Everything 80s

Was 1985 the best year of the decade? If it's not, then it's pretty damn close. In this review of 1985, we'll look back on all the notable movies, TV shows, cartoons, technology, music, sports, and world events that made up a pretty astounding year. 1985 is also the year of one of the biggest marketing disasters in history, some of the most significant films of the decade, and a new source of entertainment that would change the lives of kids forever. To me, it's the best year of the decade; but is it as good as you remember? Listen up to find out! If you want to support this show--and get access to The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

You may not know the name Rax, but they played a significant role in the fast-food game during the 80s--and you've no doubt seen their influence in the industry to this day. The company goes back to the 1960s but rose to prominence during the 80s. In the 80s, they started to add a huge amount of items, changed their decor, and aimed to be the "champagne of fast-food restaurants." Heading into the late 80s, the company was in financial trouble and the restaurant that was "fast food for adults" would introduce one of the most bizarre characters ever to try and save the company: Mr. Delicious. If you want to support the show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more Show Notes: Rax restaurants

Whoa nelly, this has been a doozy. I'm going to recap everything that went on during Volume 1 of Stranger Things season 4. We will do a plot summary breakdown of what transpired over the last 7 episodes, explore some of the deep themes used this season, look at the movies that influenced it (one horror movie, specifically), look at the importance of music during this season, and uncover all the Easter eggs and 1980s references I could find! Spoiler warnings if you haven't seen season 4 yet Support the show: Patreon.com/80s Show Notes: Stranger Things Season 4 Recap

It's almost here... After nearly three years, Stranger Things is back with its highly anticipated fourth season--and it couldn't come at a better time for Netflix. In this preview show, we'll do a recap of season 3, discuss everything we know about the plot and production, do a trailer breakdown, discuss theories, and look at another great commercial crossover. Season 4 promises to be bigger, better, scarier, longer, and WAY more expensive than the other seasons--and I hope you're as excited as I am! If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya.

When Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986, it caught everyone by surprise. The movie from Down Under starring an actor no one knew became a monster hit. This is a look back on the Crocodile Dundee franchise and the man behind the croc: Paul Hogan. Hogan's story is a true rags-to-riches tale and how he went from Australian celebrity to worldwide star. We look at how this film came together, why no one expected it to be a hit, Paul Hogan's rise to fame, the sequels, the surprising film role that Hogan turned down, and the ultimate crossover movie that never came to be. If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can consider supporting me at Patreon.com/80s. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya...

Before there was the Chernobyl disaster, there was Three Mile Island. This is an accident that appears to be a lot more serious than you may realize. What appeared to be just a "close call" could have actually been catastrophic. This is a look back at the story of the first nuclear accident; all the misinformation that eroded the public's trust; coverup; Jane Fonda; whistleblowing, and the aftermath that was felt for years. If you want to support the show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

How is it possible that the greatest toy store we've ever known could end up bankrupt? No, it's not just because of the internet (though that does play a role). The once-dominant toy store would face many setbacks that resulted in its closure. In this episode, we look back on the history of the iconic store, how it shaped the childhoods of millions, helped create a lot of pop culture as we know it, and then faced a very sad demise. This is also a look at how in the year 2000, things could have turned out very different regarding a certain gigantic online store. This episode also features some economics, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Show Notes: Toys "R" Us Support the show: Patreon.com/80s

Before there was Red Bull, Monster, or 5-Hour Energy Shots, there was the original energy drink: Jolt Cola. If you grew up like me, you may remember Jolt Cola being kind of mythical. This drink apparently had enough caffeine to take down a horse and we all heard urban legends of the kid who died drinking it. It turns out Jolt didn't actually have that much caffeine. What it did have was the opposite approach to the diet cola movement that was taking place. This is the look back on how the "bad boy of cola" entered an ultra-competitive market, the demographic it went after, how it never intended to compete with Coke or Pepsi, and how it defied all industry expectations to last over three decades. If you're interested in supporting this show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

If you were alive in the 1980s, you definitely went to K-Mart at some point. The store had everything and was a huge part of our lives. But how did the company go from retail giant to almost nothing? As of the time of this recording, there are only three K-marts left. This is a look back on the rise and fall of a giant company with a history that goes all the way back to 1899. If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Podcast--check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya... Show Notes: The Rise and Fall of Kmart

Even if you're not a wrestling fan, you can't deny the massive influence it has had a pop culture. This influence was never more prominent than it was in the 1980s. This is the story of the very first WrestleMania and the massive risk Vince McMahon took in creating it. The story of WrestleMania is as much the story of the early days of the (then) WWF, the changing landscape of entertainment, cable TV, MTV, and a new phenomenon named Hulk Hogan. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s Show Notes: The Story of WrestleMania

