Somewhere between the late-90s meta-explosions and modern psychological nightmares, the playbook went up in smoke.

Before we dive in, here are three other Buddys that are a far better use of your time: "Buddy" by Native Tongues Buddy Holly My Buddy, the iconic 1980s doll whose popularity plummeted (I imagine) the second Child’s Play hit theaters. Buddy drops viewers directly onto the soundstage of a fictional, vintage children's TV show. Think Barney & Friends fused with the surreal talking-furniture aesthetic of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. As smiling children sing cheerful tunes about kindness