Everything 80s

When it first aired in September 1986, no one was quite sure what to think of it--especially critics and parents. It was loud, bold, colorful, and crazy...and kids loved it. This is the story of one of the most remarkable kids' shows ever made. A show that provided an educational component, but they also promised you the nuttiest establishment you've ever seen. All you had to do was spend the day with Pee-Wee and you'll see what they mean... It was wacky, it was nutty, golly, it was even cuckoo, because when you landed there, you landed in a place where anything can happen...This is the history of Pee-Wee's Playhouse. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

As we enter the mid-80s, the Edmonton Oilers are on top of the hockey world. And on the best team was also the best player in the world: Wayne Gretzky. But while all this was going on, something remarkable had also been happening in the hockey world, and in the most unlikely place. You may not know the name Tony Hand, but in 1986, both he and the Oilers eventually crossed paths--and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. This is a story that's about more than sports; it's about how greatness can come from anywhere... Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

They couldn't all be hits... During a decade that gave us so many beloved classics, there were other great movies that just flew under the radar. Whether it was too much competition, inadequate marketing, or bad timing, there are plenty of 1980s movies that could have been big hits, but just weren't. Today we look back at ten of those movies. Movies that had everything going for them; big-time directors, huge stars, exciting stories, and cutting-edge special effects. But because of a variety of issues, they just didn't reach the heights of other classics from the 80s. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

We're three years into a new decade and the 80s as we know it is starting to take shape. From the movies to TV shows, and music to video games, things are changing quickly--and pop culture would never be the same. Welcome to Rewind and an all-new version of my review of 1983. We look back on all the big pop culture moments along with sports and the tech that made up a remarkable year. And speaking of tech, 1983 brings us two critical innovations. Innovations that would have a bigger impact on our lives today than anyone could have ever imagined... The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Armed with a pocket full of change, you walk through those sliding doors and are greeted by a wonderland of amazing options as far as the eye can see. The biggest issue you face is what do you choose; candy, chocolate, chips, or a drink? This is a look back on the best snacks and junk food from the 80s, a decade that gave us some of the greatest products of all time. Products that are still with us to this day. But then, there are also some less fortunate favorites that didn't last long and went to that big convenience store in the sky... Top Gun movie review: Patreon.com/80s

There's a good chance you're reading this on your phone right now. And that phone of yours has some humble origins that go all the way back to 1983... This is the history of the Motorola Dynatac 8000x: the world's very first commercial cell phone. It's a story that begins in the 1970s and is followed by a massive uphill battle that lasted a decade and cost more than $100 million. But in 1983, the Dynatac 8000x finally hit the market. The giant brick of a phone slowly caught on, and also became a part of pop culture; from Wall Street to Bayside, the mobile revolution was truly underway... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

Titanic was called the 'Ship of Dreams,' and for oceanographer Robert Ballard, his dream had always been to find the most famous shipwreck of them all. Today, we travel back to September 1985 and revisit an event many thought would never happen. The discovery of The Titanic made headlines around the world, but was there more going on beneath the surface than we realized? Was the search for the legendary ship just a coverup for a top-secret, Cold War mission...? Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

It all came from a dream... In the summer of 1986, a new movie hit theatres. It mixed science-fiction and adventure and when it came to computer-generated imagery; it was quite ahead of its time. This is a look back at Flight of the Navigator, a movie that many see as an underrated sci-fi gem, but had a big influence on the future of movie-making. It combined cutting-edge tech with practical effects and even featured a pretty recognizable voice... Because of some extremely tough competition, Flight of the Navigator wasn't a box office blockbuster but eventually found a big audience on home video. Today, we look back on the innovation, imagination, and making of an 80s classic. Compliance! The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

What if there was a show so significant it could put an end to war? This was the approach taken by Jim Henson when he laid the foundation for Fraggle Rock. Henson didn't want to create some ordinary show, but a program that showed us the importance of taking care of ourselves, our environment, and each other. Besides being colorful, musical, and fun--the new show might just change the world... What we got was one of the most unique kids' shows of all time. A show that quickly spread around the globe and changed how television was made. Not only was it beloved by kids, but Fraggle Rock also became cable TV pioneers. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