If you're from the UK, and of a certain age, you probably remember the Late Late Breakfast Show incident of 1986. Even if you've never heard of this--it's a pretty crazy story. The Late Late Breakfast Show was a variety show aired on the BBC in the early 80s. It was kind of like the early days of David Letterman. One feature on the show involved putting regular citizens into death-defying, movie-level stunts. You can obviously see where this is going, and the tragedy that happened in 1986 would lead to reform in broadcasting still followed to this day. Disclaimer: there are a few situations in this episode you may find disturbing. If you're interested in supporting this show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Club--you can check out Patreon.com/80s. Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya. Show Notes: The Late Late Breakfast Show Incident

*Takes deep breath* OK, this may not go over well but here is my countdown of what I believe are some of the most overrated movies of the 1980s. I need to point out that these are not bad movies--not at all. They are in fact really, really good movies, I just find them to be more on the overrated side than the all-time classic side. We've got 7 choices to look at which include a classic coming-of-age tale, a beloved action movie, and a technological marvel, just to name a few. Speaking of movies, if you want to get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Club--and support the show at the same time--check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more

1984 is more than just George Orwell, it's a huge year when it comes to all things pop culture. Some of the best movies and TV shows of not just the 80s--but of all time--debuted in 1984. We also look back at the music, technology, and major sporting events that went into this pretty remarkable year. We'll also touch on the whole 1984, Orwellian connection, and take a quick look at some other things that were going on in the world. If you're interested in supporting the show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Show--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

The L.A. Lakers of the 80s may be the decade-defining team during an era of decade-defining teams. This is a look back at a true sports dynasty and the one year which may be the best of all time: 1986-87. This is also a look at how the Lakers brand of "Showtime basketball" would change the way we watched sports. The Lakers took basketball from simply a game to a full entertainment experience. Even if you don't like sports, this is an interesting look back on a period of sports we may never see again. If you're interested in supporting the show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Club--please check out Patreon.com/80s. Show Notes: The Showtime Lakers

What do you get when you combine, teenagers, dangerous rides, alcohol, and New Jersey? You get Action Park: the most dangerous amusement park of all time. This is a look back on the notoriously famous park and how it came to be. We look at how safety was not a concern in the design of the attractions and why it could be a genuinely dangerous place to visit. There is also violence, fraud, and a lot of injuries. This episode also explores how Action Park was the personification for many 1980s attitudes and why the 80s were a truly different era for kids. Disclaimer: there are a few disturbing stories regarding some of the accidents. If you're interested in supporting this show--and getting access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Club--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Show Notes: Action Park

The 1980s were a golden age of breakfast cereals. The decade ushered in a whole new era of breakfast options that probably couldn't even be considered real food--but we loved it (even if our mothers hated them). I'm going to count down what I believe are the ten best cereals of the decade. Some of these came out before the 80s but became as much a part of our morning breakfast routine as reading the back of the box. Some came out for a short period in the 80s and were never seen again. Hopefully, some of your favorites made the list! If you want to support the podcast, and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Club where I review the good, the bad, and the ugly of 1980s movies, you can head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more. Show Notes: 1980s Breakfast Cereals

If you grew up in the U.K. in the 80s, you definitely know of SuperTed. But even if you're not from the U.K, there's a good chance you saw this cartoon at some point. This is a look back on a bedtime story that became a hit cartoon show seen in over 120 different countries. It's a story that has connections to Harry Potter, The Beatles, Disney, and Welsh pride. It's also an incredible tale of sticking to your guns and not giving in to giant corporate interests. Show Notes: SuperTed If you want to support this show, and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Club, you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

It's almost Valentine's Day and I thought we'd take a look back on the movie that created the modern rom-com: When Harry Met Sally. It's not that rom-coms didn't exist before, but this film perfected the format. It was also a monster hit and caught movie studios completely off guard with how lucrative this genre could be. This is a look back on the plot of the movie, how it came together, its lasting influence, and a bunch of amazing behind-the-scenes facts. So enjoy this look back on a genre-defining classic, and I'll have what she's having... If you're interested in supporting this show for as little as a few bucks a month--and getting free audio rewards--please check out Patreon.com/80s Show Notes: When Harry Met Sally

