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Punky Brewster movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Punky Brewster filmed?

1984

City Locations

Chicago, Los Angeles, Burbank (USA)

Location Types

House, Apartment, Film Studio

Location Styles

American Art Deco, Colonial, Cape Cod, Building Dated/Retro, Georgian/Southern, School

About Punky Brewster

A heartwarming tale of resilience and friendship, Punky Brewster is an American sitcom from 1984. The show was directed by David Duchovny and starred Soleil Moon Frye in the titular role of Penelope "Punky" Brewster, a resourceful eight-year-old girl abandoned by her parents. Punky, along with her canine companion, Brandon, found a home in an empty apartment in Chicago, which was owned by Henry Warnimont (George Gaynes), a middle-aged photographer with a gruff exterior but a heart of gold.

The series revolves around Punky's life as she navigates through the challenges of being an orphan while forming meaningful relationships with those around her. Key characters included Cherie Johnson, portrayed by herself, Punky's best friend who lived upstairs with her legal guardian, Betty Johnson (Susie Garrett); Margaux Kramer (Ami Foster), the snobbish schoolmate; and Allen Anderson (Casey Ellison), the mischievous buddy.

Despite being on air for only two seasons on NBC, "Punky Brewster" became immensely popular in rerun syndication after its cancellation on September 7, 1986. The love for the show led to new episodes aired in first-run syndication in the fall of 1987, with most of the original cast reprising their roles.

Punky Brewster also received critical acclaim, winning the Best Young Actress award at the Young Artist Awards in 1989 for Soleil Moon Frye's heartwarming portrayal of Punky. The show was nominated for several other awards, including Best New Comedy or Drama Television Series at the Young Artist Awards. It remains a beloved classic, fondly remembered for its compelling characters and touching narrative.

Punky Brewster Locations

Punky Brewster, an iconic television show from the mid-80s, was primarily filmed in Los Angeles and Chicago, two vibrant cities with rich cultural heritage and many picturesque locations. Most of the scenes for the project were filmed at Metromedia Square, located at 5746 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, from 1984 to 1986. Subsequently, the production team relocated to Stage 1 at NBC Studios in Los Angeles, a renowned hub for television and film production, where they continued their work from 1987 to 1988.

Exterior shots, however, were filmed in Chicago, lending an authentic urban feel to the show. The opening credits, featuring Punky navigating the cityscape on her skateboard, are particularly memorable for those who grew up during this era. The juxtaposition of the gritty city streets with Punky's colorful high-tops and bright personality is a defining image of the series.

Additional filming locations included the Trebor Apartments at 2520 West 7th Street in Los Angeles and Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St in Chicago. These locations added further depth and realism to the show, grounding the characters in recognizable, real-world settings.

A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for fans of Punky Brewster. Not only do they offer a chance to step into Punky's world, but they also provide a glimpse into the history of television production. Exploring these sites will transport you back to the '80s when multi-colored high-tops and skateboards were all the rage, and Punky Brewster was a beloved fixture on television screens across America.

Punky discovers a vacant apartment scene in Punky Brewster

2520 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA

One of the most memorable scenes occurs in the early episodes when young Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) is abandoned by her mother at a Chicago shopping center. This touching moment sets the stage for the entire series and introduces us to Punky's lovable canine companion, Brandon.

After being abandoned, Punky stumbles upon a vacant apartment in a local building. The building, managed by the grumpy yet kind-hearted Henry Warnimont (George Gaynes), becomes her new home. This is where she encounters Cherie Johnson (Cherie Johnson herself), a resident living with her grandmother, Betty (Susie Garrett). Betty, a registered nurse at Cook County Hospital, contributes to the rich tapestry of the diverse community within the apartment complex.

The exterior shots of this pivotal location were filmed at 2520 W 7th St, Los Angeles. This building forms the primary backdrop for many of the show's key moments, including Punky's initial discovery of the vacant apartment and her interactions with her newfound friends and family.

While the building's interior is off-limits to fans due to its current off-market status, it's possible to view the exterior without disturbing the residents. To get there, you'll need to head to West 7th Street in Los Angeles. The location is conveniently accessible by car and public transport, not far from downtown Los Angeles. Still, it's essential to respect the privacy of any current occupants and keep any observations limited to the public areas surrounding the building.

Punky and Henry at Wrigley Field scene in Punky Brewster

Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL

In the memorable fifth episode of the first season, a heartwarming scene unfolds that remains etched in fans' minds. After falling victim to a scam involving counterfeit tickets to a Chicago Cubs playoff game, Henry Warnimont (George Gaynes) finds himself and Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) unable to attend the much-anticipated match at Wrigley Field. However, Punky, with her characteristic spunk and charm, manages to convince the Cubs players to allow them to watch the game from the dugout. This iconic moment showcases the spirit of Punky Brewster and reaffirms the bond between Punky and Henry.

The exterior shots of this unforgettable scene were filmed at the historic Wrigley Field, located at 1060 W Addison St, Chicago. As the oldest National League ballpark, Wrigley Field has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It also served as the home ground for the Chicago Bears from 1921 to 1970. Notably, Wrigley Field was the last major league park to install lights for night games in 1988.

For fans wishing to relive this iconic moment, Wrigley Field is still operational and open to visitors. To get there, simply head to West Addison Street in Chicago. You can enjoy not just a game but also soak in the rich history and atmosphere of the stadium that served as a backdrop for one of the most beloved episodes of Punky Brewster.

Punky pranks Isabelle scene in Punky Brewster

Metromedia Square, 5746 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles

In the tenth episode of the second season, we are treated to a delightful Halloween special. In this episode, Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) pranks her grouchy elderly neighbor, Isabelle Peavy (Fran Ryan), as payback for her harsh treatment of Punky and her friends. The children believe that Isabelle is a witch, which adds an extra layer of suspense to their antics.

However, when Punky attempts to play the "flying foamie" trick on Isabelle, she is caught and taken into Isabelle's apartment. In her haste to escape, Punky accidentally leaves Brandon, her beloved dog, behind. This sets the stage for a tense stand-off, as Isabelle might not want to return Brandon to Punky.

This memorable episode, along with much of the first two seasons of "Punky Brewster," was filmed at the iconic Metromedia Square in Hollywood. Located at 5746 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, Metromedia Square was a prominent radio and television studio facility known for its distinctive white, ladder-like snake on the roof. The studio hosted the production of numerous popular TV shows such as "Good Times," "The Late Show," with various hosts from Joan Rivers to Ross Shafer and "All in the Family."

To get to the former location of Metromedia Square, you would head to the southeastern corner of Sunset Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the original building was demolished in 2003 by the school district and replaced with a school.

Punky dreams she is in Brandon's body scene in Punky Brewster

NBC Studios, The Burbank Studios, 3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA

In the tenth episode of the third season, fans are treated to a heartwarming and humorous storyline. Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) leaves the house with the intention of shopping and then taking care of her dog, Brandon. However, when she returns home, she discovers that Brandon has created chaos in the apartment.

Henry (George Gaynes) arrives home and, upon seeing the mess, grounds Punky from an upcoming yacht trip. Disgruntled and grumbling, Punky falls asleep that night and dreams that she and Brandon have swapped bodies. This dream allows Punky to gain a new understanding of Brandon's needs, and she wakes up the next morning with a newfound sense of empathy towards him.

This memorable episode, along with the rest of the third and fourth seasons of "Punky Brewster," was filmed at the renowned NBC Studios in Los Angeles. This iconic studio has been the birthplace of numerous popular shows such as "Days of Our Lives" and "Extra." It also houses the iHeartRadio Theater and was previously home to the Blizzard Arena, which hosted the Overwatch League.

For fans who wish to visit the location where this beloved TV show was created, NBC Burbank Studio is open for tours. To get there, head to 3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank. From downtown Los Angeles, it's only a 20-minute drive by car. A tour of the studios not only offers fans the chance to see where Punky Brewster was filmed but also provides a behind-the-scenes look at other popular shows.

Conclusion

The vibrant canvas of Punky Brewster was painted against the backdrop of two iconic cities, Chicago and Los Angeles. Chicago, with its diverse neighborhoods, lent authenticity to the series, showcasing the character Punky's spirited adventures in her Windy City home. Iconic landmarks like the Chicago Cultural Center and Wrigley Field provided a nostalgic and authentic feel to the show, capturing the essence of the city's cultural richness.

Transitioning to Los Angeles, the city offered unique charm, serving as a backdrop for certain interior shots and outdoor scenes. Studios in Los Angeles facilitated the production, capturing the essence of Punky's world, blending seamlessly with the Chicago exterior shots. This amalgamation of both cities' distinct vibes added depth and richness to the show's visual narrative, creating a timeless connection between the character's story and these two diverse yet complementary urban landscapes. Ultimately, the fusion of Chicago's heart and Los Angeles' technical resources brought Punky Brewster's world to life, leaving an indelible mark on the show's legacy.

In conclusion, Punky Brewster is a series worth revisiting, especially for fans of vintage sitcoms. Its lively characters, engaging script, and nostalgic '80s vibe make it an enjoyable watch. Punky's vibrant personality, much like the colorful outfits she dons, adds a spark of joy and warmth to the show, making it a memorable part of television history.