Today's Special (1981–1987) User Reviews

It exists!!!!

[janine_gordon · 9/10 · 17 July 2019]

I bring up "the show with the muppets in the department store" any time people are talking about childhood tv shows and no one ever knows what I'm talking about. I have finally found it.

Good show

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 31 July 2006]

I used to watch this show when I was a little girl. When I think about it, I only remember it vaguely, though. However, I remember the opening sequence and theme song pretty well. If you ask me, it was an okay show. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, it was very educational. The performances were good, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I haven't seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Really great nostalgia

[rmmil · 9/10 · 1 June 2021]

This show is near and dear to my heart, I watched it as a very young child during the mornings on Nickelodeon, it made me obsessed with a fantasy of spending the night in a department store or mall.

The stories are simple but always have a good message and a lesson to be learned. I wish this was available anywhere on dvd, streaming, somewhere, but alas, it only lives in the memories of Gen-X kids.

I have a theory the film "Mannequin" ripped this off (lol, maybe).

This series really made me want a plaid hat!

I'm not crazy!!!!!!!!!

[maxvaughn · 30 January 2005]

I used to watched this show when I was so young that I could barely talk. But I remembered it. I always thought the mannequin and the woman store clerk should end up together, cause well, I was just a a weird kid. But anyway, for the past two decades every time I mention this show people look at me like I've been smoking something and I couldn't remember the name of it for the life of me so I couldn't prove anything. But here it is!!! I really loved this show. I liked how they always had so much imagination and all of the games they played became reality. Children's TV today doesn't have as much thought put into it. They focus more on the learning part of it as opposed to the story or way kids should be able to pretend things about a show like I did with this one. I miss television like this for children.

Such a fun TV show!

[AsifZamir · 10/10 · 14 November 2013]

Today's Special (1981 – 1987) was produced in Toronto, Canada by TV Ontario. Today's Special is a children's show and is about a mannequin named Jeff that comes alive at night. He is brought to work each night with employee Jodie. He becomes alive when Muffy the mouse says ""Hocus pocus alimagocus!" Jeff has a special hat that when it comes off he is turned right back into a mannequin. The episodes main themes, based in the earlier seasons, were on a tangible object such as a costume or hat and then developed to more complex themes such as wishes and magic and even alcoholism.

The cast features two puppets; Muffy the mouse and Sam Crenshaw the security guard, as well as two life actors. Jeff Hyslop acts as Jeff and Nerene Virgin acts as Jodie. Today's Special brought fame to Jeff Hyslop's career as well as The Phantom of the Opera, the production that toured around Canada. There are smaller scripts set in the episodes that include quizzes, miming, nursery rhymes and narration of stories. Robyn Hayle narrates these short films. Robyn was also the voice of TXL the computer, in the computer room on Today's Special. Today's Special is a fun enjoyable series bringing intrigue and magic with it.

Today's Special is comedy and fun with friends!

[Sylviastel · 9/10 · 16 June 2008]

I remember this half-hour show about a department store set in Toronto, Ontario Canada where another world comes to light after the store closes. With a friendly night female Black Canadian manager and the mannequin who comes to life after the stores closes. She teaches him about life and of course there are the stuffed animals who come to life. Today's Special was one of the first children shows on Nickelodeon. I was enchanted by it's simplicity and it sometimes went out on location in Toronto. The cast was fine and the show was great to watch even though it would be repetitive. I thought there were more episodes but I guess I was too young. I always remember coming home after the show had just started. I prayed that my bus would get us home sooner from school to see the show before we had VCRs and DVD.

One of the best hidden gems from the 80s!

