Everything 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

The first part of my new podcast mini-series 'From Dial-Up to Satellites' looks back at the early days of the internet. We'll look at Tim Berners-Lee who is the real founder of the web. You'll also see how many didn't think the internet would lead to much. We then look back at the importance of Netscape in creating the first real web browser and how it brought the internet to the world. We'll also explore how Netscape inadvertently created the blueprint that every internet and tech company after would end up following. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

On March 13, 1989, Tim Berners Lee implemented the first successful communication between a hypertext transfer protocol with a server. You know this better as the internet. In this new four-part series, we'll be looking back at what happened in the next few years following this groundbreaking creation. This podcast series will start next Wednesday and run for the next four weeks. We'll look at what the early days of the internet were like, how Netscape brought the internet to the world, and how AOL brought it into every home. We'll also look at the search engine that changed the way we accessed information and a few more surprises. Make sure you're subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss out! The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

You never thought hip hop would take it this far. We're going back in time to witness the birth of hip hop. We'll see how it was created in the Bronx, and how it evolved going into the 1980s. Then, we'll see how it grew into a dominant art form and became the most profitable music genre. I also look at three of the most successful rappers, how they took what they earned in something that started as a hobby in the 80s--and turned it into an empire. (you can probably picture which three I'm talking about). This one is part music; part history; part business; and a whole lotta funk. Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

I've searched far and wide through Disney+ and found a bunch of great 80s content that I didn't even know was on there. Today, I'm sharing 16 epic shows and movies from the 80s that are currently streaming on the platform. Disney doesn't really promote their older content, and there's some amazing stuff that I had forgotten all about. If you have Disney+ and love the 80s, I think I've found the best content they have to offer! Show notes: The Best 80s Content on Disney+ Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This one was a real nostalgia trip for me. On today's show, I count down what I think are the top 9 toy playsets of the 80s. This is obviously from my perspective but I'm sure there are a few of your favorites here. There are some beloved entries on this list and I take a look at what made each so successful, how much they cost at the time (and converted for today), and some interesting facts about each. There are also a few original commercial clips for some of them that you hopefully remember, too. Show notes: Top 9 Playsets of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Ernest P. Worrell is one of the most beloved characters in history. Jim Varney was also one of the most creative and entertaining performers of the 1980s. This is a look back on all his amazing work with a real focus on what I believe is one of the most underrated kids shows of all time: "Hey Vern, It's Ernest." Jim Varney was taken from us way too soon, and I wanted to take the time to remember all the entertainment he gave us. Know what I mean? Blogs mentioned in this episode: The Story of Jim Varney The Star Wars Holiday Special Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Saturday morning cartoons were a beloved institution--so why did they disappear? This is a look at the cherished time slot that has its roots in commercialism and marketing. We'll look at why they first started on Saturday mornings, why they became a marketer's dream, and how the FCC--and a few other things--led to their demise. We'll also look at why there was an explosion of new cartoons in the 80s and why we have Ronald Reagan to thank for that. Show notes: Kidd Video Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Grab your whip and fedora and settle in, because we're looking at the real-life influences behind Indiana Jones. If you thought he was a fictional character, think no more! We're looking at who the real-life Indiana Jones may be, the legacy of character, the rise in interest in archeology, and a quick breakdown of the three movies. Show Notes: Real-Life Indiana Jones Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This was a doozy to put together. Today, I'm counting down what I believe are the 10 best 80s TV theme songs--and it wasn't easy. Your order may be different, but I'm sure most of these would make your list. We'll look at each theme song, how it came together, and how it was used to perfectly capture the essence of the show--and the decade. Show Notes: The 10 Best 80s TV Themes Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

In Soviet Russia, podcast listen to you! Today, we are looking back on the career of the great Yakov Smirnoff. I was a huge fan of his and the story of his life is pretty astonishing. We'll look at how he was able to break free from the Soviet Union, dealing with a real-life Minister of Jokes, his rise to fame in America, and how it almost all disappeared at the collapse of the Soviet Union. We may also get a message from him at the end... Show Notes: Yakov Smirnoff Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Pro wrestling was king in the 1980s, and the then WWF ruled the roost. They were able to partner with NBC to air a wrestling show on NBC in place of Saturday Night Live. Saturday Night's Main Event became a ratings smash and was instrumental in the success of the World Wrestling Federation. This is a look back on how this show came together, why it wound up on NBC on Saturday nights, and some of my own favorite moments and memories of it (one which involves me crying. I'm not joking...) Show Notes: Saturday Night's Main Event Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Shoes, music, sports, and culture all go hand-in-hand today--but this was always the case. It took a small upstart shoe company from New York to set in motion what sneakers could actually become. This is a look back on the true game-changing shoe company: British Knights. We'll look at how they made athletic shoes a fashion accessory, how they captured the essence of a growing new art form called hip-hop, and how truly ahead of their time they really were. Show Notes: British Knights Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This week, we're looking back at the incredible, and groundbreaking Muppet Show. This thing went from a show that no one wanted to touch to the most-watched program on Earth. We'll look at the connection with Saturday Night Live, why it was filmed in England, how the show found its direction, and why it ended after just 5 years. Let's get things started... Show notes: The Muppet Show Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

