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Square Pegs
Square Pegs
Square Pegs
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Square Pegs
GenreSitcom
Created byAnne Beatts
StarringSarah Jessica Parker
Amy Linker
Merritt Butrick
John Femia
Tracy Nelson
Jami Gertz
Claudette Wells
Jon Caliri
Steven Peterman
Basil Hoffman
Theme music composerThe Waitresses
ComposersTom Scott (pilot)
Paul Shaffer ("Special Musical Material", pilot)
Jonathan Wolff
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes20
Production
ProducersAnne Beatts
Luciano Martino
CinematographyBrianne Murphy
Richard N. Hannah
Emil Oster
EditorsJoy Kamen
Joy Wilson
Camera setupSingle camera
Running time22–24 minutes
Production companyEmbassy Television
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseSeptember 27, 1982 (1982-09-27) –
March 7, 1983 (1983-03-07)

Square Pegs is an American sitcom that aired on CBS during the 1982–83 season. The series follows Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker), two awkward teenage girls desperate to fit in at Weemawee High School.

Synopsis

[edit]

Created by former Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, the pilot introduces an eclectic group of eight freshmen on their first day at Weemawee High School.[1][2] The series was much acclaimed by critics at the time for its realistic look at teenage life, reflecting a sensibility somewhat similar to the John Hughes teen comedies of later years.[3] The actual location of the suburban community served by Weemawee is never specified, but Beatts had grown up and attended high school in Somers, New York, about an hourlong commute from New York City.[4]

Characters

[edit]
Sarah Jessica Parker as Patty Greene in the episode "It's All How You See Things"

Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) is clever and seemingly well-adjusted, but feels awkward and like a social misfit (i.e. a square peg) when with the "popular" students. Patty's close friend Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker) constantly desires to be in with the "in" crowd, and the series' episodes often revolve around her dragging Patty into various schemes in attempts to make them both more popular.

Lauren and Patty are surrounded by colorful supporting characters. Their friends Marshall Blechtman (John Femia) and Johnny "Slash" Ulasewicz (Merritt Butrick) are a pair of lovable geeks. Marshall is a motormouthed would-be comedian, while Johnny is a soft-spoken new wave fan (not punk... "a totally different head... totally.") Though seemingly off in his own world most of the time, Johnny states that he "[does not] do drugs and isn't a hippie" and on more than one occasion displays unexpected intuition and empathy, particularly regarding Marshall and the girls. The two boys help maintain the school radio station. Several scenes indicate that Marshall is attracted to Lauren and Johnny to Patty.

The popular kids whom Patty and Lauren are usually trying to impress are Jennifer DiNuccio (Tracy Nelson), the quintessential shallow Valley girl, her boyfriend Vinnie Pasetta (Jon Caliri), a handsome greaser hood, and LaDonna Fredericks (Claudette Wells), Jennifer's friend and the sole minority character in the cast. Vinnie is cool but dense, and LaDonna is given to sassy remarks.

The typical official high school activity culture is personified by preppy Muffy B. Tepperman (Jami Gertz), the endlessly chipper chairwoman of the Weemawee Pep Committee, head of the Morals Club, chair of the Science Fair Committee and a member of the Future Nurses of America. Muffy has a memorably pompous, oratorical speaking style and begins many sentences with "It behooves me to tell you..." or an elongated "People...". Though perhaps socially inept ("I’m going to ignore that because, frankly, I don't get it"), Muffy's unawareness and/or lack of concern with her failure to fit in with the popular kids is in stark contrast to the motivation of the show's protagonists, and does not stop her from relentless involvement in school activities. She shows her partial disdain for Patty and Lauren by calling them "String Bean" and "Fang" and the "gruesome twosome"[5]

An ongoing gag throughout the series is Muffy's fundraising for Weemawee's adopted "little Guatemalan child," Rosarita. As the series progresses, Muffy's charitable intentions become more and more frivolous, asking the school community to provide the girl with her own apartment away from her parents, cable TV, a second pair of culottes, swimwear, a split-level duplex, and finally, her own cleaning lady.

This group of eight students, though clearly of varied academic standing, are always in the same classes.

The recurring staff members at the school are:

  • Ms. Alison Loomis (Catlin Adams), a feminist liberal arts teacher who often complains about her ex-husband
  • Mr. Rob "Lovebeads" Donovan (Steven Peterman), who continuously brings up his antics in the 1960s and always stops just short of completing references to smoking pot
  • Mr. John Michael Spacek (Craig Richard Nelson), the affected but married drama teacher
  • Dr. Winthrop Dingleman (Basil Hoffman), the grinning, square principal

Series creator Anne Beatts appeared in two episodes as Miss Rezucha.

Home life of the students is rarely depicted, but Patty's father is prominently featured in the Christmas episode. He is played by Tony Dow, best known as Wally Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver.

Production

[edit]

Creative staff

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The show was unusual for an American sitcom of the time in having a largely female writing room, at Beatts' instigation.[6] Twelve of the 20 produced episodes were written entirely by women, with another 3 being co-written by women. As well, half the episodes were directed by women.[6]

Show opening

[edit]

Before the opening credits and theme song begin, every episode starts with the following dialogue appearing in a montage of stills from the school:

Lauren: Listen. I've got this whole high school thing psyched out. It all breaks down into cliques.
Patty: Cliques?
Lauren: Yeah, you know. Cliques. Little in-groups of different kids. All we have to do is click with the right clique, and we can finally have a social life that's worthy of us.
Patty: No way! Not even with cleavage.
Lauren: I tell you, this year we're going to be popular.
Patty: Yeah?
Lauren: Yeah. Even if it kills us.

