The PJs

About The PJs

The PJs is an American stop-motion animated black sitcom TV series that premiered on Fox on January 10, 1999. Created by Eddie Murphy, Larry Wilmore and Steve Tompkins, it portrays life in an urban public housing project, fictionalized as the 'Hilton-Jacobs Projects.' The series explores the challenges and dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Thurgood Stubbs, who is the building superintendent. The show's humorous and entertaining style sheds light on serious social issues in a light-hearted manner.

Making / Production

The PJs was a unique addition to the field of animated television. Despite being a sit-com, it employed the stop-motion animation technique, often referred to as 'foamation.' Created by Will Vinton Studios, the show involved constructing detailed miniature sets and characters using various materials including wire, foam, and latex. All sequences were shot frame by frame, which required meticulous planning and intensive labor.

Actors

• Eddie Murphy: Eddie voiced the protagonist, Thurgood Stubbs. He brilliantly brought the character to life with his vibrant expressions and dynamic voice.
• Loretta Devine: Known as Muriel Stubbs, Thurgood's wife, Loretta played the role with grace and strength, portraying the solid foundation in Thurgood's life.
• Ja'Net DuBois: Voicing Mrs. Avery, DuBois wonderfully played the role of the sassy and witty elderly lady in the projects.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show was originally broadcast in a prime-time slot, being one of the few animated series to do so.
• The PJs was one of the last television shows that Eddie Murphy worked on.
• The show's working title was "The Foofys" before being changed to "The PJs."

Awards

The PJs won three Emmy Awards. In 1999, the series won for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation and again in 2000 and 2001 for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance by Ja'Net DuBois.

Quotes

• "I don't need to do no community service. This whole community is a service!" - Thurgood Stubbs
• "Honey, you're the alarm system, the fire extinguisher, the exterminator... you're the superintendent of everything!" - Muriel Stubbs

Music, Soundtrack

• Theme song: The theme song, 'The Projects,' was composed by George Clinton and performed by Ray J.
• Musical scores perfectly married with the comedic yet poignant tones of the show, enhancing the overall viewing experience.