If you grew up during the 80s, you probably had a collection of VHS tapes. From new movie releases to your tapes with all your favorite TV shows or music videos, home video was a cornerstone of our entertainment. And all of that almost never happened... If things had gone differently, home recording would have been illegal and the VCR as we know it may have been banned for good. This is the story of the Betamax Case, which pitted the movie studios against Sony and the new machine the studios saw as violating copyright laws. It's the story that goes back to the early days of the VCR, back-and-forth legal decisions, and then a drawn-out case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. As 1984 began, the future of our home entertainment hung in the balance, but an unexpected witness came in to help save the day for the VCR... The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

It may seem hard to believe, but as of the year of this recording, the album releases from 1984 are now forty years old. But these are no ordinary albums, as this is a year that gave us some of the most iconic--and important--albums ever made. Today we look back at 10 significant releases that not only changed the course of music but led to astonishing sales numbers worldwide. The Everything 80s Movie Club: Patreon.com/80s

Where were you the night of November 21st, 1980? If you were like the majority of the public, you were huddled around your TV waiting to find out the answer to one of the biggest questions in television history: Who Shot J.R.? The 'Who Shot J.R.' episode of Dallas was so big that it spread well beyond North America, becoming part of the public discourse for countries around the world. This is a look back on one of the most astonishing TV events of the 20th century, and the massive speculation around one of the biggest cliffhangers ever. And when the big night finally came, the viewing audience hit numbers many didn't think was even possible... Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

How can one decade have so many different aesthetics associated with it? Well, this is the 1980s; an era when big, bright, and bold choices dominated our fashion. Today, we look back on the styles, clothing items, and individuals that helped create the look of the 80s. Support the show and get access to bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

If you know what follows the words, "I don't know..." it means you grew up with one of the most creative, bizarre, and beloved kids' shows of all time. You Can't Do That on Television started as a low-budget program in Ottawa, Canada, before being picked up by a newer, kids-only cable channel in the US: Nickelodeon. The show was different than anything they had previously aired, and not only was it instrumental in the channel's success, but it had a massive impact on pop culture still felt to this day. The Everything 80s Movie Club: Patreon.com/80s

We're three years into a new decade, and here comes the year that--when it comes to pop culture--is about to turn everything on its head... It's the year that gave us the biggest movie of the decade, the debut of some of the best TV shows ever, and some of the greatest albums and singles of the 80s. But if that wasn't enough, 1982 is also about to give us what may be the biggest album of all time... Welcome to Rewind and an all-new version of my look back at the music, movies, TV shows, tech, video games, and sports from a remarkable year: 1982. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

For years, a computer was something only used by governments, corporations, or hobbyists. They didn't have any practical appeal to the average person. But that all changed going into the 1980s. Computers like the Apple 2 and the TRS-80 made some strong headway, but it was in 1981 when IBM helped to fully launch the personal computer revolution. This is the story of the IBM PC 5150: a machine for the masses. With a lower price point, and better usability, the concept of a PC in a home or small business finally made sense--and a new era in tech began... The Everything 80s Movie Club: Patreon.com/80s

"Two turntables and a microphone. That's all it took to change the world..." These were the words spoken in 2009 by Eminem as he inducted Run-DMC into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It was a fitting tribute to the group from Hollis, Queens, that not only took hip-hop to new heights but changed the music industry--and pop culture--in the process. This is the story of Run-DMC, the group that crashed down walls, cut through floors, busted through ceilings, and knocked down doors... Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

It's Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate than to look back on a beloved 1980s romantic drama: Dirty Dancing. Despite being a timeless hit, it's a miracle that Dirty Dancing ever reached theatres. Between shooting difficulties and real-life tension between its stars, this was the movie very few people believed in--and it was projected to go straight to video bins. But what happened next shocked everyone... Thanks to word-of-mouth, the film took off like wildfire and soon became a worldwide hit. The soundtrack dominated the charts, and the home video release smashed records. The low-budget movie that dozens of studios passed on was now a pop culture phenomenon... Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

