Mathnet

I first saw this show as a young elementary school student, and I loved it then for its entertaining abilities and mystery qualities. Having taped some episodes when I was a child, I ran across them as an adult and I found them equally as delightful for their witty puns and found myself cracking up at the zany humor. These shows contain humor that is most certainly geared for adults (i.e. Nick and Nora Chuck - play on an old radio show Nick and Nora Charles) and thus succeeded in capturing the attention of both adults and children at the same time.

'Mathnet' was a pretty good way of getting kids to think about practical applications of math. It also simplifies mathematical equations to show that math doesn't have to be so overwhelming, especially when dealing with geometry and algebra.

A parody of the detective series, 'Dragnet,' the detectives would embark on an investigation during each episode which required math to solve the crime. I remember it being pretty predictable when I got older, but then again, this was just a show for young kids, as was the rest of PBS's 'Square One'.

The show had a lot of familiar faces, both noteable celebrities as well as some of the main cast who still bounces around in minor television roles these days. One viewer had commented on the production values of the show, as it was usually shot on location and with film stock rather than videotape. PBS did pump money into this little show, and I think they came up with a good educational show.

This was a great kids show, even for kids who didn't like math. James Earl Jones was awesome as usual. Truly a unique way to capture the imagination of children.

I came upon Square One TV when I was already out of college, and had a degree in video production. Mathnet was just the kind of show I would have loved to have worked on, with its great production values, great writing, and a fabulously talented cast who could deliver the lines deadpan.

I still remember two episodes in particular. In one, George was planning a vacation in Michigan on an island named Nomanissan, yes, that's Nomanissan Island (say it out loud if you need to). The other episode introduced me to the Fibonacci Sequence (begin with 1, then add it to the previous number (0), then continue to add the last 2 numbers together to get the next): 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13... It's amazing how many times that has come up in the last 30 years, and I only understood it because I watched Mathnet.

SUCH a good program! If they offered the whole series for download, I would buy it.

I watched this when I was a kid, and the fact that I'm writing a review for it now that I'm a grown woman is testimony to it's impact and success as a TV show and educational device.

The stories were captivating to a young audience, and cleverly promoted an interest in learning. It's role in the show Square One was brilliant as well, encouraging kids to keep up with every episode and learn even more. At the end of each program, it was like saving the best part for last.

"The stories are fake but the problems are real." I hope there is something equally engaging and educational when I have my own kids.