Watch Square Pegs
- TV-G
- 1982
- 1 Season
-
7.3 (1,546)
Square Pegs is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1982 to 1983. The show follows a group of teenagers at Weemawee High School in a New York suburb as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Linker, Jami Gertz, Tracy Nelson, and Merritt Butrick, this comedy-drama was noteworthy for addressing the challenges of being a teenager in the 1980s.
Square Pegs revolves around two best friends, Patty Greene (Linker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Parker), who are desperate to climb the social hierarchy at their high school. Patty is a smart but awkward girl who wants desperately to be popular, while Lauren is a confident and assertive student who is already established with the popular crowd. The girls form a club, the "Square Pegs," to try to improve their social status and meet new people.
Throughout the series, Patty and Lauren encounter a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks and challenges. Johnny Slash (Butrick) is a punk rocker who tries to bring Patty out of her shell, while Marshall Blechtman (John Femia) is a student who is constantly bullied by his peers. Muffy Tepperman (Gertz) is the stereotypical popular girl who is obsessed with becoming class president, while Jennifer DiNuccio (Nelson) is a studious overachiever who has a crush on one of the teachers.
One of the key themes of Square Pegs is the way social status affects teenagers. Patty and Lauren are desperate to fit in and be accepted, but they soon discover that the popular crowd is not always the best option. Through various misadventures, they learn the importance of being true to themselves and developing authentic relationships with others. The show also addresses issues like bullying, peer pressure, and teenage sexuality in a frank and realistic way.
One notable aspect of Square Pegs is its use of music. The series features a new wave soundtrack and frequently showcases performances by Johnny Slash and other music acts. In fact, Square Pegs was one of the earliest TV shows to incorporate MTV-style music videos into its episodes, helping to establish the trend for music videos in the 1980s.
Despite its short run, Square Pegs remains a cult classic among fans of 1980s pop culture. The show was a critical darling but struggled in the ratings, leading to its cancellation after just one season. However, its themes of adolescent insecurity and social awkwardness have resonated with audiences for decades. Moreover, its quirky humor and colorful characters have made it a beloved touchstone of 1980s nostalgia.
In conclusion, Square Pegs was a groundbreaking comedy-drama that addressed the challenges of teenage life in the 1980s. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Linker, Jami Gertz, Tracy Nelson, and Merritt Butrick, the show followed a group of misfits as they navigated the world of high school. With its emphasis on music and frank discussions of social status, bullying, and teenage sexuality, Square Pegs helped to define the cultural landscape of the 1980s. Though it was canceled after just one season, its legacy endures to this day.
Square Pegs is a series that ran for 1 seasons (20 episodes) between September 27, 1982 and on CBS