[ajcwizkid · 9/10 · 25 February 2023]

The fact that such an obsure show from the 1980s was very much a hidden gem in the landscape of awesome hits like "Fraggle Rock" and "Transformers" was very, very special. I didn't watch this show growing up, but now that I'm growing up with it, "Today's Special" to me was more than just a public access TVO show - but really a SHOW - one with (mostly) likeable characters, funny scenes, and quality acting. Even though it might have been cheesy sometimes, (okay: maybe quite a bit), this show proved that public access TV didn't have to be cheap at all. I bet the reason why so many people remembered this show was just how well-done it was (there were so many great moments) and how much dancing was apart of it. The people who played Jeff and Jodie were both very talented actors - and so were the puppetieers who played Muffy and Sam. Sure, other 80s and 90s shows had music and puppets and "wacky adverntures" on them before, but what made this show so special was just the fact that it was different. All of the characters - human and puppet - looked different. No other kids' show at the time was set in a department store!?! It had a really wacko premise - but, to me - never got really too wacky. Even though a mannaquin somehow magically popped to life, there was enough nicely composed music (listen, almost all 80s music was awesome and of course had plently of synithzers), talented dancing, and other wacky stuff going on to keep it somewhat down. They even had an opera singer, a robot puppet, some fella who likes vaccum cleaners, a circus, an opera and so much more on the show! Even a marching band came to the store one time! I really hope people never forget how awesome the 80s were - this show summarizes all of that into a time capsule - that still holds pretty well to this day. Is it dated? Yes. Is it cheesy? Sometimes. But is it still a well-done public access show? Absoluetly! Someday, I hope that you or you're kids will like it just as well as I did. No wonder why it was called "Today's Special" - this show truely was special. :)

This show rocked!!!!

[dootuss · 18 January 2002]

I remembered watching this show as a little kid back when it was on Nickelodeon. It took place in a department store, and it had this manequin who had a magic hat that could make it come to life. I also remember that if he lost it, he would turn back into a manequin. There was also a lady in a hot-pink jumpsuit (I think her name was Jody), a security guard that had a face like Walter Matthau and a Hobo's face combined, and Muffy the mouse who always said a rhyme, and had a cool two-story mouse hole. Pure genious!!!

I really liked this show. It's a shame Nickelodeon dosen't air it anymore. If they didn't air so many stupid Nicktoons (like Spongebob Squarepants), or any other dumb show for that matter, this show probably would still be on. Nickelodeon has really lost it. All these stupid shows they air now have ruined this network after this show (and shows like "You can't do that on television" "Danger Mouse", and "Pinwheel) and many other good ones made it something for kids to watch, and learn from.

This show ruled 10/10.

Hocus Pocus Alama Gocus!!

[godeltsihw · 22 June 2002]

Today's Special was a childhood favourite of mine. The show took place late at night in a Simpsons Sears store. Run by a puppet night watch man named Sam Crenshaw and his computer 'TXL', the show revolved around a mannequin named Jeff. Late at night Jeff would come to life and learn new things along with Muffy the Mouse and Toy Department Clerk Jodie. However if Jeff ever left the store, or his hat fell off, he would become a mannequin again. By placing his hat on his heat and reciting the magic words "Hocus Pocus Alama Gocus" Jeff would come back to life.

Like most children's shows, you learn along with the show. Each episode of Today's Special had Today's Special.. a word that would be featured in the episode that you would learn about. If I remember correctly, the woman that played Jodie went on to become a news anchor for CBS and CBC news.

Gertrude

[alden1010 · 12 January 2003]

Anyone else remember this song?

Gertrude ol' girl My hearts in a whirl 'Cause these goodbyes Are hard to combine. I'll try not to cry As we say goodbye.

Sam and Jody sang that at the car dealership when Sam was trading in his old car for a newer model. The dealer rolled his eyes, but for Sam and the kids at home, this was serious trauma! I guess that's why I still remember it. Oh, but it ended happily. Sam got the new car and Jody bought back the old one.

A great show!!

[chastity779 · 29 April 2002]

I rank this show in the top ten shows of my childhood. I was very young when I watched this on Nickalodean. I have asked countless people if they remember it and no one has, except my father. I remember there was a word of the day every episode. I loved Muffy the mouse, I thought she was beautiful. I would do anything to be able to see an episode of this show.

