Pre-empted Show: You Can't Do That On Television

During the pre-empt, the announcer says YCDTOTV will be "a new and improved show," so Lisa wants to make sure that the viewers will get the extra clean, whiter-than-white show they deserve. However, nothing seems to have changed, as we still have "bad, horrible jokes." The idea of improving the show was dropped when Lisa gets the idea that burning Kevin at the stake while the cameras roll will draw many more viewers, and the ratings will go sky-high. This idea doesn't work either when Christine gets Kevin to say "water" to keep him from roasting. The ending acts somewhat as an opposite when Christine interrupts Lisa's extro (and even acts frustrated like Christine! Ha!) with her new idea to make the audience think the show really has improved ... a sign that says "Under New Management." Good idea, huh?

Production: Fair To Media

DID YOU NOTICE?

• Studio masters and home video recordings are both in existence.
• This is the only episode (besides 1989's Time) with white slime, a highly unusual element in the series. Lisa gets it when she and Christine discuss the new and improved, "whiter-than-white" program, and, eventually, she gets the "whiter-than-white" slime.
• There are no skits after the production in this episode. The episode ends with the graphic and voiceover by the announcer, saying that YCDTOTV has been a "Fair To Media Production."
• This was the first episode of the season that aired - in September 1983 on the same day as the premiere of another Nickelodeon gem, Mr. Wizard's World.

CLASSIC QUOTES

Lisa: You know Moose, for generations, newspaper men have been fighting for freedom of the press. It's one of their inalienable rights. You know, some newspaper men have gone to prison fighting for that very purpose. But I still have one question.
Christine: Mm, what's that, Lisa?
Lisa: If journalists want free press, how come I still have to pay 35 cents for a newspaper?
(Christine's "What?!" look on her face was hilarious!)

(Alasdair as the paper boy rings the doorbell)
Valerie: Hello. Oh my, you certainly have a lot of newspapers to deliver.
Alasdair: No, just three. (He pulls out a big, heavy paper from the bag) Here you go, ma'm.
Valerie: Well, thank you very much. Goodness, don't these big newspapers make you awfully tired?
Alasdair: No, I just deliver them. I don't read 'em.

STAGE POLLUTION

WHITE SLIME: Lisa

WATER: Kevin (3), Christine