They couldn't all be hits... During an era that gave us some of the biggest shows in television history, there were others less fortunate. Because of all the big established shows, limited networks, and limited timeslots, there just wasn't room for everyone. This is a look back at 10 forgotten TV shows from the 80s; some of which were quite good, but for various reasons, just couldn't last. A half-alien/half-girl, an ancient character living in our modern world, and a few new Knight Rider alternatives, represent just some of those unique shows. Some of these forgotten shows are still remembered fondly, and a few introduced us to new performers who went on to become some of the biggest stars in television history... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

What began as a brief segment during the third Muppet movie soon became one of the most beloved children's shows of the entire 1980s. The Muppet Babies was not only a uniquely creative show but one that took a different path than many of the other cartoons dominating the networks. With an assist from some Hollywood heavyweights, the Muppet Babies quickly became a hit--both critically, and ratings-wise. Loved by kids, and parents, this award-winning cartoon featured great music and some amazing voice talent. And in this episode, we may even hear from a real-life Muppet Baby... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you combine Star Wars, rock music, Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Wookies? You get Halyx, a real-life, science-fiction rock band created by Disney for the summer of 1981. This is a look back on the unique, somewhat bizarre, but incredibly creative project that brought together some tremendous talent. The band was short-lived but remains a perfect snapshot of pop culture in the early 80s. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

A hamburger is a pretty simple thing, and it's always been a huge part of fast food culture. But in the 80s, the humble burger found itself at the center of a multi, multi-billion dollar battle. This is a look back on the 1980s Burger Wars that pitted McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and A&W in an all-out battle for our tastebuds, our loyalty, and our wallets. Little did these companies know how much they would shape the industry for decades to come--and even shape pop culture itself... -Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

With its humble beginnings in the Bronx, Breaking quickly spread through the five boroughs of New York, across the country, and eventually, worldwide. This is the history of breaking and how it, and hip-hop, grew side-by-side to become global phenomenons. From beats to battles, it's a look at the unique art form, and the early performers, that took breaking from underground to the mainstream. -Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

My Pet Monster came out of an interesting era. It was a time when there was a move away from video games and a return to more traditional toys like dolls and stuffed animals. Combine this with a focus on gross-out products and it set the stage for a pretty unique, but beloved toy and cartoon series. This is a look back on My Pet Monster, the brand that didn't take the traditional route as other 1980s toys, but still managed to carve out its own piece of 1980s pop culture nostalgia Bonus 1980s Content: Patreon.com/80s

Well, that sure was a doozy... By the time 1981 came to a close, it seemed like we had experienced a bit of everything; astounding technological achievements, two near tragedies, and an event that captured the interest of the entire world. And when it came to young people, there was something new. Something that changed how we consumed media--and it also changed pop culture forever... This is an all-new look back on the movies, TV shows, music, tech, video games, and sports that made up a pretty astounding year. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

Turn on the fireplace channel, grab a cup of 'nog, and settle in for a nice winter's podcast as we travel back to the holiday season during the 1980s. We'll look back on things like the Sears Wishbook, holiday movies, forgotten TV specials, and even the experience of heading to the mall to find that perfect gift. Then I turn the show over to you to hear from a few listeners about their favorite holiday traditions and memories while growing up in the 80s. It's a honey of a show, Clark... The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Narrowing down the very best movies of the 1980s seems like a tall task--and why just nine of them? Well, these aren't my rambling musings but are the movies from the 80s that made the American Film Institute's Top 100 List. So which 1980s movies made the cut and appear on this prestigious list? Some may seem obvious, some may surprise you, and some end up in the conversation for the greatest of all time. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Is there a more definitive 1980s TV show than Miami Vice? The drama starring Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas is not only one of the most notable shows of the entire 1980s--but one of the most influential. Today we look back on the show that not only had a massive impact on pop culture but forever changed the way that TV was made. Bonus 1980s Content: Patreon.com/80s

How do you stand out during a decade that gave us some of the most iconic toy brands and franchises of all time? Especially considering that some of those franchises continue to appear in our movie theatres to this day. This was the challenge for the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, or M.A.S.K., a toy and cartoon series that had to balance being familiar, but still unique. Today we look back on the toyline from Kenner that despite all the competition, still managed to carve out its own little piece of 1980s pop culture nostalgia. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