Series cancellation

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Square Pegs creator Anne Beatts revealed to TV Guide in 1984, a year after the series was canceled, "I think that certainly, there was some drug abuse or drug traffic that may have happened, because I would say that that is norm for a set."[7] Devo member Gerald Casale also confirmed in 2009 the rumors of drug use on set, saying: "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. I don’t think there was a virgin on the set, except maybe a couple of the guys".[8]

Most of the show's scenes were filmed at the abandoned Excelsior High School in suburban Norwalk, California.[6] Because Norwalk was twenty miles from Norman Lear's studio office and CBS Television in Los Angeles, it was hard for the producers or network to know what was happening during filming. Embassy Television received numerous reports of drug and alcohol abuse in the presence of minors, which caused Embassy President Michael Grade to ask for an investigation and led him to pull the plug on the show shortly after the first season finished production. Cast members Jon Caliri and Tracy Nelson have adamantly denied that any of the minors in the cast were involved with drugs (although not denying that there may have been drug abuse amongst the crew).[7]

Beatts herself maintained "... drugs, ego, and chaos did not kill Square Pegs. Low ratings did. The highest audience share Square Pegs ever received was a 24, which now [in 2020] would make you the queen of Hollywood, but was considered inadequate for CBS, then the leading 'Tiffany network.'"[6]

Music

[edit]

The show's opening and closing theme songs, "Square Pegs" and an untitled instrumental (reminiscent of "Chopsticks") composed by Tom Scott, are performed by The Waitresses. In some episodes, the instrumental is the opening theme and "Square Pegs" the closing theme, and in others these are reversed.

  • The Waitresses appear in the premiere episode performing as themselves. They play "I Know What Boys Like" during a scene at the school dance, and "Square Pegs" in a scene during the closing credits, with the characters dancing along. Their song "Christmas Wrapping" also plays in the show's hangout diner (The Grease) during the Christmas episode. They are also mentioned by Jennifer in the episode in which she works at the diner.
  • John Densmore, original drummer for The Doors, plays himself as a member of Johnny Slash's New Wave band, Open 24 Hours, in the episode "Open 24 Hours" (episode #8). He also is the drummer in Johnny's band, renamed Open 48 Hours, in "Muffy's Bat Mitzvah" (episode #9).
  • Also performing in "Muffy's Bat Mitzvah" is the new wave band Devo, appearing as themselves.
  • Rockabilly band Jimmy & The Mustangs perform in the final episode, "The Arrangement".
  • Radio and television personality Richard Blade makes a cameo as himself in "Muffy's Bat Mitzvah" and "The Arrangement".
  • The walls of the school radio station, run by Marshall, are covered with posters from then-current New Wave acts, including Berlin, The Clash, Missing Persons, Squeeze, Devo, The B-52's, and Laurie Anderson.
  • Billy Idol's song "Dancing with Myself" is featured in episode #18 ("No Substitutions"), which guest starred Bill Murray as a substitute teacher. The song is replaced with generic music in the show's DVD release for licensing reasons, but the original audio is in the version of the episode available on iTunes.

The music supervision for the show was handled by Stephen Elvis Smith, although he is credited as Program Coordinator, and later as Associate Producer. The 2008 DVD release, which included interviews with the cast, was directed by Stephen Smith and produced by his company Abbey Entertainment.

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code
1"Pilot"Kim FriedmanAnne BeattsSeptember 27, 1982 (1982-09-27)101

Freshman Patty gets the chance to "click with the right clique" when she attracts the attention of a handsome senior.

Guest Stars: The Waitresses
2"A Cafeteria Line"Kim FriedmanJanis HirschOctober 4, 1982 (1982-10-04)102
The romantic leads in the school musical lead to romance for Patty and Vinnie.
3"Pac Man Fever"Terry HughesMarjorie GrossOctober 11, 1982 (1982-10-11)105
Marshall loses his comic touch when he becomes possessed by a video game. His only hope for salvation: exorcism by the cleric of comedy, Father Guido Sarducci.
4"Square Pigskins"Kim FriedmanAndy BorowitzOctober 18, 1982 (1982-10-18)104
Lauren talks Patty into joining the Weemawee girls football team — coached by a gung-ho army vet and a women's libber who bristles at the slightest slight.
5"Halloween XII"Terry HughesMarjorie Gross and Susan SilverNovember 1, 1982 (1982-11-01)109
The Weemawee High School Halloween dance gets canceled when Muffy spends the entire budget on unnecessary decorations. She feels so guilty that she begs Ms. Loomis to have a slumber party for the girls; Patty and Lauren see this as an opportunity to join in with the popular girls. The girls become scared when they hear noises outside, only to discover that it is Vinnie, Johnny and Marshall. They all calm down until they think they see a dark, monster-like figure moving towards the door.
6"A Simple Attachment"Terry HughesDavid FeltonNovember 8, 1982 (1982-11-08)107
Hopelessly in love with Lauren, Marshall takes an opportunity with the science fair to build a "love detector." His project backfires on him. It also causes problems for happy couples by making other love matches for them.
7"Weemaweegate"Kim FriedmanChris Miller and Michael SuttonNovember 15, 1982 (1982-11-15)108
Vinnie is attempting to become the school mascot but keeps running into problems. School newspaper reporters Patty and Lauren decide to investigate the strange happenings. The clues quickly point to Marshall, but it is possible he is being set up.
8"Open 24 Hours"Kim FriedmanDeanne StillmanNovember 22, 1982 (1982-11-22)106
Marshall becomes Johnny's manager and books his band, a band no one has ever seen, for the gala opening of a supermarket deli counter.
9"Muffy's Bat Mitzvah"Kim FriedmanMargaret Oberman and Rosie ShusterNovember 29, 1982 (1982-11-29)113

When she leaves them off her guest list, Lauren and Patty scheme to get invited to Muffy's bat mitzvah party.

