Short, simple and sweet, JOT taught young American viewers morals and manners through easy-to-understand lessons and drawings.
Designed by Ruth Byers and Ted Perry on behalf of the Southern Baptist Radio-Television Commission, JOT dealt with topics ranging from racial tolerance to making right choices, to life in the big city, each covered in a four-and-a-half-minute segment.
The title character was a small, white, happy dot that bounced across child-like backgrounds while interacting with characters both on and off the screen.
JOT wasn’t always sure how to react to the world around him, and his shape and colour frequently changed to reflect his moods. Byers and Perry wanted their creation to reflect the inner turmoil of a child’s conscience, and the shape-shifting dot was a perfect vehicle.
Only by finding the answer to his spiritual dilemmas could JOT regain his proper colour, shape and cheery countenance.
Originally seen on Dallas TV’s Children’s Hour, JOT became a popular component of several syndicated stations’ kiddie line-ups.
Kids, parents and churches responded with enthusiasm to the non-denominational moral messages, and Byers and Perry filmed extra episodes to accommodate the demand.
In all, only 18 short JOT episodes were produced, but their simple lessons have been carried around the globe and are still being broadcast on some religious television stations today.