It probably should have never happened. But as Muhammad Ali made his way to the ring on the night of December 11th, 1981, no one knew what to expect. A year prior, Ali faced off against Larry Holmes in a fight that was not only hard to watch but resulted in Ali's trainer stopping the fight. That should have been it--but Ali didn't want to go out like that. This led to the 'Drama in the Bahamas,' Muhammad Ali's very last professional fight. Today, we look back on how this event came to be, why no one in the U.S. would hold it, all the problems leading up to the event, and how The Greatest managed to surprise everyone. Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

If you're checking out this podcast about the 1980s, there's also a good chance that the movies of Steven Spielberg probably had a major impact on you. Between directing, writing, and producing; Steven Spielberg was involved with 24 different movies throughout the 1980s. Many of those are not just some of the best films of the decade--but ever. Today, we look back on all of Steven Spielberg's work in the 80s, the joy and entertainment he brought millions, and how he forever influenced movie making. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Hold on, something doesn't seem right here... Did you have that same reaction back in 1988 the first time you got to play Super Mario Brothers 2? For a new generation familiar with the original Mario Brothers game for the NES, the follow-up felt like quite a departure. But there was a reason for this, and today, we look back on the story behind the creation of Super Mario Bros. 2. An early version of Super Mario 2 was created, then abandoned, and it was a pre-existing Japanese game that allowed for its North American release. Time restraints, computer chip shortages, and high expectations--it was the game that had everything going against it... Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

Have you ever dreamt about traveling back in time? Well, I got to experience that when I visited one of the last fully functioning video rental stores--and you're coming along for the trip. Today, I'm in Southwestern Ontario to visit Jumbo Video, a video store that's continued to run since the late 80s. We meet the owners who have been there since day one, learn more about the days when video rental was white-hot, and find out what video rental looks like in our modern age. Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

It's Spooky Season, and what better way to pay tribute to it than to look back on the definitive 1980s horror movie franchise: Friday the 13th. Freddy and Michael Myers were big in the 1980s, but when it came to dominating the silver screen: it was all about Jason. Today, we look back on the movies that, except for two years, had a new release for every other year in the 80s. It's a look back on how these movies came together, why Jason wore a hockey mask, and the legacy of this iconic franchise. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Well, that sure escalated quickly... What started out as a new marketing campaign to sell more dried fruit, quickly grew into a bona fide pop culture phenomenon. This is the story of The California Raisins, the Claymation hit from the 80s that not only sold a lot of raisins but became a moneymaking sensation in the process. Toys, albums, and TV specials: let's look back at how The California Raisins quickly cemented themselves as a huge part of the 1980s. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

Some were epic. Others were devastating. But they were all unforgettable... There is no better way to sum up the big sporting moments of the 1980s. Today we look back on ten of the biggest moments in sports that best define the decade. Joy, upsets, and heartbreak; in the 80s we witnessed moments that transcended sports. From basketball and hockey to soccer, tennis, baseball--and numerous Olympic games--the 1980s gave us sporting memories to last a lifetime. Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

You may have thought that 8-track faded away in the 70s along with disco and bell bottoms. But in actuality, 8-track continued into the 80s—and well into the 80s, lasting much longer than many people realize. This is the story of the final days of 8-track, the music format that was able to hang in there because of cars, toys, and a certain record and tape club. Cassette tapes would eventually rule the landscape, but 8-track laid the groundwork, and this is a tale that includes Private Jets, Dick Clark, the Sears Wishbook, and even Vincent Price... Bonus 80s content: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you combine customer feedback cards, a phone hotline, and a free newsletter? You get Nintendo Power Magazine, the must-have companion to the NES. But this magazine did more than just help us beat Zelda 2. It also served as a strategic form of marketing to not only advertise upcoming games but also gather invaluable customer insights in the process. Today, it's the story of Nintendo Power Magazine, its origins, incredible success, and long-lasting legacy. Bonus 1980s Content: Patreon.com/80s