A little piece if History

[devstk · 28 January 2004]

This was a show that was very cute and funny. I was about 7 or 8 when it was on. I can remember the characters Jodie and Jeff, Sam the security guard and Muffy the mouse. It was pretty funny, the stuff that they would do when the store closed down. The show was all about a mannequin who came to life when a magic hat was placed on his head. I think the store was supposed to be in Canada. One episode I remember well, was when they decided to have a Cafe' on the roof, and it started to rain. All the bread sticks got wet! As with the last person's comments, no one that I have asked remembers the show either. I think this was one of the first shows I watched on Nickelodeon. Hopefully, someday, they can recover the series, and bring it out on DVD for children today.

No one remembers

[angeljem · 29 February 2004]

For the longest time I could not figure out why no one else remembered this show. Finally I asked my mom and turns out I was only like 2 1/2 years old when I watched it (I'm 19 now). I do not remember any certain episode really well, but I remember Jeff coming to life with the plaid hat and what the store looked like. And after reading "Hocus Pocus Alamgocus" that has come back to me too! It's too bad so few remember it. Most only know shows like Fraggle Rock and Zoobileezoo. Kids shows really just aren't what they used to be.

By the way, anyone know how many years Today's Special went for? I watched it on PBS since I never had cable.

Best Canadian children's show

[jootsyfruit · 13 December 2004]

Today's Special is an under-rated, top quality children's show, the likes of which are not exposed to today's children which is a shame. I remember watching this in the 1980s and although I made fun of it as a kid (only to look cool while watching it) I liked it then and in retrospect, I see how excellent this show is.

The show consisted of Jeff (mannequin), Jodie (department store display builder), Sam (night watchman) and Muffy Mouse (rhyming mouse resident). Jeff Hyslop was a triple threat star, with a marvelous singing voice and dancing ability. The fact he starred in this makes this show above what is offered on TV today. Directed at children, the dialogue and stories never talked DOWN to them and dealt with issues like moving, disability, honesty and even alcoholism with sensitivity and respect to kids. As a Canadian, I especially liked the references to our country's culture too. I can still sing the songs and the only regret I would have is that this show is not available for my future kids. I hope someone at TVO will wake up and resurrect Today's Special.

My favorite memories include Jeff taking a bite out of a lemon and when Muffy's butterfly, Hazel died. By the way, the dialogue was incredibly witty... some truly funny moments occurred throughout the 7 year run!

A tweed-loving mannequin and friends

[sagehen7 · 5 August 1999]

A PBS favorite from my youth (along with Square One and 321 Contact, of course). Jeff is a department store mannequin who comes to life at night once the store is closed and his special beret-like hat is placed on his head. Jody is a real life person who is a friend of Jeff (and also fond of pink pantsuits, from what I recall). Sam is the puppet Walter Matthau-esque security guard, a gruff old man, but with a very entertaining computer. He's also friends with the puppet mouse (Muffy?). Hijinks ensue and emotions flow (especially from Jeff: how does he deal with his handicaps?) every night at this department store!

Hey, I remember that show...

[JupiterAmy · 22 September 2000]

Out to lunch today (in more ways then one) with some friends, we started discussing shows we watched growing up. We solemnly agreed that kids today are so sadly robbed of the quality of 80's TV. So we sat reminiscing, spouting lists of shows from He-Man to David the Gnome. Then I bring up: "Hey you remember this show about a mannequin, if you took his hat off he froze...and there was a mouse?" "Yes!", one says, "Today's Special!" And suddenly the memories come rolling in. Even when it was on the air, this show got a lot less credit than it deserved. Even I, who reveled in this show as a child, had forgotten its name, and basically its whole concept. But I do remember involving shows with emotional complexity, very rare in the world of children's programming. With humor, and Muffy! One of the Muppet-esque heroines of my developmental years! Plus, I think I may finally figured out what "demented puppet show" my older sister keeps telling me I forced her to watch. I obviously had no problem with it, she tells me I cried if I couldn't watch it. Say something about first exposure education, don't you think? Anyway, I can't in hindsight view it as anything other than a very happy memory of a really incredible show.