Space Camp is a movie from 1986 about kids visiting NASA who accidentally get launched into space on the Space Shuttle, and have to figure out how to stay alive. It was released on June 6th, 1986, and if you know your history, you know what happened just four months earlier. 20th Century Fox now had the nightmare of trying to market a movie about kids having to stay alive onboard a Space Shuttle just months after a national tragedy. This is a look back on a movie that should have been a huge hit but inadvertently had the worst timing in movie history. Show Notes: Space Camp Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s gave us more than just crimped hair and legwarmers; it was a decade of amazing technological innovations. This is a look back on ten of those inventions that you may not realize come from this decade. It includes medical innovations, space exploration, beloved food items, and a change in how we would forever investigate crimes. Show Notes: 10 Inventions From the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is a look back at what was a very underrated year in the 80s: 1983. In this episode, we look at all the big pop culture moments that made up the year including the movies, cartoons, music, and TV shows. 1983 may actually be one of the biggest years ever when it comes to TV. We also look at the technology, sporting moments, and the Great Video Game Crash that defined what was a pretty amazing year. Show Notes: 1983 Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to my look back at the best of the 80s in 2021! This episode is made up of three parts: The first is a look back at three 80s-related movies that came out during 2021. The next is a look back at some of the most interesting podcasts and topics of the year. And the last part is where I share stats of the podcast shared to me by Spotify. It's a look at where everybody is listening from, the top ten countries that listen to the show, most listened to episodes of the year (and the worst one), and a quick snapshot of who the average listener is. I hope you enjoy this look back as much as I did! if you are interested in supporting the podcast, you can check out Patreon.com/80s. Supporting the show also gives you access to extra audio content including the Everything 80s Movie Club.

I have watched every Rankin/Bass Christmas special and there are A LOT more than you may realize. Today, I'm reviewing and ranking all of them. This list includes some obvious beloved favorites, a few misses, and some that will leave you scratching your head. Rankin/Bass has become an integral part of the holidays and their storytelling and creativity have entertained us for nearly 60 years. I hope you enjoy this look back on some favorites and some that may be brand new to you. Show notes: Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials If you're in a position to support the show, you can check out Patreon.com where for a few bucks a month you not only support independent podcasts like this but also get access to audio rewards such as the Everything 80s Movie Review Club.

Welcome to my annual Christmas special! I'm wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater I could find, have the fireplace channel "roaring" in the background, and am drinking some type of nog. For the Christmas special, I wanted to look at the movies and TV shows that captured Christmas for us in the 1980s. First, we will look at 4 films that actually are Christmas movies (you know where this is going...) And then look at 5, forgotten—and underappreciated—TV Christmas specials that came out during the decade. So put on your best Christmas PJs and curl up by the phone for a warm and toasty 1980s Christmas. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is something I'm hoping to make a yearly tradition, and it's a look back on my episode about the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. As bad as this thing is, it has somehow become a staple of my holiday viewing. And since I recorded it, there have been a few current references to the special—that I added to the episode—proving it's not going away anytime soon. I hope you enjoy this look back at this absolute train wreck that ended up being one of the worst things ever shown on TV when it aired during the holiday season of 1978. Happy Life Day! Show Notes: The Star Wars Holiday Special Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Yes, I stand by that statement. If this special had run every year like Rudolph or Frosty, I believe it would be considered a holiday classic that everyone watches each year. The problem is, it only aired two times, then was relegated to home video never to be seen again. But this is a shame. In this episode, I want to share 6 reasons why this is the perfect Christmas special. It's also unique as it's the only time the Muppets, Sesame Street, The Muppet Babies, and Fraggle Rock all appear in the same show. And it's the last appearance Jim Henson would make with the Muppets. Show Notes: A Muppet Family Christmas Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

In 1980, an upstart shoe company approached a hot-shot new basketball player about a possible endorsement deal. The problem was, they didn't have any money and could only offer him stock options. That company was Nike, and that player was Magic Johnson. Had he taken the deal, it would have been worth billions today. This is a look back on this remarkable story and a look at the early days of Nike and that beginning of celebrity shoe endorsements. Show Notes: Magic Johnson and Nike Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s Holiday Gift Guide: 1980s-Based Gifts

When it comes to pop culture: 1982 was a doozy. In this look back, I recap the movies, TV shows, music, sports, video games, and technology that define this year. 1982 gave us some of the biggest movies of all time, arguably the biggest album in history, a groundbreaking technological advancement, and the debut of several gigantic TV shows. Show Notes: 1982 Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

There have been a lot of terrible marketing promotions over the years, but does the American Airlines AAirpass from 1981 take the cake? The AAirpass was a membership plan that gave its users unlimited, first-class flights, anywhere in the world—for life. To say that people took advantage of this is an understatement, and the program was soon costing American millions of dollars a year. This is a look back on a promotion created by a company that had its backs against the wall. This interesting story also looks at how much air travel has changed since the 1980s. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

