How (1966-1981)

How was a British educational television show created by Jack Hargreaves. It was produced from 22 March 1966 – 19 August 1981.

How was originally devised by Hargreaves for an audience of adults returning from the pub. Its aim would be to give facts and demonstrations that could settle arguments or be used aspub tricks. A one-off pilot was broadcast at 11.15pm on 22 March 1966, to viewers in the Southern Television area only.

Following the pilot, Hargreaves felt the show might work better in an afternoon slot, aimed at making facts fun for children. Thus, at 5.25pm on 25 April 1966, Southern began live transmission of the first programme in the series of How, which would continue in a similar format for the next fifteen years. Made in Southern's Southampton studios, it provided answers to questions beginning with the word "How".

Each episode began with the presenters all raising one hand and saying "How" simultaneously (mimicking the stereotypical Native American greeting). Topics commonly covered included science, history, mathematics and simple puzzles. The formula proved so successful that it was soon broadcast to the whole ITV network and given two slots per week.

The show was originally presented by Hargreaves alone. He was joined by Fred Dinenage (1966–1981), Jon Miller (1966–1981), Bunty James (1966–1969 and 1970–1976), Dr Tom Gaskell (1969), Jill Graham (1969–1970) and Marian Davies (1977–1981). Occasional stand-ins for Hargreaves included Barry Bucknell.

The series came to an end in 1981 when Southern Television lost its ITV franchise, but was revived as How 2 in 1990.