blankblix@reddit
I remember Mr. Tastee!
truckthecat@reddit
And Cap’n Scrummy, and rival ice cream seller / friend of Mr Tastee played by Michael Stipe, the lead singer of R.E.M. As a huge fan of the show and the band, my 12yo-brain practically exploded when he was a guest star.
It was almost like validation of my weirdness. This show I loved and this band I loved were in the same vein—it wasn’t random, I was developing taste and a sense of what I thought was cool based on my own opinions, not what was most popular. And it was coherent!
Add all this to a strong grounding in Muppets and then some Wes Anderson a few years down the road, and you’ve got yourself a dang worldview, kid!
the_beefcako@reddit
Saw a YouTuber a few years ago do a series retrospective on that show and it unlocked a ton of childhood memories.
Found it! “Pushing up roses” is the creator. Check out her video for more.
strider0075@reddit
Just watched it again recently in one of those Saturday cartoon block recreations on YouTube. Can agree the show hits hard as an adult. The episodes were the "farewell, my little Viking" two parter. That shit fucked me up and had me balling by the end.
hdiggyh@reddit
God I love this show. So odd but so fun
Auyan@reddit
Moist towellette?
hbi2k@reddit
Not necessary.
Auyan@reddit
THANK YOU 🥹 This episode has lived rent free in my head since it aired and no one ever knows what I'm talking about. At the time, I had never had ribs before but even I knew it wasn't a fork and knife food!
Southside_john@reddit
Yeah isn’t it about stacking bones or something
Auyan@reddit
It's about his hands not getting dirty, which is how you eat ribs
TheFieryFox@reddit
The case where imperfection WAS perfection. One of my favorite episodes of the series
HeX-6@reddit
I own the soundtrack on vinyl amazing show
jdrummerk63@reddit
I bought my wife a strain of cannabis seeds called Orange Lazarus without any hesitation or research, solely based on the name alone. Apparently it was good. I wish I could partake, stupid job and it’s stupid drug tests.
Gator_Tail@reddit
Where did you watch it? My brother and I often talk about how much we loved this show. But I've never seen it streaming anywhere.
Majestic-Marzipan621@reddit
That's where I learned the longest a person has ever stayed awake is 11 days. I believe that record still stands.
draculawater@reddit
I liked it as a kid. Rewatched it last year and love it as an adult who used to be one of those kids. It really was Twin Peaks for adolescents. I know every generation gets older and says things were better back when but nothing looks or feels like that anymore. Not with any amount of sincerity.
Worried-Trade-6407@reddit
When they put this on at noon on Sunday I stopped going to church! That was it!
vikmaychib@reddit
I loved this show and its Soundtrack. And it had cameos of both Michael Stipe and Kate Pierson. In retrospect it feels like the kind of show a hipster would love to make in the mid 2000s but without the smugness or snobbery.
nipslippinjizzsippin@reddit
when the dad found a fully functioning car in the sand at the beach. loved that show
Daylight-Silence@reddit
I haven't watched it in a long time, but last time I did maybe 5 years ago I remember being floored that they showed a guy smoking a cigarette in a kids show. I think it was a crossing guard or a bus driver or something.
Anything made for kids now is so hypersanitized.
CantaloupeAsleep502@reddit
Kids programming is absolute garbage these days. And all my parent friends are completely sold on it.
murph0969@reddit
Bluey is gold.
aprillikesthings@reddit
Yeah, Bluey is pretty great.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
There was an episode of You Can't Do That On Television where they tried to get the producer, Ross, to cut down to one cigarette a day.
Cue Ross smoking a six foot cigarette in his producer chair lol
Definitely a different world back then.
jackfaire@reddit
Kids born after the 90s will have all the same experiences right down to people in their 40s going "Nah it just isn't like it was when I was your age"
roopjm81@reddit
It literally shaped me as a person
cptsears@reddit
Hey Sandy is a spirit animal. Pretty sure I will have it play at my funeral.
foiz5@reddit
Just found out recently little Pete is Jimmy in GTA 5.
CreativeFedora@reddit
All I remember is the episode where they stick their arms out of the car trying to find the right angle to take flight. 🤣
jakechance@reddit
I still sing, “X is the number of pigs in the barn.”
Luger14@reddit
Everyone in my town loved that show, (we were in wellsville, one of many) so it was obligatory.
Luger14@reddit
“Blow it out your pie hole!”
Think-Cry-5284@reddit
Alo g with Kids In The Hall one of the best theme songs of the 90's
https://youtu.be/FIYvN_3PBzA?si=yInaYiilQKe3iLch
PullHairUpButNotOut@reddit
The music is so great. It's how I found out about The Magnetic Fields.
Also, if you enjoy Polaris, then check out Miracle Legion, which has most of the same band members. Polaris was a side project specifically for the show
Major_Resolution9174@reddit
Hey Sandy…
_Internet_Hugs_@reddit
I had such a crush on Big Pete.
c_oc@reddit
This show changed my life. I have a couple DVDs still but last i checked it wasn’t streaming. Is it accessible somewhere now?
h0nkyJ@reddit
All episodes are on Youtube, I'm pretty sure all of season 3, which was never released on DVD were just uploaded in HD, which is absolutely crazy.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Dunno, I always buy dvds. I don't want my favorite shows to disappear, or have ads injected.
pizza-regret@reddit
Objectively the greatest television series ever created.
msnhnobody@reddit
Where are you watching it?