In 1981, strange black arcade cabinets started showing up in a Portland Oregon arcade. Then there were reports of kids getting sick while playing games at this arcade. And what about the reports of Men in Black hanging around the same arcades? Thus begins one of the all-time great urban legends. Was the Polybius arcade game created by the U.S. Government for mind control and to recruit kids as soldiers? This is a look back into the myth that will never die and why there's some actual "truth" to some of the theories. Show Notes: The Polybius Arcade Game Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to the Halloween episode! in this special, we look at a few topics that came out of the 1970s but became more prominent in the 80s. The first has to do with the issue of poisoned Halloween candy. We were always on the lookout for razor blades in our candy, but did this ever even happen? Was it just a myth, and how did it become such a fear for us in the 80s? We'll also check out some classic 80s Halloween commercials, then look at a television Halloween special that rivals the Star Wars Holiday Special with how awful it was... Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

What a time to be alive. The 80s ushered in a brave new world of video games and consoles. The technology was advancing rapidly, and we as kids were reaping the rewards. But which system was the best? Today, I count down what I believe are the 5 best game consoles of the decade, along with a look at a few forgotten ones you may have never even heard of. We also look at the state of the video game industry, and I count down the 10 best-selling video games of the 1980s. Show notes: Best 80s Video Game Consoles Support the Show: patreon.com/80s

It's the question that has stumped philosophers and scientists for years: How do George and Lorraine McFly not realize that their son is the same Marty from 1955? In this essay—I mean episode—I look at several key points that show how it's impossible for them not to realize that their son is the same Calvin Klein/Marty from the past. We look at some of the obvious points (THEY NAMED THEIR SON MARTY!) but also issues involving George's book, clothing, first loves, and a specific moment that includes the entire town. I also discuss the fan theory of why Biff is still working for the McFly family 30 years later. Show Notes: Back to the Future Plot Hole Support the Show: patreon.com/80s

1980 was the year that began the decade, but 1981 really brought us right into it. This is a year that had some notable pop-culture moments that changed the world forever. In this episode, we look back at the movies, music, TV shows, sports, and other big events that shaped this year. And 1981 can be defined by one gigantic, global event. This is also the year that a lot of big TV shows debuted, one of the biggest movies ever was released, and some big advancements started to happen in technology. Show Notes: 1981 Support the Show: patreon.com/80s

This is a genuine lost episode. I recorded this show more than a year ago but never released it. It's all about the Tomy Omnibot 5402 and has been dug out of the far reaches of my hard drive to release to the world. In this episode, we look at why toy robots were such hot toys, why the Omnibot actually had some very advanced technology, and why it was ahead of its time. It's also a look back on the Tomy Company and how they brought you some of the most popular toys of all time, and why the Omnibot may better represent the decade than the more popular mainstream toys. Show Notes: The Tomy Omnibot Support Me & the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Do you remember the first music video you ever saw? Even if you don't, you may be like me and still remember being in awe of these mini "music movies." Today, I countdown what I believe are the 10 best videos of the 1980s. There will be a bunch of similarities as my "best songs of the 80s" podcast, but that's just because they are such decade-defining hits. We will also look at the rise of MTV, how the Beatles helped pave the way for music videos, and a bunch of behind-the-scenes facts on some of your favorites. Show Notes: The 10 Best Music Videos of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Burger King and the Whopper were dominating things in the 1980s. McDonald's needed to create something to compete with it, but they also wanted to solve a problem at the same time: how do you keep the vegetables and lettuce of a burger fresh instead of a hot slimy mess? Enter the McDLT. This is a look back on the evolution of the burger that was meant to take down the Whopper, the state of fast food marketing in the 80s, and the environmental issues that faced the McDLT. We also look at one of the most over-the-top commercials you will ever see featuring a very young Jason Alexander aka George Costanza. Show Notes: The Story of the McDLT Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is a look back on the device that changed the trajectory of modern video games: The Game and Watch. If it wasn't for the success of this simple hand-held device, video games as we know them may not exist. The success of the Game and Watch led Nintendo to create the NES and forever change the landscape of gaming. The controls of the Game and Watch would also be instrumental in the development of modern gaming and it's time to look back on how significant this device really was. Show Notes: The Nintendo Game and Watch Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Putting a list like this together was not easy—but somebody had to do it. Instead of a top 10; I went with 15, so more options could be included. This list obviously comes from my perspective as a kid growing up in the 80s, but I took other factors into account; including the impact the song had, billboard charts, and how each song represents the decade to this day. Spotify Playlist: Best Songs of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