Guest Stars: Devo
10"Hardly Working"Terry HughesAndy Borowitz and Janis HirschDecember 13, 1982 (1982-12-13)112
Jennifer does the uncoolest thing possible: she gets a job.
11"A Child's Christmas in Weemawee: Part 1"Terry HughesMarjorie Gross and Janis HirschDecember 20, 1982 (1982-12-20)115
Patty's in a quandary: should she spend Christmas in an isolated cabin with her divorced father, or the way she'd prefer — with her friends at school?
12"A Child's Christmas in Weemawee: Part 2"Terry HughesMarjorie Gross and Janis HirschDecember 20, 1982 (1982-12-20)116
Patty wants to patch things up with her dad in time to still attend the all-important Weemawee Christmas party.
13"It's All How You See Things"Kim FriedmanJanis HirschDecember 27, 1982 (1982-12-27)110
Patty thinks that wearing glasses is the cause of her problems, and therefore decides to stop wearing them.
14"Merry Pranksters"Kim Friedman and James Nasella Jr.Deanne StillmanJanuary 10, 1983 (1983-01-10)111
To gain popularity Patty and Lauren become expert pranksters. The joke is on them, however, when someone else gets credit for their stunts.
15"It's Academical"Terry HughesAndy BorowitzJanuary 24, 1983 (1983-01-24)114
The kids are excited when Dan Vermillion (Martin Mull), host of channel 124's quiz show It's Academical (parody of It's Academic), announces that Weemawee High School has just been selected to compete. This will be a big competition since they will face their arch-rivals, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Tech. Patty is selected along with Muffy and Larry Simpson since they have the three highest grade point averages. Patty sees this as another chance to gain popularity, and maybe Larry as a boyfriend.
16"The Stepanowicz Papers"Terry HughesSusan SilverJanuary 31, 1983 (1983-01-31)103
When Mr. Stepanowicz starts his new job as the school janitor, Lauren dreams of becoming Mrs. Stepanowicz. Patty tries to talk some sense into her friend, but it looks like Lauren needs to learn the hard way.
17"To Serve Weemawee All My Days"Kim FriedmanAndy Borowitz and Janis HirschFebruary 5, 1983 (1983-02-05)117
Mr. Donovan's job is in jeopardy because the school board has discovered he is living with a woman.
18"No Substitutions"Kim FriedmanAndy BorowitzFebruary 14, 1983 (1983-02-14)119
Jack McNulty (Bill Murray) is a substitute teacher who fills in for Ms. Loomis while she is in Reno for a teacher conference. Mr. McNulty sets the kids up with mock marriages to teach them about life, and he quickly becomes their favorite teacher. The kids end up learning a life lesson, just not the one that was planned.
19"No Joy in Weemawee"James Nasella Jr.Marjorie Gross and Deanne StillmanFebruary 21, 1983 (1983-02-21)118

The Weemawee Braves are holding baseball tryouts when star pitcher Vinnie harasses Johnny until he finally has had enough and takes a turn at bat. Johnny hits three consecutive pitches for home runs and immediately makes the team. Coach Donovan is beside himself since his school has not won a single baseball game since 1955.

Guest Stars: Steve Sax
20"The Arrangement"Craig Richard NelsonAnne Beatts and David SkinnerMarch 7, 1983 (1983-03-07)120
Vinnie needs Patty to help him study for a big math test. If he does not pass it, he cannot have the party he wants to throw to celebrate his six-month anniversary with Jennifer. By helping Vinnie, Patty and Lauren think the popular kids at school will finally accept them.

Release

[edit]

Broadcast

[edit]

Square Pegs debuted on CBS September 27, 1982 in the 8 P.M. Monday slot, and remained in that slot throughout its one-season run. The show struggled in the ratings against That's Incredible on ABC. WGBO in Chicago showed reruns of the series in early 1986, and episodes were shown on USA Network in the mid-1990s, and later on Nickelodeon/Nick@Nite, Nick at Nite’s TV Land, MeTV and Decades (now Catchy Comedy). Square Pegs was recently aired on Catchy on January 28, 2024 during the "Catchy Binge", and again on August 24, 2025, airing alongside Ferris Bueller. It joined the official lineup on September 6, 2025, currently airing Saturdays at 8 A.M. ET.[9]

Home media

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Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the entire series on DVD in a 3-disc set on May 20, 2008, to coincide with the theatrical release of Sarah Jessica Parker's film Sex and the City: The Movie. On the DVDs, the episodes have been digitally remastered and include eight featurettes called "Weemawee Yearbook Memories." Each featurette focuses on a different cast member and has new interviews with the actors and creator Anne Beatts.