Ah, the memories...

[LynzMac · 9 October 1999]

I remember this show! I used to watch it back when I was little. It took place after-hours in the childrens' department of a mall, and was complete with a living manequin, kids, a mouse named.. Fifi or something just as cute, a puppet security guard... and lots of kid fun! I remember one episode when the security guard had to go to either the ear or eye doctor. I was hoping there would be a cast list posted here. Oh well, maybe in the future.

Come Join in the Fun!

[Synergy-5 · 12 September 1999]

Today's Special was nothing less than one of the most imaginative and innovative of Canadian children's programming. It's blend of live-action,puppetry and animation is reminiscent to the famous Jim Henson "Muppet" technique,and the beautiful colours and storylines have made it the most successful children's show in Canada.The adorable rhyming Muffy Mouse,the handsome singing and dancing mannequin Jeff,the puppet security guard Sam,and the kind young display designer Jodie were all characters that children of all ages could find themselves identifying with.I think that TVO should release all the Today's Special episodes on video,so that everyone could experience this magical world in what looks like from the outside just a normal department store in Toronto.If you like Today's Special, Bookmice,with the talents of Nina Keogh (Muffy Mouse) is also a wonderful show,this one taking place in an inner-city library.

The garbage on Nick these days-makes me cringe!!!!

[AWERTH · 27 December 2003]

This is the only show that had and still has meaning for me. Jeff has released 2 CD's of his with brilliant singing- I own them both-- Nickelodean used to be fantastic in the 80's-

Today's Special, You Can't Do That On TV etc...

Muffy was how I get interested in writing poetry, -I always thought that there was an undertone of love between Jeff and Jodie-- like Michael and Bonnie on "Knight Rider"--

A few episodes stick out---

Going treasure hunting for Pirate Pete's gold---as Jeff goes on his own hunt throughout the store- we learn about map reading and how to read a compass---

Phil the Alcohalic--strong episode---dealt with Alcohal

Jeff not knowing he needs sleep to remain alert

The crooked commercial director who visits- he promises a spot in a commercial for Muffy to advertise Jeans, but the tables are turned when he meets Mort= Junior where he wants to take Muffy as part of his collection of toys cause he gets to greedy- Junior- the ultimate Man-Child!!!!

Waldo visits in a sour mood- and needs a special remedy gathered

from our 4 cast members!!!

Jody and Jeff trapped in the stalled elevator- the aid of a wheelchair boy comes to their rescue--

Valdy personally meets Jodi and the cast sing one of his songs with him---

Mort starts a fire in Muffy's apartment to keep warm--Sam sprays it out--

Sam and Jeff eat a whole bag of cookies-getting big stomach aches--

Memories where Jeff sings in my opinion his best solo in the series

When Jeff needs to help a young lady realize it's OK to move

I COULD GO ON FOREVER!!!!

A while back, a comment was posted at how Jeff- since he was a mannequin-did not know about how the world worked----, and that he was considered naive due to the fact he was indeed a mannequin (Did not know what a family was, or did not know what sleep is)

His perceptions of the topics throughout the series from his point of view make him far more smart than his 3 fellow cast members (Jody Sam Muffy and Mrs Pennypacker, Waldo and Mort occasionally)--than what he is seen as---

Jeff in fact seems to know more than he realizes in each episode

On Todays Special!!

[SuprGro8 · 27 June 1999]

There was Jeff the Mannequin, Jodie the sales lady, Muffy the mouse, and Sam Crenshaw. They all had fun in the department store at night when Jeff the mannequin would come alive. He had to put on this plaid hat and there was a rhyme. Like alakazam something. I wish they still showed this stuff on Nick. The eighties were a great time for kids shows!!