BravaCentauriGFL@reddit
The Adventures of Pete and Pete
blue_suavitel@reddit
Bless you.
msnhnobody@reddit
Thanks!!!
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
DVDs. The old way to watch what you want, when you want, with no ads.
BravaCentauriGFL@reddit
I’ve got the DVDs too, but YouTube is the only way to watch the 3rd season.
msnhnobody@reddit
Makes it even better. I’ve been watching ER that way. Got the entire series for $1 at a library sale! 😂👵
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Smart!
I make it a habit to buy physical media whenever I can - Ren and Stimpy, Married With Children, Lost, Simpsons, etc.
Streaming made us think the shows we like are fleeting and expensive, but it's (currently) so easy to oen outright.
blue_suavitel@reddit
I LOVED this show. Loved loved loved. Where are you watching it?
MetaverseLiz@reddit
The Inspector 34 episode changed my life. It taught me that sometimes perfect isn't right. For an anxiety-riddled perfectionist kid, I really needed that episode.
Episode on Youtube
RetroBerner@reddit
One of the first shows I added to my Plex server 👍
LvlHeadThoroughbred@reddit
I just want that summer they were looking for mister tastee again…
Sharessa84@reddit
That show always felt like childhood from the kid's perspective from the memories of an adult.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
That's what made it so great. Kids didn't make this show - there were adult producers, writers, editors, actors, performers.
They all had to channel their inner child to make something so raw and beautiful.
C-A-L-E-V-I-S@reddit
What are you watching on?
poserbunny@reddit
Introduced young me to the band luscious Jackson in the Halloween episode.
bfaceg@reddit
Still think about rhyming cinnamon with where you been
Potential-Ant-6320@reddit
I love Pete and Pete. I have the DVDs on my media server. It’s one of the new kids shows from my youth that actually holds up. The show had cooler music than MTV at the time.
I’m not big into nostalgia but Pete and Pete in the only kids show I watch besides pbs shows. I can watch old seasame street and Mr Roger’s forever.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Quality speaks for itself.
thelaineybelle@reddit
"I am the dot. I am the dot."
I'm having a really rotten week and I'll probably drown from tears watching this show 😭 Alexa, play Motorhead...
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
I really hope your week ends on a positive note, my friend.
Shit sucks, but if this thread is any indicator, you are not alone.
thelaineybelle@reddit
You're a good dude, thank you 🥹 we aren't alone and genuinely I appreciate the kindness ✨️
winobambino@reddit
Such a great show
Sufficient_Turn_9209@reddit
So I remember the shorts, but the show didn't come out until I was a little too old to watch it consistently. I did catch a few episodes that my bestie's little sister (9) was watching, and I remember thinking this is NOT a kid show. This is funnier than she can give it credit for. I really should go back and watch again cause it's like really funny iirc.
DJ_MedeK8@reddit
Honestly my favorite kids show growing up. I was just a right between Pete and Pete's ages so both brother stories hit so hard. That show perfectly captured the adventure magic and angst of growing up so well. Not to mention the soundtrack! Polaris is still in my regular rotation.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
Oh man, being 10 and playing manhunt in a friend's yard as dusk settled in.
No cell phones, no worrying - just "be home before it gets too dark!"
freedraw@reddit
Its the one Nick show I think I'd enjoy watching now even if I had never seen it as a kid and had no nostalgia for it.
stachewins@reddit
avalonfaith@reddit
Have the DVDS. My mom got them for me when is was probably late 20's. That's how much I love P&P. My mom also loved it and we still quote it.
Petunia forever!!!! 🧜♀️
nix616@reddit
Me too little viking
Crash217@reddit
I’ve never heard of this show.
I never had cable until I was in my 20s and living on my own.
Turd_fergu50n@reddit
And my grandpa has two library cards.
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
I suggest you check it out then, it's timeless for our generation.
Baldussimo@reddit
Still have the theme song on my playlist.
Kennikend@reddit
Love Polaris!
RoundTheBend6@reddit
Yeah great memories of this show.
It does remind of that joke about Pete and Repeat.
big_ringer@reddit
I mainly remember the shorts that came on during the commercial breaks on Nickelodeon
MrShaunce@reddit (OP)
That spawned what was, in retrospect, a fascinating and endearing show.
aliedle@reddit
I still listen to that soundtrack. Ashamed of the Story I Told pulls on the heart strings every time.
puddlestheninja@reddit
It holds up great too
StonedWheatThicc@reddit
I loved this show then, and I still love it now. It perfectly encapsulates what it felt like to grow up in the 90s.
mackyoh@reddit
Phenomenal show…have rewatched 2 times as an adult. It’s so layered.
jessek@reddit
It’s one of the few kid shows from my youth that are actually good when you watch them as an adult. Also when you’re an adult you notice all the celebrities, like Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, David Johansen, Debbie Harry, etc.
FajitaTits@reddit
Legendary theme song too. Yigh yigh yigh Hey Sandy!
Tinkerfan57912@reddit
Loved that show.
magsli@reddit
Best show ever.
somekindofride@reddit
Soundtrack is a banger!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsZPRnPvhMVtR5WM8WMhvbDHf7WuWFljI&si=Ui3cF2SbcGDCTVmP