Also on the DVD are two minisodes from 1980s sitcoms The Facts of Life and Silver Spoons.[10]

Because the two parts of "A Child's Christmas in Weemawee" appear together as one episode, the DVD packaging states that it includes 19 episodes rather than 20.

On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Mill Creek Entertainment had acquired the rights to various television series from the Sony Pictures library including Square Pegs.[11] They re-released the complete series on DVD on October 21, 2014.[12][13] Unlike Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release, the Mill Creek Entertainment release is two discs instead of three and the featurettes in the former release are not included in the latter release.

Reception

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US TV Ratings

Season Episodes Start date End date Nielsen rank Nielsen rating
1982-83 22 September 27, 1982 March 7, 1983 58[14] N/A

References

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Square Pegs

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Square Pegs is an American that premiered on on September 27, 1982, and ran for one season until its finale on March 7, 1983. Created by , a former writer for , the series follows the misadventures of two awkward high school freshmen—Patty Greene, played by , and Lauren Hutchinson, played by —as they navigate the social challenges of Weemawee High School in an effort to gain acceptance among the popular cliques. The show comprises 20 episodes and stars a ensemble cast that includes as Muffy Tepperman, Tracy Nelson as Jennifer DeNuccio, as Johnny "Slash" Ulasewicz, John Femia as Marshall Blechtman, as LaDonna Fredericks, and Jon Caliri as Vinnie Pasetta. The premise revolves around Patty and Lauren's contrasting personalities—Patty's quirky enthusiasm and Lauren's sarcastic wit—as they scheme to infiltrate the school's elite groups, often leading to humorous and relatable failures that highlight themes of adolescent insecurity and identity. Known for its sharp writing and integration of pop culture, including references to and contemporary films, Square Pegs distinguished itself by sympathetically portraying outsiders rather than using them solely for . Guest stars such as and the musical performances by added to its culturally attuned vibe, with the theme song "Square Pegs" by becoming a notable example of licensed pop tracks enhancing teen-oriented narratives. Despite positive critical reception—earning an 81% approval rating on for its honest depiction of teenage life—the series struggled with low viewership and was canceled after its single season. Square Pegs holds a lasting legacy as a pioneering that influenced the use of in television soundtracks and provided an early breakout role for , whose performance foreshadowed her later success in shows like Sex and the City. The series has since been praised for its satirical take on high school dynamics and remains available for streaming on platforms like and Prime Video, introducing its witty humor to new generations.

Overview

Premise

Square Pegs is an American sitcom that centers on the experiences of two awkward high school freshmen, Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson, who navigate the challenges of fitting in at Weemawee High School, a fictional institution set in an unspecified urban environment reflective of teen culture. The show portrays their determined yet often misguided efforts to reinvent themselves and achieve popularity among their more socially adept peers, highlighting the everyday trials of adolescence in a high school setting. The central theme revolves around the protagonists' quest for acceptance, blending situational comedy arising from their comedic mishaps with subtle on , the rigidity of social cliques, and the broader anxieties of teenage . This tone captures the humor in youthful awkwardness while critiquing the superficial standards of popularity that dominate high school life. Aired on , Square Pegs ran for a single season from September 1982 to March 1983, consisting of 20 episodes in a standard 30-minute format.

Main Characters

The protagonists of Square Pegs are freshmen Patty Greene and Hutchinson, two awkward and socially ambitious teenagers navigating the cliques at Weemawee High School. Patty, portrayed by , is depicted as a skinny, nearsighted, and brainy girl who is witty yet self-deprecating and anxious about her outsider status. At age 17 during filming, Parker brought prior Broadway experience, including roles in The Innocents (1976) and Annie (1978), to the part, marking an early television lead for the Ohio-born actress. In contrast, , played by , is assertive, quick-witted, and never at a loss for words, despite her braces and baby fat that underscore her nerdy image. Linker, around 16 at the time, had limited prior acting credits and was selected by creator for her authentic portrayal of teenage vulnerability. Their close friendship forms the core of the series, with the duo's contrasting traits—Patty's intellectual introspection and Lauren's verbal boldness—driving their shared efforts to gain popularity among the school's elite. The supporting cast embodies 1980s high school stereotypes, adding layers to the narrative through ensemble interactions. Johnny "Slash" Ulasewicz, played by (age 23), is a dim-witted new wave enthusiast and class clown who rejects punk aesthetics while aspiring to musical coolness, representing the alternative burnout archetype. Jennifer DeNuccio, portrayed by Tracy Nelson (age 19, daughter of singer ), is the privileged "" ice queen and beauty, leading the with indifferent snobbery. Her best friend and sidekick, Muffy Tepperman (, age 17), is a peppy head cheerleader whose enthusiasm highlights the show's of popularity-driven personas. Gertz, discovered via a nationwide talent search by producer , had debuted in Endless Love (1981) before this breakout role. Marshall Blechtman (John Femia) serves as the gawky, impression-obsessed aspiring comedian and social reject, often providing comic relief as the "horny best friend" figure with a crush on Lauren. Principal Dingleman () rounds out the authority figures as a grinning, bumbling administrator whose square demeanor mirrors the show's , ineffectually overseeing the chaotic student body. These characters' archetypes—, preppies, new wavers, and hapless adults—satirize the rigid social hierarchies of teen culture, with Patty and Lauren's group forming an unlikely alliance against the in-crowd.

