The show's signature catchphrase was "I don't know," which, when spoken by any character, would trigger a deluge of green slime falling from above onto the character's head. The show used humor that was often sarcastic, satirical, and even dark, with jokes about politics, war, and death. It also had a recurring theme of disobeying authority figures.
The show's characters included Barth, the wise-cracking announcer; Christine "Moose" McGlade, the tomboyish host; Lisa Ruddy, a snobbish and popular girl; Kevin Schenk, a dim-witted jock; and several other regulars. The show also featured guest appearances from notable Canadian actors, such as Leslie Nielsen and Eugene Levy. The show tackled controversial issues, such as censorship and animal testing, by using humor to get its point across.
You Can't Do That on Television had a significant impact on children's television and pop culture. The show's use of irreverent humor and its willingness to address serious issues made it a favorite of kids and adults alike. It spawned many imitators and paved the way for similar shows like Nickelodeon's All That and The Amanda Show.
The show's legacy continues to this day, with many fans still remembering it fondly. It has been released on DVD, and clips from the show are often shared on social media. Its impact on Canadian culture has been recognized, and it was inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2019.