The PJs (1999– ) User Reviews

Genius !

[abarsby · 15 May 2004]

We in the UK seem to come across little gem's like this years after our American friends, what with the show already cancelled in 2001 over there.

They have only recently started putting this on two episodes at a time on C4 in UK at 2am, and next week it sadly disappears from the schedules.

I have to say I love this programme as much as "The Simpson's", it's Eddie Murphy back to his best, as funny as he used to be back in his old standup shows in the 80's.

I only hope they bring this out on DVD, Sadly, they probably won't.

I thought it was a riot!

[avro-arrow · 10/10 · 29 May 2004]

I really miss this series. The first time I saw it I had a SPLITTING headache, and was just flipping channels. I started watching, and I couldn't stop laughing. It made me completely forget my headache! The humour may have been directed at people who live in the "Projects", but I found many gaffs applied to all of society. Afterwards, I tuned in as often as I could, but it seemed to be on again, off again. I will never forget the "Crack-Head" character (Smokey or Sparky I think) riding down a hill in a shopping cart yelling "I'm the king of the world" a la Titanic. I think Eddie Murphy really had a hit on his hands, and I wonder why it went off the air. If anyone knows why it was dropped, could you let me know, please?

Thanks!

One of the Best Written African American Comedies

[hfan77 · 9/10 · 26 January 2010]

Even though The PJs only lasted two season, I really liked the show, especially the animation which was done in "foamation" ala The California Raisins. It also had an outstanding voice cast, including co-creator Eddie Murphy as Thurgood, Loretta Devine as his wife Muriel, Jenifer Lewis as her sister Bebe and Ja'net DuBois, in one of her few roles since Good Times left the air as elderly tenant Mrs. Avery.

The other characters I remember well were The Haiti Lady and the youngsters Calvin and Juicy, whose parents were never seen. The one thing I remember about Juicy, especially in the early episodes was that he wore a sign around his neck that said "Please do not feed." But the one that i really enjoyed about The PJs was the writing. It was one of the best written African American sitcoms, thanks to the numerous cultural references in Thurgood's exclamations such as "Holy Mary Wilson, mother of Motown." This was the only show that I watched on a regular basis with the closed captioning on so I could jot down Thurgood's newest exclamation that referred to African American culture.

Despite its references to low income African American society, I thought The PJs was one of the network's best efforts at an animated comedy since The Simpsons. I'll close with a line frequently shouted by the woman at HUD "NEXT!"

Meh!

[the7thson1962 · 3/10 · 5 January 2009]

This show would have been better if it was actually funny. I only ever even chuckled once - that was when the character with the artificial voice box accidentally put the stun gun to his throat by mistake.

Otherwise, the show was a grave disappointment and a waste of some formidable comedic talent.

From a technical standpoint, the show was really good. The claymation was inventive and almost flawlessly executed, the model work was first-rate. Too bad about the writing....bummer.

If Mr. Murphy ever wants to bring this back - or do another similar project, I would recommend that he invest in some better writers...preferably writers that recognize the difference between funny and not funny.

Eddie Murphy should create another cartoon series

[slimshady5623 · 9/10 · 4 July 2012]

I use to watch this show a lot when I was a kid, I remember it use to come on Sundays on the wb11, I never missed an episode. The pj"s was the show that had so many funny parts that after you watched the show you would still be laughing after.I think that the show was not received well because people took it to serious and forgot about the fact that it was suppose to be funny,its punch lines too many to count.The pj's also had a lot of reality in it so that also made the show funny. This show ended too early it could of lasted 5 or 6 years. They should really bring this show back, the crap we have on TV today is nothing compared to this classic. The claymation was well done for the time it came out I mean were talking about a late 90's cartoon series and for that time period it was just magnificent.

this is just plain racist

[lee_eisenberg · 1/10 · 12 May 2017]

Eddie Murphy starred in a few good productions but most of his work has been stupid at best. One of the most obnoxious of his works was the short-lived series "The PJs", about a family in the projects. Basically the whole thing pushes stereotypes of African-Americans. There's a reason why Spike Lee objected to this show. I liked most of what Will Vinton Studios produced, but this was just nasty.

I was surprised to see that one of the show's creators was none other than Larry Wilmore, who spent several years as Senior Black Correspondent on "The Daily Show" and then got to host his own show (unfortunately, "The Nightly Show" got canceled). The point is, it makes sense that he's know for those shows and not "The PJs". It's hard to view this show as anything other than mean. Despite Murphy's brief comeback in the late '90s, he returned to crummy movies in the 21st century (does ANYONE remember "The Adventures of Pluto Nash"?)

Conclusion: BAD show. NOT worth your time.