Production

Development and Creative Team

Square Pegs was created by , a former writer for , who developed the series in 1982 drawing from her own high school experiences and observations of teen culture, including the social cliques and eccentricities she had previously explored in her "Nerds" sketches on SNL. Beatts envisioned the show as a "thinking kids' " that captured the authentic pressures and joys of , emphasizing the of its protagonists amid the era's emerging trends. As , Beatts assembled a predominantly all-female writing staff, a pioneering move for a major network at the time, though CBS insisted on adding a male writer, , to the team. The production was handled by Norman Lear's Embassy Television, with directors such as Kim Friedman contributing to several episodes to maintain the show's fresh, character-driven tone. Beatts pitched Square Pegs to as a distinctive teen comedy that avoided stereotypes by focusing on misfit freshmen navigating popularity, incorporating real like "gag me with a spoon" and fashion elements such as oversized sweaters and New Wave aesthetics. The network greenlit the series for a fall 1982 premiere in the Monday 8 p.m. slot, ordering 20 episodes to allow for a full season exploration of its urban high school setting set in to evoke an authentic metropolitan teen environment. Network notes emphasized broadening appeal while preserving Beatts' vision, including a push for more contemporary cultural references.

Filming and Style

Square Pegs was produced using a , which set it apart from the multi-camera format typical of sitcoms and allowed for a more cinematic approach to storytelling. This technique enabled location shooting for exteriors at the abandoned Excelsior High School in , providing an authentic backdrop for Weemawee High School scenes. Interiors were filmed on soundstages by Embassy Television in , contributing to the show's grounded visual feel. The directorial style emphasized realistic depictions of teen life with an ironic, media-savvy tone, often highlighting rapid-fire dialogue among cliques. Half of the 20 aired episodes were directed by women, including Kim Friedman's direction of 10 episodes, which infused the series with a fresh perspective on high school dynamics. Visual captured New Wave influences through moody and period-specific elements like neon accents in wardrobe and sets. Costume and set design authentically reflected early youth culture, featuring items such as leg warmers, , and headphones on characters like Johnny Slash to underscore social divides. The cafeteria sets, central to episodes like "A Cafeteria Line," visually segregated cliques—preppies, burnouts, and others—mirroring the show's exploration of fitting in. Guest stars, including as in "Pac Man Fever," were integrated seamlessly into this stylistic framework to enhance comedic vignettes. This approach, influenced by creator ' vision for hip, relatable teen narratives, defined the series' distinctive look.

Cancellation

Despite achieving a peak audience share of 24 in its early episodes, Square Pegs struggled to maintain consistent viewership, falling below CBS's internal benchmark of 27 for renewal consideration. Mid-season ratings declined sharply to a 12 share after a scheduling shift, exacerbated by competition from NBC's strong lineup including . The series averaged modest numbers overall, never breaking into the top 30 programs for the 1982–83 season, which contributed to its vulnerability amid network pressures. CBS underwent significant executive changes in early 1983, with initial support from executive Harvey Shepherd leading to a mid-season move from Mondays at 8 p.m. to Fridays at 8:30 p.m. in an attempt to boost visibility, but the slot change only accelerated the ratings drop due to tougher Friday night competition. The network viewed the show's focus on awkward high school outsiders as too specialized for mass audiences, leading to its non-renewal despite positive reviews. Rumors of on-set drug use and production chaos, later detailed in a article, have been cited as factors, though Beatts attributed the end primarily to low ratings. Creator expressed deep disappointment over the cancellation, stating, "I knew the show was doomed" after the ratings plunge, and later reflected on the emotional toll in interviews. The abrupt end shifted Beatts' focus to other writing projects, including Broadway and subsequent TV work. For the cast, particularly , the cancellation prompted a pivot to feature films, with Parker landing roles in (1984) and Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985) shortly after. All 20 produced episodes of Square Pegs were aired during its single season, concluding on March 7, 1983, with no unaired content; however, renewal was blocked by ongoing scheduling conflicts and the network's strategic overhaul.

Music and Opening

Theme Song and Music

The theme song for Square Pegs, titled "Square Pegs," was performed by the new wave band The Waitresses, known for their earlier hit "I Know What Boys Like" but distinct in style from their holiday single "Christmas Wrapping." The song's lyrics, penned by series creator Anne Beatts, humorously capture the struggles of social misfits trying to fit in at high school, with lines like "One size does not fit all" emphasizing themes of awkward adolescence and nonconformity. The music was composed by Chris Butler, the band's guitarist and primary songwriter, blending upbeat new wave rhythms with witty, observational verses to set an irreverent tone for the series. The closing theme is an untitled instrumental composed by Tom Scott, reminiscent of "Chopsticks," and was used in some episodes, occasionally interchanged with the opening theme. Incidental music in Square Pegs prominently featured contemporary new wave and pop tracks, which served to underscore the characters' teen angst, humor, and aspirations for coolness in a pre-MTV-dominated era. The soundtrack incorporated songs from artists like Billy Idol ("Dancing with Myself"), The B-52's ("Rock Lobster"), and The Clash ("London Calling"), using their energetic, edgy sounds to mirror the protagonists' clumsy attempts at popularity and rebellion. This pioneering approach to licensing current hits helped pioneer the integration of pop music into narrative TV, amplifying the show's authentic 1980s youth culture without relying solely on original scoring. The sound design emphasized 1980s synth elements characteristic of new wave production, with electronic keyboards and pulsating basslines providing a modern, urban backdrop to everyday high scenarios. was woven into key settings, such as school dances, where live performances by bands like added realism and immersion, blurring the lines between the characters' world and the era's burgeoning alternative scene. Despite its influential role in popularizing new wave on television, no official for Square Pegs was ever released, leaving fans to compile unofficial playlists from the era's hits; the theme song appeared on ' 1982 EP I Could Rule the World If I Could Only Get the Parts but did not achieve significant commercial chart success as a standalone single.