A lot of significant things happened in the year 1980. Today, we're looking back on the movies, TV shows, video games, sporting moments, and music that happened in the first year of this brand new decade. From Pac-Man to the Empire Strikes Back, the year 1980 had a bit of everything. There was a lot of carryover from the 1970s, but the new decade showed some early signs of what was to come. Show Notes: A Look Back at the Year 1980 Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you take an eccentric genius, government involvement, intense passion, and drug trafficking? You get one of the most iconic cars ever made. This is a look back on not just the Delorean, but its creator: John Z. DeLorean. In case you didn't know that Delorean was a man—and not just a car—you're in for a pretty crazy story. This is a look at the rapid rise and fall of the Delorean, and if not for a certain time travel movie, how it would have been lost forever. Shoe Notes: The Story of the Delorean Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

I think I need to lie down. Putting this list together was not easy, and I'm sure my order will not be to everyone's liking. But what I'm doing here today is ranking not just all the Star Wars movies—but also the live-action TV shows. There are 16 entries on this list, and I think I come at it from a good perspective. Have I done it justice? Am I full of crap? Which is first? What was worst? There's only one way to find out! Show Notes: Ranking Star Wars Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Was Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure the poor man's Back to the Future? This week, I'm looking back on a movie that had the unfortunate task of being another 1980s time travel movie. We'll look at how this movie started out as a comedy sketch, how Keanu Reeves completely changed the direction of it, and some of the original plot intentions that were even weirder. We'll also look at why this movie sat on the shelf for two years before they released it, and why the movie was almost about a trio rather than a duo. Show Notes: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Oh, what could have been. It's not that the Popeye movie was terrible: it just wasn't close to what was expected. This movie was expected to be a gigantic hit, and it fell short. This is a look back on the Popeye movie, the origin of the Popeye character, how Annie set the stage for the movie, and how it introduced Robin Williams to the world. Show Notes: The Popeye Movie Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

It can be easy to dismiss Jaws. It may seem like a common movie today, but it really changed Hollywood forever. If it wasn't for Jaws; movies, as we know them, might not exist. Jaws was the first true blockbuster. It changed how movies were released and marketed, and it created the summer movie season. This is a look back on how important Jaws is in the history of film, and how it allowed Steven Spielberg to bring his artistic visions to the world. Show Notes: Jaws 1980s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

How well do you really know your favorite 80s movie? You may think you know it inside out, but then a fan theory comes along that completely changes the way you see it. Today, I'm looking at 10 of the best fan theories from 1980s movies. Some of them you may know--and some are pretty out-there. But they all help to give the movies we love a fresh presentation. Some of the movies we'll look at include Indiana Jones, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Grease, The Karate Kid, and Back to the Future. Show Notes: 10 Crazy Movie Fan Theories Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Today, I'm ranking each year of summer movies during the 80s to see which is the best. How does the summer of 1986 compare against 1981? Is the summer of 1985 the best--or does it come up short? This is one of the toughest--and most fun--episodes I've ever put together. I'll look at the notable movies from each summer, the one specific theme that runs through each summer, and a summary of how I feel it ranks against the others. I'm sure I'll get canceled for my number 8 choice--but I'm ready to face the music. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is the fourth and final part of my mini-series about the early days of the Internet. Today, we're looking at the origins of Netflix and how it changed the way we consume content. We'll look at the fake origin story of the company, how they were almost a part of Blockbuster Video, and how Napster may have been responsible for their success. Then, we look at how they created the binge-style of consuming content, and how this may be going away. We finish by looking at what the state of movies may become now that we are getting more instant access to new releases. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to the third part of my podcast mini-series on the early days of the internet. In the first part, I looked at the creation of the World Wide Web and how Netscape made it accessible. Part 2 was all about how AOL brought the internet into every home in the country. In part 3, we look at how the internet was taken to the next level: web search. And more specifically: Google. This is a look back on the astounding history of the now trillion-dollar company. We'll look at how two college students beat the giant web companies at their own game, and how they almost sold it for next to nothing: but everyone passed. We then look at how Google could be twice as big but dropped the ball on social networking--despite beating Facebook to the punch. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to part Deux of my series on the early days of the internet. In this episode, we are looking at what may be the most important advancement in the history of the web: AOL. In episode one, I covered how Tim Berners-Lee was the one responsible for the internet's true creation. We also looked at Marc Andreessen who is responsible for making the internet accessible by creating Netscape. But it's one woman who brought the internet into people's homes. This is a look at the astonishing growth of America Online, and how it changed the public's perception of what the internet could be. It's also a look at the biggest--and riskiest--marketing campaign in consumer history. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s