Brilliantly written, "acted" comic masterpiece.

[lostworlds1 · 30 September 2003]

THE PJs is not PC. It is a staggeringly funny claymation masterpiece on every level: written, acted (as in radio acting), visual and animated. The consistency and literacy of Eddie Murphy and his gang's "vision" needs an appreciative, knowing audience that can follow the shotgun blast of references in every line. It's also rather a loving look at Murphy's Brooklyn from inside the tube, as opposed to the saccharine veneer one is drugged with whenever he flicks on the remote. Not a show for morons, hence its failure. Murphy's realized his great potential with this one. No compromises, just awesomely funny brilliance. He should be proud. Miss this and you've missed a great one. Now when will it be avail. on DVD, Eddie?

Humor that hits hilariously close to home! No wonder some aren't laughing

[mta7000-732-708008 · 10/10 · 1 March 2019]

This endearing cartoon series perfectly evokes the aroma of alcohol vapors wafting up from broken liquor bottles and the faint tinge of urine on damp concrete, mixed with diesel fumes and spent fast-food grease hovering in the stagnant air on a drizzly, muggy July afternoon in the inner city, that I experienced first-hand.

But one example, down the street from my south Atlanta apartment where I lived for awhile in the '90's there was a Subway sandwich shop that one day saw some hoodlums take hostages during lunch hour. (Fortunately, no one in our complex happened to be eating lunch there that day.) They had to call in a SWAT team to diffuse the situation and the incident made the evening news. So when I saw in a PJs episode a scene where a helicopter airlifted supplies for the residents onto the roof of their tenement building before quickly taking off, I just busted out laughing.

Another such bit is the sign above the housing office that reads, "keeping you in the projects since 1965".

Eddie Murphy hits the nail right on the head with many such scenes and references in this series, evoking smiles of recognition for anyone who's lived in such an environment.

this show should be on d vd now

[barbaraenglsh · 10/10 · 12 December 2006]

this is one show i really enjoyed i am a senior but this show really made, my day i love it please put it on DVD. this show tell every day like in the ghetto,how blacks have came a long way , sometime it make you cry but most of the the your crying with joy please bring this show back to us . if you can keep those nasty mouth children on the simpsom you can bring this show back . if i could tape these shows i would. if you could tell me a way i could make a DVD of the pj,s let me know as soon as you can. me and my family love Eddie he is so funny and this is one of his best work yet it take more people like Eddie to make the world, smile so keep up the good work Eddie we love u. Barbara English.

"Many a Truth is spoken in Jest..."

[poe-48833 · 10/10 · 7 February 2016]

Loud-out-loud hilarious, THE PJs was just as often as damning as any documentary or breaking news story- to wit; the episode ROBBIN' HUD. In said episode, our hero, Thurgood Stubbs, rallies the denizens of the Lawrence Hilton Jacobs the Third housing projects when it comes to his attention that the water filters provided by The City aren't filtering the water (the always trembling Miss Avery turns up at the "Super's" apartment door with green slime of some unknown sort atop her head). Thurgood organizes a "riot," but the assault on City Hall only gets the posse gassed. As he's being dragged semi-conscious from the building, Thurgood spies through an open vault door a veritable treasure trove of hoarded two-ply toilet paper rolls. He vows that the residents of the Lawrence etc, etc, will know, at long last, the joys of wiping with cushiony softness... and so he plans a robbery of City Hall. The impetus for our hero's misguided action(s) was, lest we forget, the City's failure to provide its Citizens with safe drinking water. Sound in any way familiar...? No sooner had the lead in Flint, Michigan's drinking water been uncovered (by a CITIZEN, let's remember) than lead was said to have been discovered in Detroit's drinking water- and, most recently, somewhere in Ohio the selfsame scenario is playing out. (On the local front, the service station where I used to work was shut down when it was revealed that the groundwater had been contaminated. A drugstore now sits where once squatted the service station. And, while I'm on the subject of suspect water: a SECOND dead whale has washed ashore here; along with a 15-foot shark, that makes THREE marine creatures that have died mysteriously here in the Atlantic Ocean...) Years ago, I saw during its initial theatrical run the movie A CIVIL ACTION (about the poisoning of a water table by the chemicals used by a tannery in Massachusettes); it's about time We as Citizens of this colossal Toxic Dump of a Nation rose up and raised some Hell- before it's too late.

I want more

[All_Things_Ex · 21 November 2002]

This was a really good show. It was funny, clever, merorable, creative, and loveable. It will always have a special place in my heart. The show had great claymation, Eddie Murphy, Loretta Devine and originallity. It needs to be reaired. Once again Fox cut a great show.