Opening Sequence

The opening sequence of Square Pegs consists of a 30-second montage showcasing the cast in various high school scenarios, designed to capture the awkwardness and energy of teenage life at Weemawee High School. The sequence opens with quick cuts of the main characters in stereotypical poses, such as Lauren Hutchinson tripping in the hallway and Johnny Slash strumming his guitar, interspersed with stills from episodes. The title card appears midway through the sequence, displaying "Square Pegs" in a bold, geometric font that evokes the geometric shapes of the pegs and holes, reinforcing the show's title and premise. The montage includes scenes of lockers slamming, students rushing through corridors, and group interactions in the , all edited with rapid pacing to mirror the frenetic pace of high school . These elements collectively establish a tone of humorous nonconformity, highlighting the protagonists' outsider status amid the pressure to fit in. The opening sequence remained largely consistent across the series' 20 episodes, serving as a reliable visual anchor that reinforced the misfit theme with each airing. The theme song by overlays the montage, providing an energetic new wave soundtrack that complements the visuals without dominating them.

Episodes

Episode List

Square Pegs aired a single season consisting of 20 episodes on CBS from September 27, 1982, to March 7, 1983.
EpisodeTitleOriginal Air DatePlot SummaryNotes
1PilotSeptember 27, 1982Best friends Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson, two awkward freshmen, navigate their first day at Weemawee High School, desperately trying to fit in with the popular crowd.Directed by Kim Friedman; written by Anne Beatts.
2A Cafeteria LineOctober 4, 1982Vinnie and Jennifer's relationship hits a rough patch when Vinnie develops feelings for his co-star Patty in the school musical.
3Pac Man FeverOctober 11, 1982Marshall becomes addicted to the arcade game Pac-Man, while Johnny seeks advice from Father Guido Sarducci to impress a girl.Guest star: Don Novello as Father Guido Sarducci.
4Square PigskinsOctober 18, 1982Lauren convinces Patty to join the girls' flag football team in hopes of meeting cute boys.
5Halloween XIINovember 1, 1982Patty and Lauren attend a Halloween party at school, where they feel constantly watched and judged by the popular students.
6A Simple AttachmentNovember 8, 1982Marshall invents a "love detector" gadget that causes chaos in the school's social dynamics.
7WeemaweegateNovember 15, 1982Patty and Lauren investigate a scandal involving the school mascot's campaign posters, with Marshall as a prime suspect.
8Open 24 HoursNovember 22, 1982During Career Week, Johnny forms a rock band with Marshall as his manager, leading to unexpected opportunities.
9Muffy's Bat MitzvahNovember 29, 1982Patty, Lauren, Johnny, and Marshall are not invited to Muffy's lavish Bat Mitzvah, prompting them to crash the event.Guest stars: DEVO performing "That's Good".
10Hardly WorkingDecember 13, 1982Jennifer takes a job at a fast-food restaurant to earn extra money, which threatens her cool image at school.
11A Child's Christmas in Weemawee (1)December 20, 1982Patty's estranged father unexpectedly visits for the holidays, disrupting her plans with Lauren.Guest star: Tony Dow as Patty's father.
12A Child's Christmas in Weemawee (2)December 20, 1982Patty confronts her family issues to salvage New Year's Eve celebrations with her friends.
13It's All How You See ThingsDecember 27, 1982Patty experiments with contact lenses to see if it boosts her popularity, straining her friendship with Lauren.
14Merry PrankstersJanuary 10, 1983Patty and Lauren attempt school pranks that go awry and get attributed to a notorious prankster.
15It's AcademicalJanuary 24, 1983Patty competes against Muffy on a local TV quiz show to catch the eye of a handsome senior.
16The Stepanowicz PapersJanuary 31, 1983Lauren develops a crush on a boy who may not reciprocate, leading to heartbreak.
17To Serve Weemawee All My DaysFebruary 7, 1983Patty and Lauren rally to support a teacher using unconventional methods, clashing with Muffy's opposition.
18No SubstitutionsFebruary 14, 1983A substitute teacher shakes up the freshmen class with his unorthodox approach to education.Guest star: Bill Murray as Mr. McNulty.
19No Joy in WeemaweeFebruary 21, 1983Johnny's lucky baseball streak draws attention from professional players, putting pressure on him.Guest star: Steve Sax and Los Angeles Dodgers teammates.
20The ArrangementMarch 7, 1983Lauren believes she and Patty have finally become popular, but Patty uncovers the true reason behind their sudden acceptance.Jimmy & The Mustangs perform.

