Watch You Can't Do That On Television

You Can't Do That On Television was a television show that aired on Nickelodeon in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. It was a sketch comedy show that featured a mix of live-action segments and animated shorts. The show's cast included Christine McGlade, Les Lye, Adam Reid, Lisa Ruddy, Alasdair Gillis, Ruth Buzzi, Klea Scott, Alanis Morissette, Matthew Godfrey, Abby Hagyard, Vanessa Lindores, and Vik Sahay.

The show's format was modeled after the successful British children's show, "Monty Python's Flying Circus." It featured a collection of comedic sketches with irreverent and often surreal humor. The show's creators, Roger Price and Geoffrey Darby, wanted to create a show that appealed to children but also had humor adults could appreciate.

The show's most notable feature was its signature catchphrase, "I don't know." Whenever a cast member said the phrase, they would be doused with green slime, which became a staple of the show. The phrase became so popular that it spawned a spinoff show called "What Would You Do?" which featured kids answering hypothetical questions and being doused with slime if they gave the wrong answer.

The show's cast was made up of a group of young actors who were known for their comedic timing and ability to perform in front of a live audience. Christine McGlade was the show's most popular cast member and went on to become an executive producer for the network. Les Lye played a variety of characters on the show, including a bumbling news anchor, a hapless dad, and a belligerent gym teacher.

Adam Reid was known for his physical comedy, while Lisa Ruddy and Alasdair Gillis were known for their singing and dancing abilities. Ruth Buzzi, a veteran comedienne, brought a touch of nostalgia to the show with her skits and characters. Klea Scott and Vik Sahay were newcomers to the show and brought fresh energy to the cast.

One of the show's most notorious cast members was a young Alanis Morissette, who appeared on the show from 1984-1986. She played a variety of characters, including a girl who was obsessed with death and a member of a punk rock band. Morissette's time on the show gave her the opportunity to showcase her singing abilities, which would later make her a household name.

The show's humor was often irreverent and sometimes controversial. Skits included parodies of politicians and public figures, as well as segments that played on stereotypes and cultural differences. Despite the sometimes controversial content, the show was successful and became a signature program for the network.

In addition to its humor, the show was known for its educational content. Skits often included topics related to history, science, and social studies, as well as lessons on good behavior and manners. The show's creators saw education as an important part of their programming, and they worked to keep the show both entertaining and informative.

Despite its popularity, the show was eventually canceled in 1990 due to budget constraints. However, its influence on television comedy and its place in pop culture history continue to be felt today. Sliming and the catchphrase "I don't know" have become synonymous with the show and are still used as a part of the network's branding.

Overall, You Can't Do That On Television was a groundbreaking show that helped shape the landscape of children's television. Its combination of irreverent humor, education content and memorable catchphrases made it a beloved part of Nickelodeon's history.

You Can't Do That On Television is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between January 6, 1982 and on Nickelodeon