Everything 80s

Growing up in the 1980s, commercial breaks weren't just interruptions--they were cultural events we all experienced together. In this episode, we look back on the golden age of 1980s TV commercials while also exploring the broader history of advertising.  We'll trace how advertising evolved from radio jingles to early television spots, and how those traditions carried into the big-budget, pop culture-driven campaigns of the 1980s.  In this episode, we'll also break down some of the most iconic commercials of all time, including Apple, the burger wars, and the impact of the King of Pop. We also explore how MTV influenced the ads of the 1980s, along with the massive impact of some 1980s commercial jingles -- some of which may still be stuck in your head to this day... Special guest: Cynthia Meyers - profcynthiameyers.com Cynthia's book: A Word From Our Sponsor

In 1983, Coleco launched the Adam--a bold attempt to turn its hit ColecoVision video game console into a full-fledged home computer. By this point in the 80s, Coleco had made a huge dent in the video game market, and, at the same time, was behind one of the biggest toy crazes in history. With all their success--and deep pockets--was Coleco ready to take on the big PC players like Apple, IBM, and Commodore? What Coleco released ended up becoming one of the most infamous product failures of the entire 1980s. It's the story that includes leather shoes, Pong, and Full House, and it's a look at how cruel the world of 1980s technology could really be.  Karate Kid movie review: Patreon.com/80s  

If you grew up watching Wheel of Fortune, you probably read the title of this episode the same way the audience would call it out during the show's opening.  That's the cultural impact Wheel of Fortune had; it's the game show that goes back to the mid-70s but really rose to prominence in the 1980s. Not only did the format change in the 80s, but the show made the big move from daytime to the evening. The 1980s are also when the world first met Pat Sajak and Vanna White. So grab some consonants and a vowel as we dive into the history of one of the most popular game shows in history: Wheel of Fortune.  Get access to new shows early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s  

The Care Bears weren't just colorful, stuffed animals--they were one of the biggest cultural and business success stories of the 1980s.  From a simple sketch to the eureka moment of their final creation, the story of the Care Bears is a testament to how to launch a child's brand with surgical precision.  When they finally hit shelves in 1983, it didn't take long for the Care Bears to become a pop culture phenomenon. With their very specific and strategic rollout, the Care Bears were hard to ignore. Today, we look back at the history of a defining 1980s brand, the brand that may have been the gold standard in how to promote a kids' toy. Not only did the Care Bears become a billion-dollar brand, but they also beat Disney at their own game, and may have also led to the death of a beloved cartoon character... Karate Kid movie review: Patreon.com/80s

When it came out in the summer of 1983, War Games was seen as a fun, summertime popcorn movie. But was the premise of this film starring Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy more realistic than we realized? Welcome to a free preview of the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast, which you can find at Patreon.com/80s. In this episode, we look back on the movie that was a bit of a surprise hit and went on to become a 1980s classic. But, at the same time, War Games raised some serious questions--questions that even went all the way to the White House... The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

Even though part of it was considered the Bronze Age, the comic books of the 1980s were like a golden age for kids who grew up during that time. It was the decade that saw massive changes to how comics were distributed, but also a time that saw a significant shift in how comic book stories were told.  The big two--Marvel and DC--were still on top, but something was changing... an independent boom was taking place, and underground and indie comic books were blazing their own trail. And there was one specific creation that would go on to become one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of all time... So let's go back to the decade when you could spend all day in the comic book store. A time that not only saw the end of the Bronze Age of comic books--but the introduction of a brand new, Modern Age. Special guest: Alex Grand: comicbookhistorians.com  Alex's book: Understanding Superhero Comic Books Get the first look at new episodes early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

It could not have come out at a better time...When the Happy Meal was first launched at the end of the 1970s, it entered the 1980s as the perfect merchandising vehicle. Not only did the Happy Meal give us some of the most beloved toys and promotions of the decade, but it also ushered in a whole new era for McDonald's. This is a look back at one of the most famous fast food items in history, an item with humble origins that quickly became a fast food juggernaut.  We'll look back at the creation, launch, and the success of the childhood favorite,  some of those favorite Happy Meal toys and promotions, then a deep dive into the psychology that made the Happy Meal irresistible to kids.  It's the story that includes breakfast cereals, Boss Hogg, French chefs, and, most importantly: Ronald Reagan... Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