Notable Episodes

The pilot episode of Square Pegs introduces the central premise of high school social dynamics at the fictional Weemawee High, where protagonists and arrive as freshmen determined to infiltrate the school's rigid cliques. The story unfolds on their first day, as the duo navigates the cafeteria hierarchy dominated by popular figures like the preppy couple Jennifer DeNuccio (Tracy Nelson) and Vinnie Pasetta (John Femia), aspiring rocker , class clown Marshall Blechtman (John Femia), and bubbly . Patty and Lauren's awkward attempts to blend in—such as mimicking slang and outfits—highlight their outsider status, culminating in a chaotic school dance where they briefly connect with before reality sets in. This episode establishes the series' satirical take on adolescent conformity, with visual montages of teen fashion like leg warmers and oversized sweaters underscoring the era's cultural obsessions. Character growth is evident in Patty's initial optimism clashing with Lauren's more pragmatic scheming, foreshadowing their evolving friendship amid repeated rejections. The episode's narrative arc emphasizes themes of identity and belonging, as the girls' failed bid for exposes the superficiality of high school status symbols, including references to contemporary hits like Michael Jackson's music. By ending on a note of resilience, the pilot sets up ongoing explorations of , with Patty's and Lauren's boldness emerging as key traits that both hinder and humanize their quests. Its focus on navigation resonated as a relatable , earning a 7.7/10 rating from viewers for its sharp ensemble introduction. In "Square Pigskins," Lauren pushes Patty to join the Weemawee girls' football team as a ploy to attract boys and gain social traction, thrusting the tomboyish Patty into an unfamiliar athletic world. Skeptical at first, Patty participates in grueling practices under the team's coach, leading to comedic mishaps like fumbled plays and locker room banter with teammates, including the competitive LaDonna Fredericks (). The plot escalates when the team's underdog status mirrors the girls' own outsider struggles, culminating in a game where Patty's unexpected grit helps secure a win, though it strains her friendship with Lauren over differing motivations. This episode satirizes 1980s gender norms in sports, referencing the era's growing interest in women's athletics post-Title IX, while incorporating pop culture nods to football mania akin to highlights dominating TV. Patty's arc showcases significant growth, as her initial reluctance evolves into through physical challenge, highlighting her resilience and challenging of feminine delicacy. Lauren learns the limits of manipulation when her scheme backfires, fostering deeper mutual support between the friends. Rated 7.6/10, the episode's blend of and thematic depth on self-confidence made it a standout for portraying female agency in a male-dominated context. "Weemaweegate" parodies political scandals through a high school lens, with and serving as amateur reporters investigating the contentious campaign for a new . The duo uncovers dirty tricks, including and rumors, amid various mascot candidates, while Marshall's —a fake endorsement stunt—positions him as a suspect and amplifies the chaos. The narrative builds to a confrontation, where the girls expose the corruption, restoring order but reinforcing their niche as truth-tellers rather than popularity seekers. Drawing parallels to Watergate-era intrigue, the episode weaves in references to fervor, such as campaign buttons reminiscent of Reagan's media-savvy . The episode advances character development by boosting Patty and Lauren's investigative confidence, turning their "square peg" status into an asset for journalistic , while Marshall grapples with the consequences of his impulsivity. Johnny's minor role in the campaign subplot hints at his growing political savvy, adding layers to the . With a 7.8/10 rating, it exemplifies the show's knack for timely on authority and ambition. "It's All How You See Things" tackles nerd stereotypes head-on, as experiments by ditching her to test if they sabotage her popularity, navigating school blindly and misjudging . This leads to humorous blunders, like bumping into Vinnie or misreading flirtations, while straining her bond with , who feels sidelined by Patty's solo quest. The plot resolves when Patty reinstates her glasses after a near-disaster, realizing authenticity trumps superficial changes, though not without reflecting on societal pressures labeling as uncool. The episode nods to 1980s optical trends, like oversized frames popularized in films such as precursor aesthetics. Patty's journey marks key growth in embracing her nerdy identity, reinforcing themes of self-perception over external validation, while Lauren confronts jealousy, strengthening their friendship. Rated 7.8/10, it provides insightful commentary on and exclusion. "Muffy's Bat " innovates with a music performance centerpiece, as excluded outsiders Patty, , , and Marshall scheme invitations to Muffy's "new wave" celebration featuring . The plot follows their manipulative tactics—flattery and favors—to crash the event, only to face Muffy's wavering guest list amid her quest for exclusivity. 's live rendition of "That's Good" electrifies the party, blending punk energy with Jewish rite-of-passage traditions, but the intruders' antics lead to awkward exposures. This episode captures 1980s new wave culture, referencing bands like from the theme song and MTV's rising influence on teen events. Character arcs highlight exclusion's sting, with Patty and Lauren's persistence yielding partial acceptance, and Johnny's band aspirations tying into the musical vibe for personal validation. As the highest-rated episode at 8.7/10, it stands out for cultural crossover, introducing bat mitzvahs to broader audiences via innovative guest performance.

Broadcast and Distribution

Original Airing

Square Pegs premiered on CBS on September 27, 1982, airing in the 8:00 p.m. ET Monday time slot. The series occupied this position throughout its single season, competing directly against ABC's popular variety show That's Incredible!. The show consisted of 20 half-hour episodes, broadcast primarily on a weekly basis with occasional preemptions for network specials and holiday programming. Airings began consistently every Monday, such as the pilot on September 27 followed by "A Cafeteria Line" on October 4 and "Pac-Man Fever" on October 11, though gaps appeared later in the schedule, including around and . The season concluded with the finale episode, "The Arrangement," on March 7, 1983. CBS promoted Square Pegs as a innovative teen capturing the authentic awkwardness of high school life, specifically targeting the 12-17 demographic in an era of rising youth-oriented programming. The network emphasized its fresh, relatable portrayal of misfit students amid genre competition from NBC's Silver Spoons, which debuted the same fall season. Ratings for Square Pegs started moderately but trended downward, averaging in the lower tier of the top 30 programs by mid-season. Following its U.S. run, Square Pegs entered initial international syndication in the on April 16, 1983, and became available in during the mid- through various broadcasters. Some overseas versions included minor edits to dialogue and scenes for cultural or broadcast standards.

