The Scandalous 80s Cancellation CBS Wants Everyone to Forget
The dark truth behind the industry.
Nowadays, we're used to all the cancellations of our favorite shows becoming public knowledge the second the decision is made. Cable networks, as well as online streaming platforms, are in constant communication with viewers through media outlets and provide at least a vague reason for the cancellation.
Back in the 80s, however, major TV networks didn't owe viewers an explanation for why certain shows were canceled. And as annoying as it must have been, sometimes the secrecy behind the curtain of a seemingly innocuous show was actually for the better.
What Happened to Square Pegs?
Created by Anne Beatts and starring today's A-lister Sarah Jessica Parker, Square Pegs was one of those sitcoms that seemed perfect for family viewing. It followed two awkward teenage girls desperately trying to find their place and fit into the hierarchy of Weemawee High School.
Praised for its realistic portrayal of high school life at the time, the show had every chance of becoming an iconic hit.
But the show, which premiered in 1982, was canceled after just one season in 1983. And while some claim the decision was made due to the show's declining ratings, it was reported that the atmosphere created on set by a group of young actors was so chaotic and destructive that it had to be stopped.
According to Gerald Casale, a member of the group DEVO who appeared on the show, drugs were one of the driving forces behind the chaos among the cast. Decades later, in 2009, he came forward and recalled the events of that time:
“The girls were out of control—they were doing drugs and they were making out and they were coming on to us in a big way. They might have been 15 or 16, but in their heads they were already 40,” he said.
Although there is no way to confirm the actual reason for the cancellation, even the show's creator, Anne Beatts, had to admit that there was no order on set and drugs may have been part of the reason for the chaos.
Either way, if you want to go back in time and catch a glimpse of a teenage Sarah Jessica Parker, you can stream Square Pegs on fuboTV or buy it as a download on Apple TV or Amazon Video.
Source: HEEB Magazine