It was a Sunday night like any other. But for those living in Chicago, it would be a night they would not soon forget. For those tuning in to WGN-TV, their broadcast was interrupted by the most unlikely of people, one of the most popular characters of the 1980s: Max Headroom. Why did Max Headroom, or what appeared to be Max Headroom, now appear on their screens? Just as soon as this TV hijacking had begun, the screen went blank and normal programming resumed. But just two hours later--it happened again. This time it was WTTW. But during this broadcast interruption, things got much more disturbing... Today, we look back at one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 1980s: The Max Headroom Incident. Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we delve into the fascinating--and somewhat controversial--creation of the movie rating that changed Hollywood forever: PG-13.  Born out of the wave of 1980s blockbuster movies that pushed the boundaries of family entertainment, PG-13 was the solution to a rapidly growing problem: there was no middle ground between PG and R-rated movies.  We'll look back at some of the 1980s movies that led to a call for change, and the two specific movies that pushed it over the edge--two movies connected to Steven Spielberg. And it would be Spielberg himself who led the charge for a brand new rating, a rating that would change movies as we know them, and usher in a whole new era for how Hollywood made and marketed movies.  Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s were a time of tremendous innovation and creation. It's the decade that gave us the Walkman, the PC, the Space Shuttle, the Compact Disc, and a wave of groundbreaking inventions that helped shape the world we live in today. But not everything from the 1980s could be a hit. In this episode, we'll take a look at several inventions from the 1980s that were ambitious, revolutionary--but complete flops... If you like retro tech or 1980s pop culture, this episode is a blend of both.  From forgotten gadgets, computers, video games, and even some food items, these failures help tell the story of one of the most innovative and transformative decades in history.  Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s      

Today, we look back at the unforgettable life and legacy of the great John Candy, one of the most beloved comedians of all time. And it was during the 1980s when he really rose to global fame.  From his early days on SCTV to iconic movie roles like Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, Home Alone, and Uncle Buck, John Candy delivered humor and heart in a way few other performers could do. In this episode, we'll explore: His groundbreaking work on SCTV and his influence on sketch comedy His first big breakout movie role The many standout appearances in many legendary 80s movies His collaborations with some other generational performers, including Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, and Dan Aykroyd  His lasting impact on film, pop culture, and Canada The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

By the summer of 1985, we had reached the halfway point of the decade. And when it came to all things pop culture, the summer of '85 may have been the decade's peak. Today, we look back on the movies, music, and innovations that made this summer one to remember. It's the summer that also included one of the biggest events of our time and a gigantic blunder that was 100 years in the making. Whether you were hanging out at home or hitting up the mall--a place that had become more crowded than ever--the summer of 1985 would be one for the ages.  The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

On July 3rd, 1985, came the movie that would not only be the standout film of the year, but also one of the standouts for the entire decade: Back to the Future. It's the 1980s movie that blew many people's minds, quickly becoming an iconic film during an era of many legendary movies.  Today, we look back on 40 years of Back to the Future. We'll cover the creation, release, the impact, and the legacy of the film that many call the perfect movie.  Special Guest: Brad Gilmore, author of Back From the Future: A Celebration of the Greatest Time Travel Story Ever Told The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

From the underground clubs to sold-out arenas worldwide, the 1980s marked the explosive growth of Heavy Metal. But it was much more than loud music, as the Heavy Metal of the 80s caused a cultural shift--especially with the youth. It's the decade that also brought us a wide range of metal styles; from Thrash to Glam, the genre was now bursting into the mainstream. Today, we look at not just the rise of Heavy Metal during the 80s, but also its impact on youth culture and society, how it was blamed for the Satanic Panic, and some of the bands that were instrumental in its rapid growth.  Special guest: Travis Kennedy: whytepython.com The Whyte Python World Tour is available on Amazon or at bookshop.org