The BEST children's show ever made.

[derekb27 · 2 October 2004]

I'm serious when I say that too. I'm a 23-year-old male college student and there is no other children's show I want on DVD as badly as I want this one. Let's fight for a DVD release; it just needs to happen. If you haven't yet, please go to www.tvshowsondvd.com to vote for a release of this show (in season sets). This show has a small but devout cult following and that's something else that makes it great. It was one of the most magical things that I have ever seen. Everything from the songs and dances to the original storyline was amazing. I used to have most of these episodes taped when I was little, but I do not have those anymore. In the good old days Nickelodeon had great shows like these (and "You Can't Do That On Television"). I've always liked the quirkier children's show.

today's special was a great show

[clarkeinvestigations · 28 January 2005]

This was a favorite show of mine growing up. My brother and I would watch it every day and wait for the "balloon" episode. I wish it would come out in a box DVD set for my daughter, or at least come on the reruns. If anyone ever finds it, please let us know where we can get it. One of my favorite things with the show was how Jeff didn't have any common sense. He would do things like brush his teeth with a hair brush, then we would yell at the TV saying he was doing it wrong. It was also funny to hear the Canadian accents. Jeff was always saying, "I'm sorry" to Jody, but it was pronounced, "sawrey". It's a great show and maybe it will come back on reruns someday.

The Reason Why I Like Marshmallows

[jcshowcase · 8 August 2002]

I grew up on the show "Today's Special," and I loved every minute of it. My favorite episode of all (the one I remember most vividly) was the episode where the entire cast was shrunk down to minimal proportions. They were stuck in a top hat, and they had to use colored marshmallows to get out. To this day, I eat marshmallows and think about this show. That has to mean something in the grand scheme of things. Here I am, in my twenties, and I remember this show like I just saw it yesterday. No shows today hold a candle to any of the old shows like "Today's Special."

One of my favorite childhood TV shows

[Brak-5 · 16 June 2000]

A show about a mannequin with a magic hat which, when he wears it, causes him to come alive. His friends include the pink-jumpsuit-clad store clerk, a guy named Sam (whose occupation escapes me at the moment) and Muffy, the only mouse I ever knew with a two-story mouse hole. It's been a long time but I decided this show is deserving of at least one vote.

every kid should grow up on today's special!

[LisaMob · 27 December 2002]

I can most definitely be counted among those who were obsessed with this show as a kid, have fond but fuzzy memories of it, and see nothing of its caliber on children's television today. As more than one user as noted, few children's programs have the desire to tackle the real emotions that kids face in a realistic and educational way. This show delt with taboo kids issues such as illness, sadness, death, and disabled children (I distinctly remember the episode with a child who was in a wheelchair and had an electronic table that he communicated with--I was three when I was watching this show and was able to grasp this concept!)...yet it was by no means depressing--on the contrary, Today's Special was a very upbeat and touching show to watch! Jody is the patient teacher and mentor, while Muffy is the lovable rhyme speaking mouse that everyone dotes on...Sam is the oft-dimwitted yet equally lovable security guard whose gigantic, "cutting edge" (it is literally the size of a refrigerator) computer TXL saves his job more often than not. Jeff is the most crucial to the show, however, as he is the character that sees the world as a child does, and he is learning all about the way the world works. The whole concept of this show seems so brilliantly simple, yet I've never seen it done before or since.

We have only one episode on tape, and it is the one with Hazel the butterfly. In this episode, you not only learn all about butterflies and friendship through Muffy and Hazel's special relationship, but about death...she is just a butterfly I realize, but she dies in the end and it is very touching, but not an overwhelmingly sad thing for a child to watch. Just about every episode could be applied to some ordeal, big or small, that a kid is going through--Muffy breaks her leg and has to go to the hospital, Muffy has the mooching cousin Mort who overstays his visit and eats all her cheese, for shame!! If and when I have children, you can bet that I will be tracking down every episode of this classic, wonderful series.