You Can't Do That On Television

You Can't Do That on Television, a sketch comedy program from the cable network Nickelodeon, gained significant popularity from 1979 to 2004. This Canadian television series, produced by CJOH-TV, intrepidly delved into an innovative approach of juvenile humor which was not commonly portrayed on television during those times. The show successfully captured the viewer's attention with its unique brand of humor and satirical content.

The program, typically half an hour long, featured a cast mainly comprised of adolescent actors who performed comedy sketches relating to daily life, societal norms, or popular culture. Each episode typically followed a specific theme, such as school, family life, politics, or holidays. This thematic approach facilitated the writers to continually breathe fresh and appealing content into the program.

One of the key distinguishing factors was the interactive premises, where the young cast depicted typical, relatable characters such as students, children, parents, and teachers. Satirical spins were often deployed to portray these stereotypical characters in a manner not typical to their usual depiction, ensuring a fun and engaging viewing experience. They were often placed in ridiculous and extreme situations, resulting in absurd humor that was both slapstick and hilarious, thus appealing to both young viewers and adults.

Influenced by the style of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the show was a successful medley of pre-taped skits alternated with live segments. These live segments frequently saw the cast interacting with the studio audience. You Can't Do That on Television mastered the art of balancing scripted vignettes with on-the-spot improvisations, giving it a sort of unpredictable charm.

A recurring theme throughout the show was the infamous "green slime." The playful tradition was for a bucket of green slime to be dumped on a cast member whenever the phrase "I don't know" was uttered. This particular gag not only became a defining feature of the show, but the slime element eventually became synonymous with Nickelodeon as a network, being implemented in various other programs and events.

Another signature part of the show was the "opposite sketches," where the situations and character roles were reversed to stimulate laughter. The Opposite sketches were a direct satire of adult authority, encouraging young viewers to adopt a critical stance towards established norms of behavior. With this unusual concept, the show encouraged its viewers to challenge conventions and question established societal norms, albeit in a humorous context.

Throughout its run, You Can't Do That on Television showcased an ensemble cast where several performers achieved fame before moving on. It was known for its dynamic casting and was the launch pad for singer Alanis Morissette. Despite a revolving door of young talent, the show maintained its unique format and deftly continued to evolve and innovate, constantly managing to keep its material fresh and exciting.

The crew behind the cameras also played a significant part of the show's success. Roger Price and Geoffrey Darby were the creative parents of the program, giving it a unique flavor. Price in particular was keen to ensure that the child actors were given a real voice in the show, allowing them to feel a sense of ownership, which, in turn, resulted in a performance that was authentic and relatable.

Praised for its clever scripts, dynamic casting, and unconventional approach to sketch comedy, You Can't Do That on Television has left a lasting legacy. It proved to be a major factor in establishing Nickelodeon as the frontrunner of children's television programming. It is also largely recognized for having set the prototype for later kids’ sketch comedy shows like All That and The Amanda Show.

In summary, You Can't Do That on Television was a pioneering and innovative production that boldly expanded the boundaries of children's television. With its quirky humor, socially subversive themes, and novel programming concepts, it resonated with viewers across different ages, etching itself into the rich tapestry of television history.