I really like this old show

[mastuhoscg · 10/10 · 1 February 2024]

I really like this old show as it was very underrated yet really funny especially with a lot of its scenes like the ones of the main protagonist Thurgood Stubbs going toe-to-toe with Mrs. Avery. I wished that it would've lasted a lot longer than it did as this was one of Eddie Murphy's best works besides "Norbit", "Harlem Nights", "Vampire In Brooklyn" & "Boomerang". My favourite character in this show was the main protagonist Thurgood Stubbs as he was so funny & although he was cheap, he still did care about his wife Muriel alongside their tenants. I even like that he was a good father figure to Calvin & Juicy whom were 2 young tenants of his. I even liked the character Tarnell as he was a really cool character whom spoke in street slang & helped Thurgood get some things although they would usually be the wrong things. I especially like the opening sequence of the show which would depict of Thurgood walking inside of his apartment building down a hall & when he pressed an elevator button, it wouldn't be working due to all of the tenants being on it complaining which prompts him to put an "Out Of Order" sign on it & his wife Muriel soon has a scornful look on her face, prompting him to flip it & it shown the names of the show's creators on the other side. I like that this was a part of my childhood & I like it even now that I'm grown..

bring back the PJ's

[[e-mail] · 3 December 2005]

I will loved the show the PJ's. I am waiting for the release of the series on DVD I think this was Eddie Murphy's best work, before he did Shrek. I liked the whole cast. I really like the character of juicy and Mrs.Avery. I felt that they used the perfect actors for the show. I hope it will be soon. If anyone has the series on DVD I will be happy to purchase them from you. I felt the the PJs were just as funny as the Simpsons or King of the Hill. I was sorry to see the show leave Fox, then it lasted 1 season the WB. I hope that both companies will release the show on DVD soon. The show has a big following. I hope the Cartoon network will pick up the series.

Best urban humor in a long time

[J. Canker Huxley · 1 April 1999]

Interesting combination of claymation and unapologetic urban humor a la "In Living Color." A great combination to Fox's clever line-up of "The Simpsons," "King of the Hill," and "Furturama."

"Once upon a time in the projects..."

[Victor Field · 11 July 2003]

In one of the first of "The Simpsons"'s annual Halloween specials (incidentally, why is each episode referred to as "Treehouse of Horror" everywhere but in the on-screen credits?), we see a graveyard with tombstones for "Fish Police," "Family Dog" and "Capitol Critters," extremely shortlived shows that came up as a result of the first wave of animated shows in the wake of The Greatest TV Show Ever. "The PJs" would probably be included if such a stunt was to be tried again, but while many short-lived prime time cartoons deserve it ("Gary & Mike" and "Stressed Eric," anyone?), this one was more worthy of praise than most.

Set in the Hilton Jacobs Projects (the very name suggests the writers know their TV) in an unnamed city, this series focused on building superintendent Thurgood, wife Muriel, and the tenants - of which there seemed to be surprisingly few for such a big building; the series was fairly high on stereotyping with its characters (although one can't help noticing that one tenant, a Jamaican never clearly seen because of all his marijuana smoke, was soon dropped) and in the later episodes suffered from trying to emulate "The Simpsons" a bit too closely, and from shows like the spoof of season finales "Cliffhangin' With Mr Super" (that format doesn't really suit this show) ... the episodes where co-creator/executive producer Eddie Murphy didn't supply Thurgood's voice also suffered when Phil Morris subbed (it's impossible to not hear him and think "Jackie Chiles!").

But Will Vinton's Foamation technique, plus the simple fact that many of the shows actually were very funny, made up for a lot; the characters of Thurgood - loud, a couch potato ("Jack Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want to turn him down!"), lazy, but still somehow likeable - and the others, plus the fact that every character got at least one story of their own, made up for the rest. (It's interesting that the most intelligent character on the show is Smokey, a homeless recovering crack addict.) The series may have been weighed down by the promise of its credits (former "Simpsons" writer Steve Tompkins co-created the show with future "The Bernie Mac Show" creator Larry Wilmore; Ron Howard was one of the show's eight (!) executive producers), but it was better than many similar live action shows; an underrated pleasure.

"NEXT!"

HUD Lady's kids?

[thussar · 24 April 2008]

I really liked the PJs also. It was a short-lived series that became the victim of the overzealous NAACP and the need for too many people in our society to be "politically correct". These days they give Oscars out for movies that portray much worse than the PJs - yet for some reason because its in a movie, and people pay for it, that's OK. Go figure. The PJs was one of the best pieces of work Eddy Murphy has produced, well-written, very funny, and the claymation style fits in perfect with the story concept. The part I remember most is when the HUD lady lists all her kid's names. Does anyone remember all of them? I only remember 3 - Chevron, Lasagna, and Doritos. I thought there was more of them. Thanks!

Delightful fun!

[[e-mail] · 30 May 2004]

One of the most original and charming animated series I've seen. Eddie Murphy has created an animated comedy set in an urban housing project that presents its subject matter without a trace of self-consciousness, political correctness or disrespect for its lovable characters.

The muddle-headed but harmless junkie, the shotgun toting grandma, the faceless city bureaucrats at the HUD headquarters; they all hint at real life without making this particular plump, white suburban viewer itchy with guilt over his better life. What a jewel! Of course, like everything else I've ever liked on TV (Brimstone, Max Headroom) it has vanished. Check with me to see if a show you like will stay on the air. If I like it- kiss it goodbye!

An outstanding use of clay animation

[Coolguy-7 · 29 May 2000]

This is a great show. I love Eddie Murphy's role as Thurgood, the superintendant of the apartment building. I think the people who produced this show capture the life of minority groups living in urban project housing. It is also a wonderful use of clay animation. It may be slow, but it's certainly worth it when complete. FOX took it off the air for awhile quite some time ago, but it looks like it's going to be making a comeback.

One of the greatest cartoons of all time

[tdubz · 11 February 2004]

If there is one show that deserves to be called one of the greatest this is the one, there are many other shows that are close for instance family guy or futurama, but this one is a classic because of the fact that it is about a bunch of broke people living in the hilton-jacobs projects. This show basically pokes fun at people such as crackheads, fat people and the beloved main character, superintendant Thurgood Stubbs. In my opinion, they made a mistake about the cancellation of the show, and Eddy Murphy should keep making these hilarious cartoons.:10/10

Maligned and misunderstood.

[kodachrome71 · 3 July 2000]

While the second season hasn't been as good as the first, it's still one of the best shows Fox ever produced. Like most good humor it's not PC and wouldn't be any good if it was. Will Vinton's visuals are amazing and the characters have more warmth and depth than you would expect in animation. It's easy to see how this show could offend folks, but how could you write humor this good and not offend anyone? Check out this show while you still can.

Awesome

[giatime · 14 June 2003]

my all time favorite. people don't get that some of our greatest artist today come from places like the p.j.'s world. true comic satire at it's best. without parody and true life comedy, what is freedom? I love this show, currently playing on trio tv. Eddie, where are you? come back to movies like trading places, coming to america.

An excellent addition to Fox's Tuesday line-up.

[Jynne · 26 April 1999]

Eddie Murphy has come up with a great series that has good "urban" humor and makes a positive statement without being hokey. An excellent edition to Fox's Tuesday line-up, with believable, funny characters.

Bah, speak not such evils!

[behkor · 18 October 2002]

This was a fantastic show...I can't let someone who just watched one episode give it a bad name...where else have you seen a claymation tornado that comes out of a toilet? It was fine work, all around. I wish that it was still on the air. I think that it was the only thing that I ever watched on whatever channel that was.

(upon hearing that the Haiti Lady's toilet was clogged up)

Thurgood: Did you flush anything weird down there?

Haiti Lady: No...nothing...(under breath)...just a goat head wrapped in some paper towels.

Thurgood: Damn it! How many times have I told you you _DON'T_ flush paper towels down the toilet?

Heh heh heh.

The Pj's-truly inspired!

[leighapted17 · 29 September 2005]

It seems watching the re-run of 'The Pj's' on 'Bravo' that for the series to run for such a short period of time is 'criminal' to say the least!Side splitingly funny why oh why is it not still on and more importantly when are the production executives going to realise the huge benefit that a DVD box set could do!I can't believe it!Is it me or is it the funniest thing on TV at the moment!Apart from The Simpsons of course!Also with the New Wallace and Gromit movie out this October,once again you'd think that production execs would jump on the band wagon.Christ Empire have realised The Pj's style of animation is making a huge comeback.Anyone in agreement!Bottom line The Pj's are a hell of a lot funnier than some of Eddie Murphy's movies(sorry Eddie it's true!)Make it Available!!!

Another great show!

[daniel-182 · 25 January 2000]

It seems that the new line-up of animation shows hitting our screens( Futurama, Family Guy etc) has another winner! The first series has just finished over here, and I was very impressed. The quality of the claymation is top-notch, and the characters are all unique and likeable, `The Super', voiced by Eddie Murphay is brillant! You can tell that a lot of effort has been put in to this. The jokes are clever, mature and most importantly....funny! This show deserves to be up there with the rest! Well done Eddie on a brillant show!