The 80s gave us some of the best movies of all time. But some of its sequels leave a lot to be desired. There are also a bunch you probably didn't know even existed. Today, I'm counting down the 10 worst 1980s movie sequels that you probably didn't know about. We'll look at why they were so bad, and what caused them to fail--when they should have been great. Show Notes: 10 Worst Movie Sequels Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Yes, this is a very real story. In the 80s, A&W released a third-pound burger to compete with the quarter-pounder from McDonald's. It was bigger, fresher, and cheaper. But it would fail because of the public's inability to understand fractions. This is a look back on this baffling story, and what turned into a critical marketing lesson for future companies. Show Notes: The A&W Third Pounder Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is a big episode where we look at the world of cars in the 1980s. We'll look at the state of the automotive industry, the best-sellers, the duds, and the advancements. Then, I'll count down what I think are the 10 most iconic vehicles from movies and TV. So get out of my dreams, and into my car--and let's look at the best 80s cars. Show Notes: The Most Iconic Cars of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

*takes deep breath* OK, today on the show, I'm looking at several reasons why Spaceballs is as good—if not better—than Star Wars. If you haven't canceled me--and have stuck around--I also do a review of the movie and share some of the amazing behind-the-scenes facts that include who didn't want to be in this movie, and the person you probably didn't expect that was crucial in making it. Show Notes: Spaceballs Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

What do you get when you take one of the hottest toys of all time, low inventory, and the holiday season? You get the ticking time bomb that was the Cabbage Patch Kid riots. No toy in history has ever created a craze like the Cabbage Patch Kids did in the fall of 1983. The mayhem and violence surrounding these dolls seem to set the stage for future events like Black Friday. But this is a look back on what made this toy so huge, and the carnage that resulted. Show notes: The Cabbage Patch Kid Riots Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is my yearly review show where I look at the best of 1980s content in 2020. In this episode, I'll cover the topics I found most interesting, including the REAL reason behind the creation of Apple computers, the story behind a certain McDonald's item, the original forbidden video game, and more. I'll also give my review of a book sequel that was ten years in the making and look back at the television return of a beloved 1980s character. Website: https://www.everything80spodcast.com Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to the Everything 80s Christmas spectacular, spectacular! And in a genuine coincidence, this episode is being released on Festivus—making it a true Festivus MIRACLE! OK, here's the plan: we will start by looking at a beloved 1980s Christmas movie, and then the sequel to it—which you've probably never heard of. Next, we will take a deep look at an iconic TV special from the 1960s that became an integral part of the holidays for kids in the 80s—and many other decades—Rankin/Bass' Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. So bundle up in your coziest and ugliest Christmas sweater, grab a mug of some sort of nog, and let's settle in for the Christmas special! Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s Show notes: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The winner for worst Star Wars entry has sadly become a competitive category. But nothing can compare with what happened on the night of November 17, 1978. This is a look back on the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. How did this thing come together, is it really as bad as people say, and why does George Lucas want to smash every copy with a hammer? Happy Life Day! Show notes: The Star Wars Holiday Special Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we're looking back on a beloved show for many: Perfect Strangers. It ran from 1986 to 1992, making cousins Larry and Balki household names. Perfect Strangers should never have made it to network television, but somehow survived the odds. It also led to another classic sitcom—Family Matters—and helped pave the way for another famous TV institution: TGIF. Show Notes: Perfect Strangers Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

It should have been great. Everything was there to make the Garbage Pail Kids movie one of the absolute classic horror movies of the 1980s—but we got the complete opposite of that. What they released in 1987 is considered one of the worst movies in the history of film. This is a look back on the history of the Garbage Pail Kids, their wild success, and the inevitable movie. It could have been great—so what went so terribly wrong? Show Notes: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie Support the show: Patreon.com/80s

This is for all you Brits out there! Even if you're not from the U.K., you'll still find the story of Bananaman very interesting. Bananaman was a genuine comic book character that appeared in Dandy, Beano, and had his own cartoon show in the 1980s. This is a look back on the potassium-filled superhero and why he was England's answer to Superman and Batman. Support the show: Patreon.com/80s Show notes: Bananaman

The Far Side was a comic strip created by Gary Larson that ran from 1979 to 1995. May consider it the funniest comic strip ever created. This is a look back on the evolution of the Far Side, how it influenced science, why it went away—and why it's back after all these years. Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/80s TheFarSide.com Show notes: The Far Side

This is a look back on a McDonald's commercial that masqueraded as a movie: MAC and Me. The movie was convinced with noble intentions, but that all took a back seat to corporate interests. Today, we'll look back on how this movie came to be, how McDonald's took over it, and what its lasting legacy is. Show notes: https://www.everything80spodcast.com/mac-and-me/ The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to a 1980s Halloween Spooktacular! This is the day when we celebrate Halloween and the 80s all rolled into one. So here's what we're going to do: we will look back at the classic Monster cereals, then we'll remember the 1988 classic Beetlejuice, and finish with a deeper look at a Halloween musical staple and the greatest music video ever made (you can probably guess what that is). The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast

We were pretty spoiled in the 80s. There were so many monumental toys that came out, that it was hard to keep up with it all. In this episode, I'm looking at what the stats say for the best-selling toy for each year from 1980 to 1989. A few of these will definitely surprise you! Check out: some 80s toys you can still buy The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we're diving back into the Billboard charts to look at which song was number one each year from 1980 to 1989. These days, it's hard to determine a number one hit as there are many factors including sales, streaming, chart position, YouTube views, etc. But in the 80s, it was all determined by Billboard. I guarantee there will be some number one hits that will surprise you... Show Notes: https://www.everything80spodcast.com/the-top-songs-of-the-80s/

It seems bizarre to think, but there was a time when tourists stayed away from New York City. Coming out of the 70s, and into the early 80s, New York was a dangerous, dirty, and nearly bankrupt city. It would take an advertising campaign to help bring the city back to life. This is a look back on the famous campaign going into the 80s and a logo that is part of pop culture. This is also the story of Jane Maas; the woman behind the campaign, and the real-life inspiration for Peggy Olson from Mad Men. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast

Jim Henson has made a lot of beloved content, but was 1981's "The Great Muppet Caper" his very best? This is a look back on the only muppet movie Henson directed, the making of the movie, why it was set (and filmed) in England, and a bunch of great behind-the-scenes things. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast

The boombox, or Ghetto Blaster, was a symbolic part of the 1980s. Not only was it a way to take a party everywhere you went, but it also gave rise to a new art form called Hip Hop. In this episode, we'll look at how the boombox gave rise to a new culture and allowed the sharing of creativity. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Follow That Bird is a movie released by Sesame Street and Jim Henson Productions in 1985. It tells the story of Big Bird leaving Sesame Street to go live with other birds. Sounds pretty standard, doesn't it? The problem is, this film might have been a bit too much for kids with some intense themes that you wouldn't expect. We'll explore this whole subject, and also why it got crushed at the box office when it should have been a hit. The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

In 1981, McDonald's introduced the world to one of the most popular fast food items ever: Chicken McNuggets. This is a look back on the item that caught McDonald's off guard and lead to a chicken shortage in North America. We'll also see how they were designed by a French chef, the questionable ingredients that went into them, and how McDonald's has had to alter them for today. Show notes: Chicken McNuggets

In the 80s, there was no bigger thrill than picking up your photos from the developer. Those days are long gone, but photography has moved into a new age. The Kodak company not only pioneered and advanced the industry—but they also changed it: and it's what led to their downfall. This is a look back on when Kodak ruled the world of pictures, and their failure to stay on top. Show notes: The Downfall of Kodak

1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" was a groundbreaking movie. Not only was it a technical marvel, commercial, and critical success, but an astonishing collaboration between studios. The number of character licenses and intellectual properties used in one film could never even be attempted today—but Steven Spielberg made it happen. This is a look back on the epic movie that also helped launch a new era in animation. Show notes: Who Framed Roger Rabbit The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

It's the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future, and today on the podcast, I'm interviewing Brad Gilmore, author of "Back From the Future." We'll discuss his book, the movie, behind-the-scenes things, and whether they should ever even consider a sequel. Book: Back From the Future The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

People have always been fascinated by Bigfoot, and we finally got to see one on the big screen in the 1980s. In Harry & the Hendersons, we got a more humanistic, light-hearted approach to the sasquatch. This is a look back on the beloved movie, the production, how the marketing failed, and the evolution into the TV show. Show notes: Harry and the Hendersons The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

If you grew up in the 80s, you knew that Leisure Suit Larry was the stuff of legend. This was the original NSFW game, but one with an interesting backstory. This is a look back on the development of the game, the controversy, and how word of mouth led to its surprising success. Show Notes: Leisure Suit Larry The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

There are some video games that are pretty much unbeatable, and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out is at the top of the list. This is a look back on one of the most popular—and best-selling—NES games in history. We'll look at the rise of Mike Tyson, the gameplay, easter eggs, and why Mike Tyson did not like this game. Show Notes: Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we are looking back at the Littles! This cartoon, and movie, were based on the book of the same name that goes back to the 60s. The entire idea may have also been "borrowed," and we get into that too. Show notes: The Littles

Today, we're counting down the top 10 cartoons of the 1980s. With each choice, we will look at what made it great, the pop culture influence it had, and some insights into each show. Show notes: Top 10 Cartoons The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Rubik, The Amazing Cube was a short-lived Saturday morning cartoon show that debuted in September 1983. It was put together to capitalize on the red-hot popularity of the Rubik's Cube. It failed to find an audience with the onslaught of new kids' programming, but actually took a ground-breaking approach in the show's premise. Show Notes: Rubik, The Amazing Cube The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

In this episode, I want to look at the importance—and power—of nostalgia during times of crisis. There is a reason we return to the same movies, TV shows, books, and other forms of entertainment when feeling stressed. We'll also look at why it's been harder to start new things during a time like this—and why that's not necessarily a bad thing. Show notes: The Power of Nostalgia