In the mid-1980s, a Soviet engineer created a simple puzzle game he called Tetris. What was made for fun quickly spread throughout the USSR, and little did he know, but he had created something that would ignite a global frenzy that would include major companies like Nintendo and Atari.  But that was just part of the story, as the battle for the rights to Tetris would spread beyond the Iron Curtain. It's a story that includes an international licensing war, Cold War espionage, lawsuits, shady business deals, and the highest levels of the Soviet government.  This all resulted in a final showdown right as the Soviet Union was about to collapse... Was all of this worth it for a simple game of falling blocks? It turns out, it would be, as Tetris was about to become one of the most popular and successful video games of all time...  Predator movie review: Patreon.com/80s  

The Late-Night Talk Show scene of the 1980s was a smaller space than today, but it was even more powerful. It was an era filled with drama, ratings wars, and legendary hosts. From Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show to the rise of David Letterman, it was a defining era in 1980s television history. Today, we look at the origins of the late-night talk show, the creation of the format that is still followed to this day, then the rise of the Tonight Show. Then, we'll look at the Johnny Carson era, which spanned three decades, that quickly made him one of the most powerful people on television. Could anyone give Johnny a run for his money? Many would try and fail, but a former weatherman from Indiana was about to give it his best shot. The late-night talk show battles of the 80s would continue, which included Johnny's battle and falling out with a legendary comedian, the battle to take over the Tonight Show, and the actor and comedian from Cleveland, who would also change late-night forever... Predator movie review: Patreon.com/80s

Let's go back 40 years and revisit 10 of the best albums of 1985, a year that was a landmark one in the history of music. From synthpop, hip-hop, metal, and classic rock, 1985 quickly became a standout year for 1980s music. From the chart-topping success of 'Brothers in Arms' by Dire Straits, to the radio dominating 'Songs From the Big Chair' by Tears For Fears, today, we look back on the albums and songs that defined a generation, became a huge part of 1980s pop culture, and also helped to drive MTV. These albums also include a new 17-year-old future hip hop icon, the debut album by one of the biggest artists of all time, and the standout album that, 37 years later, was brought back into the mainstream by Stranger Things... Spotify Playlist: The Best of 1985  

1985 was quickly becoming one of the most competitive years in the history of animation, setting the stage for future 80s nostalgia. There were so many classic 80s cartoons released in 1985-- including a unique new series called ThunderCats--that it was going to be difficult to stand out. But fortunately, the production company behind the new show knew a thing or two about capturing the attention of kids, as they had been doing it during the holidays for decades. But now, they were moving to after-school and Saturday morning cartoons.  From the studio that brought us beloved Christmas classics like Rudolph and Frosty came the story of a race of humanoid feline superheroes. With characters like Lion-O and Snarf, and a very popular line of toys from LJN, the ThunderCats quickly became a new breed in children's entertainment, a standout 1980s cartoon, and a pop culture phenomenon.  Check out new shows early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

There are only a handful of broadcasts in the history of television that became must-see, cultural events. The ABC movie, 'The Day After', from 1983, is one of them. In the early 80s, as fear of Nuclear War ramped up, ABC planned to air a Sunday night movie that dealt with what nuclear war would really look like. In November 1983, this kicked off a firestorm of attention--both good and bad--that resulted in one of the biggest viewing audiences in TV history. This is a look back on the movie that not only terrified the public, but became a watershed moment in the history of the Cold War... Check out new episodes early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

Are you ready to head back to the greatest decade ever and the ultimate nostalgia hit? The Everything 80s Podcast is your weekly time machine to revisit 1980s movies, 80s TV shows, 80s music, toys, sports, tech, and everything else that defined 1980s pop culture. From the Cola Wars to Cabbage Patch Kids and Tetris to Teddy Ruxpin, you'll get a deep dive into all the stories that represent an entire generation.  Whether you lived it or just missed it, The Everything 80s Podcast is ready to take you back in time to rediscover the decade of big trends, big dreams, and even bigger hair.  Subscribe and follow along because remember: where we're going, we don't need roads...