Before We Begin…

On this day approximately 1 billion seconds ago (that’s 32 years, in case you didn’t know, and no I’m not trying to be exact on the math), Square One TV premiered on PBS. It seemed like the perfect time to finally start this little series of show-related blog posts.

2019 also marks 50 years since Sesame Workshop (once known as Children’s Television Workshop) began their legacy of remarkable kids’ educational programming that continues to this day. Like many of you, I cut my teeth on shows like Mister Rogers, Sesame Street, 3-2-1-Contact, The Electric Company, and of course, a little show called Square One Television. I could carry on about all of these shows, but you’re only here for SQTV, am I right? It’s why I’m here, so I guess that’s why you are. 😉

A quick side note: God knows I’ve dropped the ball in maintaining the Mathnet site – I KNOW I should overhaul it, really I should. Yet, it’s become something of a relic, a piece of early internet design and technology. So, while I mighta/shoulda/coulda fix it up someday, it’s such a gem in its untouched state, right? But, that’s a post for another time.

Diamonds in the Rough – The Big Time Coverage

The point of these upcoming posts is to gather all the modern-day media coverage for the show. While articles don’t come up often, when they do, fans crawl out of the woodwork and get nostalgic all over social media, usually in waves as different people find them over time. Maybe you missed them the first time around, heck, those of us who have followed the fandom for 30+ years now may have missed a few, too. So, let’s take a look at the most high-profile media sources who have given their props to the show. I’ll go in the order they came out.

Mental_Floss

Remember Square One?

The site for geeks, dorks, nerds, and everyone in-between. Looks like these guys may have struck first, back in June of 2013. Maggie Ryan Sanford included several videos from YouTube in this Square One TV/Mathnet coverage (some of which may or may not still be online).

Vox Media

9 Facts Only Mathnet Fans Will Care About

Let’s play “What Do We Know?” This article by Phil Edwards came out a few years back – May of 2015 to be exact, but it still makes the rounds on social media, and it’s a fun little read. Gobble up these nerdy facts about your favorite math detectives and impress/scare your friends.

Vulture

The 90s Kids’ Shows That Informed Adam Conover’s Comedy the Most

This one picked up some buzz (pun intended) just before the next article, back in late November of 2018. Erik Abriss’ interview with Adam Conover touches on the 90s shows that influenced his comedy work: Beakman’s World, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Square One TV.

BuzzFeed

This 80s PBS Show Made it Cool to Love Math

This is the most recent one from December of 2018, and with BuzzFeed being the major player they are in the media, it got a lot of attention on Twitter. Major major props to Anne Helen Peterson for this one. Some nice mathematics of love for Square One and Mathnet as a whole.

Closing Thoughts

You don’t have to comment here or even acknowledge my efforts, just share and enjoy and put a bug or two in the ears of those you know (especially those who might have connections, if you know what I mean). And do keep checking back, because I promise at some point I will have some real gems to share in the form of cast pictures, printed articles, and collectibles I’ve found along the way. And there will be more parts including interviews, podcasts, blog posts, and other items of interest.

Giving Props Where They’re Due…

A big thank you to the fellow fans who helped me dig up these links – I wouldn’t know where to find them all without your help! Gayle G., Lori J., Heather J., Lauren HS, and Brian H.

Props to these diehard fans who also help to keep these efforts going: April S., Von T., Anton S., Philip H., Christopher M., Sonia L., and Viewers Like You!