It should have been impossible... Based on the limits of broadcast and satellite technology in 1985, it was a miracle that Live Aid even happened. But what took place on Saturday, July 13, was nothing short of astounding; Bob Geldof's benefit concert featuring the biggest musical acts in the world, held in two countries, and beamed around the world. This is the story of Live Aid, the event from 1985 that was both an organizational and technological wonder. It's the event that created awareness of the famine in Ethiopia, gave us iconic imagery, and featured one of the most legendary performances in music history… Check out the book Live Aid Runaways, available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Support the show & get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s weren't exactly a golden age for Disney animated features. Maybe a new cartoon film based on a series of books could usher in an exciting new era of Disney animation. That film was The Black Cauldron; a movie that took a long time to make, cost a fortune, and created a lot of backlash. And it almost sunk Disney animation for good... Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Headbands, legwarmers, and spandex... In the 1980s, these things started to appear everywhere. It was a time when fitness, aerobics, and health clubs began to take center stage. Activities that used to be more niche--like aerobics and bodybuilding--quickly became mainstream. Today we look back on the fitness explosion of the 80s, the people (and celebrities) that helped make it popular, and the technology that allowed it to grow like wildfire. Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s gave us an explosion of new cartoon shows. But with so many new shows and characters, someone had to voice them all. It was even better if you could have the same person perform multiple voices. If you don't know the name Frank Welker--but grew up in the 80s--you've definitely heard his voice. This is a look back on the incredible career of the man who was the voice of the 80s, and is in more TV shows and movies than you could even imagine... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

If they were people, they'd officially be over the hill... Today we look back on 12 classic albums that are somehow forty years old now. These are the albums of 1983, a genuinely astonishing time for music. And this list is the epitome of a mixed bag; classic rock, pop, new wave, and multiple forms of heavy metal. it's a year that will go down in music history. 1983 is also the year that featured the debut releases of some of the biggest artists in history, along with a carryover from 1982 that continued to dominate the charts... Support the show & get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Which path will you choose? That was the question that faced millions of kids during the 1980s. The Choose Your Own Adventure books felt like part story/part game, but every time you picked one up: it was always different. This is a look back on the unique books, their phenomenal success, and some brilliant marketing that led to the sale of hundreds of millions of copies. And it all began with a bedtime story... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

No one was safe... If the greatest player the game had ever seen could be traded, it meant every athlete in every sport could also be moved. For many in Canada, this was also a 'where were you when' moment. This is a look back at the summer of 1988 and the shocking National Hockey League trade that took Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. It's the trade that shocked a city--and a country--and forever changed the landscape of not only professional hockey but the entire sporting world... Bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

It seemed like a 'whatever could go wrong, did go wrong' situation... as passengers in Montreal boarded their plane on July 23rd, 1983, little did they know they were about to become part of one of the most astonishing events in aviation history. This is a look back on Air Canada Flight 143, a remarkable flight that combined mathematical errors, heroic bravery, and many 'what if?' scenarios... Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

It was the sequel that was never meant to be... Coming off the phenomenal success of Back to the Future, there was no choice but to create a follow-up. This, however, presented a lot of problems but ultimately resulted in one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Welcome to a free sample of the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast found over at Patreon.com/80s. Today we look back at the movie that is both a sequel and a prequel, gave us a glimpse into the future, and did something quite unique going into the final installment.

As the 1970s finally came to a close, it was time for a brand new decade. Hopefully, this would be one full of hope, joy, prosperity, and technological advancements that would not only entertain us but make our lives easier. This is a look back on the year 1980 and all the big pop culture moments that took place; including the music, movies, TV shows, technology, and sports. But, there was still political unrest and this was a year that also featured the election of a man that would be a key figure in this new and transformative decade. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

When Return of the Jedi hit theatres in May 1983, there was a bittersweet feeling connected to it. Yes, there was enormous hype for the third and final installment in the Star Wars saga. But, as far as we knew it at the time, this was the very end of Star Wars. Let's look back on the movie that signified the end of one chapter but also marked the beginning of a whole new era... Special guest: Fred Kennedy Fred's Podcast: Mud 79: A Fan-Made Star Wars Story Twitter: @Fearless_Fred Instagram: @fearless_fred The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Entering the second half of the 80s, the PC was gaining prominence in our homes. But so too was an unwelcome guest... As homes and schools were being filled with IBMs and Commodore 64s, two brothers had created software that would take the world by storm--but in all the wrong ways. This is the story of the 'Brain' computer virus; a rude awakening to how vulnerable our technology really was. The Everthing 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s