Going Great

Going Great is a Canadian newsmagazine type show that originally aired on CBC[1] and premiered in the United States on Nickelodeon on October 1, 1983.[2] Produced by Michael Maclear[1] and hosted by Chris Makepeace, Going Great focused on kids of all ages who did very amazing feats in the world some people couldn't do. New episodes aired on Tuesdays and Thursdays until February 14, 1984 (39 episodes).

History

Originally produced by CBC for 13 episodes,[1] Nickelodeon was so impressed by the show that they ordered an additional 26 episodes, bringing the total number of episodes to 39.[3] Going Great was one of Nickelodeon's lowest rated TV shows, receiving a 2 out of every 6 people watching it. Against the Odds is the lowest with 1 out of 6 people watching it.

Going Great focused on being able to do amazing, extreme things. Kids were shown and asked about their bravery, and they always said: "I'm not brave". With help from Nickelodeon, kids were able to do great things, hence the name Going Great.

In 1984, Keanu Reeves was a correspondent for the show.[4]

Response

While Going Great focused on child prodigies, it left normal kids with low self-esteem when Nickelodeon took it to focus groups, with the common response being "Well, I'll never be that good so I won't try that."[5]

References
  1. Adilman, Sid (April 1, 1982). "Special to The Star". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-27.
  2. "Series sold". Newspapers.com. February 18, 1983. Retrieved 2019-03-27.
  3. Adilman, Sid (February 17, 1983). "CBC hurrah". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-03-27.
  4. YouTube clip CBC RetroBites: Keanu Reeves
  5. Hendershot, Heather (2004). Nickelodeon Nation: The History, Politics, and Economics of America's Only TV Channel for Kids. NYU Press. p. 147. ISBN 9780814736517.


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