Voting Station

Square One TV

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TV Series

The Resume

    (January 26, 1987-May 6, 1994)
    PBS
    Reg E. Cathey
    Larry Cedar
    Cynthia Darlow
    Cristobal Franco
    Arthur Howard
    Luisa Leschin (1987–1991)
    Priscilla Lopez (1992)
    Beverly Mickins
    Mathnet (Joe Howard, Beverly Leech (1987–1990), Toni DiBuono (1991–1992))
    Sketches, songs, and animation addressing mathematics (geometry, arithmetic, measurement, percentages, fractions, etc.), ending with Mathnet

Why he might be annoying:

    It took its cue from Sesame Street.
    There were numerous references to the Michigan Wolverines (NCAA Big Ten).
    What ordinary Joe or Jane really cares how mathematical sequences work?
    By its final original season (1992), Mathnet took up around 75 percent of the show and the regular cast was almost invisible.
    At the closing credits, the voiceover would announce ‘100% of Square One Television is a production of the Children’s Television Workshop’ (later the Sesame Workshop).
    As opposed to 780 episodes over six original seasons for The Electric Company, it ran only 230 episodes over five original seasons (the last being in 1992).

Why he might not be annoying:

    It had some neat math-based game shows (for example, Close Call and Piece of the Pie), hosted by the repertory cast.
    It parodied Pac-Man, Abbott and Costello, Siskel and Ebert, Dragnet, et al.
    Some songs were performed by actual recording artists (Kid n’ Play, Weird Al, the Jets, the Judds, Bobby McFerrin, et al).
    Blackstone the Magician demonstrated mathematical concepts in his faux dressing room — not really secrets that mattered to magicians.
    The Mathnet cast made a guest appearance on Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego.
    Educators could record and hold episodes for up to three years, upon which the videocassette would need to be recorded over.
    There was almost no turnover in the cast.

Credit: Cool It All Right?


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 87.50% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 65 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 45 Votes: 77.78% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 12 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 11 Votes: 63.64% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 56 Votes: 69.64% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 15 Votes: 73.33% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying