You probably still have the zip code etched into your brain. 0-2-1-3-4. It was more than just a Boston address; it was a call to arms for every kid who wanted to speak Ubbi Dubbi and build a baking soda volcano. Whether you grew up with the bell-bottoms of the 1970s or the striped tees of the late '90s, the cast of Zoom TV show felt like your actual friends.
They weren't "stars" in the Hollywood sense. They were just kids from around Massachusetts who happened to have the coolest after-school job on the planet. Honestly, that was the magic. No glitter, no scripts—just a bunch of "Zoomers" being themselves. But what happens when the cameras stop rolling on a show that defined a generation? Some went to Broadway, some became doctors, and others dealt with the heavy weight of being a former child star in a world that moved on.
The 1970s Originals: Where the Magic Started
The first iteration of Zoom (1972–1978) was a fever dream of folk songs and striped rugs. Producer Christopher Sarson wanted "everykids." He didn't want polished actors; he wanted kids who would trip over their words or laugh at their own jokes.
The original season one crew—Joe Shrand, Nina Lillie, Kenny Pires, Tracy Tannebring, Tommy White, Jon Reuning, and Nancy Tates—set the template. They weren't allowed to do commercials or other TV work for three years after leaving. The goal was to keep them grounded. Basically, the producers were terrified of "stage parents."
Take Joe Shrand, for example. If you watch those old clips, he was the energetic kid with the infectious grin. Today? He’s Dr. Joseph Shrand, a renowned psychiatrist and author. He’s spent his adult life helping people understand the human brain, which is a pretty impressive leap from singing "The Cat Came Back."
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Then there’s Leon Mobley, who joined in season two. You’ve definitely seen him since, even if you didn't realize it. He’s a world-class percussionist who has toured with the likes of Ben Harper and Damian Marley. He took that Zoom rhythm and turned it into a global career.
The 90s Reboot: A New Generation of Ubbi Dubbi
Fast forward to 1999. WGBH decided it was time to bring the stripey shirts back. The reboot was a massive hit, and for many Millennials, these were their Zoomers.
The first season of the reboot featured Zoe Costello, Jared Nathan, Keiko Yoshida, Pablo Velez Jr., Alisa Besher, David Toropov, and Lynese Browder. Pablo Velez Jr. recently opened up on social media about his time on the show. He’s been really transparent about how the show changed his life. Coming from a working-class background in Lowell, Massachusetts, being on a national stage was a culture shock. He actually ended up working back at WGBH as an adult in the development department. It’s a full-circle moment that feels very Zoom.
The Bittersweet Legacy of Jared Nathan
We have to talk about Jared Nathan. He was the charismatic kid from season one of the reboot who everyone loved. He was incredibly talented and ended up attending the Juilliard School for drama. Tragedies like his are the ones that hit the fan community the hardest. Jared passed away in a car accident in 2006 at the age of 21. It was a devastating loss for the Zoom family, and a scholarship for the arts was later created in his name. His presence on the show remains a high point for many fans who remember his humor and energy.
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The Cast Members Who Stayed in the Spotlight
Not every Zoomer left the industry. Kaleigh Cronin (Seasons 3-4) is perhaps the most visible success story from the later years. She traded the Zoom set for the bright lights of Broadway, appearing in major productions like Cabaret, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Caroline Botelho is another name that fans always bring up. She was on the show for a whopping four seasons (Seasons 2-5). While she didn't pursue a massive acting career, she remains one of the most recognizable faces of the 2000s era.
Why the Cast Rotated So Often
If you ever wondered why your favorite Zoomer disappeared after a season or two, it was intentional. The producers used a "buddy system." They’d keep a few veterans to train the newbies, then rotate them out. This kept the show feeling fresh and prevented any one kid from becoming the "main character." It was a collaborative environment, which is rare for TV.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
People often think these kids were making "Disney Channel" money. They weren't. This was public television. They were paid a modest fee and spent their summers filming in a studio in Boston.
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Another misconception? That the show was scripted. Sure, they had segments like Zoom Sci or Zoom Tale, but the banter? Mostly real. If a kid messed up a game or a science experiment failed, they kept it in. That authenticity is why, in 2026, we’re still talking about them.
Actionable Steps for Zoom Nostalgia
If you're looking to reconnect with the world of 0-2-1-3-4, there are a few things you can actually do right now:
- Check out the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. They have a massive collection of original 1970s episodes that were digitized for the show's 50th anniversary.
- Follow the "Zoomers" on social media. Several cast members from the 90s era, like Pablo Velez Jr., are active on TikTok and Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and old photos.
- Look for the 2022 Reunion. WGBH hosted a virtual 50th-anniversary celebration where cast members from multiple generations got together to talk about the show's impact. It's a goldmine for trivia.
The legacy of the cast of Zoom TV show isn't just about the games or the songs. It’s about the fact that for thirty minutes a day, kids saw other kids who looked like them, talked like them, and weren't afraid to be weird. Whether they went on to be doctors, actors, or producers, they’ll always be the kids who told us to "Come on and Zoom."