''Realism'' was at the center of Square Pegs, according to Sarah Jessica Parker
When Square Pegs first aired in 1982, Sarah Jessica Parker was only 17 years old. She was a pro at acting for her age, and she was able to play her age on the series.
Square Pegs was a sitcom about high school students trying to fit in while navigating the awkwardness of being a teen. You know, acne, boys, popular kids and everything in between.
According to a 1983 interview with The Tampa Tribune, Parker realized how difficult acting could be after struggling through the pilot. This wasn’t like the movies. Being a teen on TV was nothing like a John Hughes film—it was a lot tougher than it looked.
"It’s hard work," Parker said. "Much harder work than I ever thought it would be. This is a show about kids, the kids carry the show—so I work every day, no time off, not much space."
"It’s also fun," she continued. "I have a good time acting. In between scenes, however, is the toughest time for me because I constantly have to catch up with my schoolwork."
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While her character Patty was still in school, so was she. Hollywood, however, reminded her of high school, with its own 'in crowds' and popular kids. Like her character, Parker was determined to be in that crowd.
While the Nielsen ratings may not have soared like other nostalgic, high school–themed shows such as Happy Days, Parker believed Square Pegs was more authentic.
"It takes a much more realistic view of teenagers than some of the others on the air right now," Parker said. "We are not an updated Happy Days. I think our show is simply unique. We are recognizably real people to kids at high schools and to their parents as well."
She said the key to Square Pegs was realism. Patty and her best friend were meant to represent real high schoolers. There was no one better to take on the role because in real life, Parker faced many of the same challenges as her character
"If adults were to walk into a school right now and listen to what’s going on … our show is very much what they would hear," Parker said.
"The original idea of Square Pegs was that we were using the high school situation to symbolize life in general," she continued. "Patty and Lauren are just two people whom the audience can say, 'Oh, that’s how I was too.'"
Despite its realistic approach, Square Pegs only lasted until 1983 before being canceled. Parker went on to build a highly successful acting career, including her iconic role on Sex and the City.