Home Media and Streaming

The complete series of Square Pegs was released on DVD by on May 20, 2008, in a three-disc set containing all 19 episodes, digitally remastered for the first time. The set includes audio commentaries on four episodes featuring series creator , director James Sheldon, and actors and , along with interview featurettes such as "Weemawee Yearbook Memories" and two minisodes from other sitcoms. No Blu-ray or 4K upgrades have been issued as of 2025. Following its original CBS run, Square Pegs entered syndication with reruns airing on the USA Network starting in 1991, where it found renewed popularity as a weekday staple in the early 1990s. Episodes later appeared on Nickelodeon for a single day on March 9, 2001, as part of the network's programming lineup. These syndicated broadcasts often included edits to tone down language and content for broader audiences, aligning with the networks' family-friendly standards. As of November 2025, Square Pegs is available for streaming on via subscription and on as a free ad-supported option, allowing viewers to access the full season without cost beyond advertisements. Digital purchase or rental is possible on platforms like Amazon Video and , providing ownership for offline viewing. The series has seen intermittent availability on other services in prior years, including a period on , but no high-definition restorations or expanded streaming deals have emerged by 2025. As of November 2025, the series is also airing reruns on , with episodes scheduled weekly. Due to its cult status, fans have circulated bootleg VHS recordings from the 1980s and 1990s to preserve episodes before official home media options existed, though these unofficial copies vary in quality and legality. Online communities have expressed ongoing interest in upgraded releases, with discussions on forums dating back to 2007 advocating for better formats amid the show's enduring appeal.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its premiere in September 1982, Square Pegs received generally positive reviews from critics who praised its authentic depiction of high school social dynamics and its fresh take on teen comedy. John J. O'Connor of The New York Times highlighted the show's relatable portrayal of misfits navigating cliques, noting its appeal in capturing the "battle line" of adolescent conformity without condescension. Similarly, James Wolcott in New York magazine deemed it the best new series of the season, commending its intelligent humor and avoidance of typical sitcom tropes. An aggregate of early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes reflects this acclaim, with an 81% "Fresh" rating based on 26 critic scores. Critics also lauded Sarah Jessica Parker's performance as Patty Greene, marking it as her breakout role and earning praise for her nuanced portrayal of an awkward yet determined teen. However, some reviews noted uneven humor in certain episodes, with occasional reliance on exaggerated character archetypes that bordered on . The series earned one Emmy nomination in 1983 for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Graphic Design and Title Sequences, shared by Edie Baskin and Jeff Carpenter, but did not win. In retrospective analyses, Square Pegs has been viewed as ahead of its time, particularly for its diverse ensemble representing various 1980s high school cliques— including new-wavers, preppies, and —and for addressing teen nonconformity in ways that anticipated later shows like . A 2015 A.V. Club piece emphasized its promising new-wave sensibility and cultural references, despite behind-the-scenes issues contributing to its single-season run amid low ratings.

Cultural Impact

Square Pegs has been recognized as a pioneering influence on subsequent teen-oriented television, particularly in its sympathetic portrayal of social misfits navigating high school hierarchies. Created by , the series treated adolescent outsiders as relatable protagonists rather than punchlines, a approach that foreshadowed more nuanced depictions in later shows like and . For instance, critics have noted that Square Pegs laid groundwork for the empathetic exploration of teen awkwardness seen in Judd Apatow's , which fully realized the potential of such themes in the late 1990s. The show's dialogue, infused with early Valley Girl slang such as "totally" and "like," contributed to the mainstream adoption of this vernacular in pop culture, reflecting and amplifying the era's youth lingo through its sharp, banter-heavy scripts. The series significantly boosted the careers of its young cast, most notably , who starred as the brainy Patty Greene. Parker's performance in Square Pegs marked her breakthrough in television, providing the exposure that propelled her to subsequent roles in films like (1984) and eventually her iconic portrayal of in (1998–2004), where echoes of her geeky, fashion-forward character could be traced. , who played the popular but conflicted aspiring newswoman, also gained early prominence, though Parker's trajectory became the most enduring legacy. While formal cast reunions have been limited, Parker has reflected on the show in interviews and DVD commentaries, highlighting its role in her development as an actress following the 2008 release of the complete series on . In pop culture, Square Pegs endures through nostalgic references and revivals. The series was parodied in a 2015 episode of The Goldbergs, "The Darryl Dawkins Dance," where characters Erica and Barry watch an episode, underscoring its status as a touchstone for 1980s teen comedy. Its cult following has been revitalized by streaming availability on Netflix, Prime Video, fuboTV, and The Roku Channel (as of November 2025), attracting new audiences amid broader interest in retro sitcoms. Tributes following the 2021 death of creator Anne Beatts further cemented its legacy, with Parker and others crediting the show for shaping modern teen narratives. By 2025, the series continues to symbolize the awkward charm of 1980s youth culture.

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