Everything 80s

Before he was Hulk Hogan, he was Terry Gene Bollea. And before Hulkamania ran wild in the 1980s, he was carefully crafting the character that would not only change the world of professional wrestling but also break through into mainstream pop culture. His later years would not be without their controversy, but in the 80s, he was like a real-life superhero for a new generation of kids. Today, we look back on Hulk Hogan in the 1980s; from bodyslamming Andre the Giant to the Rock n' Wrestling Connection and even prime time TV -- he managed to touch all areas of entertainment.   Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

It was billed as the biggest event and the biggest matchup in the history of professional wrestling. Held at the Pontiac Silverdome, WrestleMania 3 not only became historic from a wrestling perspective, but also set a new world indoor attendance record. And it was all built on the back of Andre the Giant vs Hulk Hogan. A match that, even up to the day of the event, was still up in the air as to who would win. Would Andre pass the torch to recognize Hogan as the new face of the business going forward? A lot was riding on WrestleMania 3, but on that night back in March 1987, history was truly made. Hulk Hogan would pull off the seemingly impossible, and a record crowd of 93,173 was there to see it happen. But was that historic number actually a myth...? Get the first look at new episodes, early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

Steven Spielberg was extremely nervous... this was the most personal project he had ever created, and he wondered if he had made a huge mistake. That project was E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, a movie that, at its core, is about a child dealing with divorce and loneliness.  The movie had come together well, but was anyone going to see it, especially since it featured unknown actors, and no one had any idea what the alien even looked like? Not only did people show up, but they showed up in historic numbers. ET not only touched an entire generation, but quickly became the most successful movie in history. A title it would hold for more than a decade.  Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

Before the internet could fact-check anything, the 1980s were a golden age for famous hoaxes, pranks, and April Fool's jokes. And a lot of people fell for them. Today, we look back at 10 notable 1980s pranks and hoaxes that range from very amusing all the way to ones that created sheer panic.  They include April Fool's day pranks involving three different iconic landmarks, one of the biggest sporting pranks of all time, one of the first internet hoaxes, and a fake natural disaster that set off a real-life panic... Terminator movie review: patreon.com/80s

It should have been just another regular journey... but in the early morning hours of March 24th, 1989, the Exxon Valdez was about to embark on a fateful voyage  This is a look back on the accident that not only decimated the Alaskan coastline and its wildlife but also led to a two-decade-long court battle -- a battle that led to sweeping changes, and historic fines... Terminator movie review: Patreon.com/80s

It had been an agonizing four long years... but finally came one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all time. After Back to the Future became a massive hit in the summer of 1985, everyone wanted to see what would happen next. In November 1989, we finally found out. It was the movie that not only gave us a glimpse into the future, but, in a rare move, actually took us back into the original movie. But no matter how many times you've watched Back to the Future 2--have you really seen the whole thing...? This is a deep dive into all the hidden moments and easter eggs in the movie. This episode is also a hybrid watch-along, as I'll be pointing out the time stamps to all the moments we're covering so you can see them yourself.  Special Extended Edition of this episode: Patreon.com/80s  

Before Amazon, before Best Buy, there was Radio Shack--and in the 1980s, it was your one-stop shop for all things electronics. Today, we look at the origins of the company--which go back to the early 19th century--then witness its rise through the 60s and into the 70s, culminating in its presence in every mall in North America in the 80s.  But despite being such a prominent part of the retail landscape,  Radio Shack couldn't stay on top forever in a rapidly changing world.  From the CB Radio craze to the rise of the TRS-80, Radio Shack was not just at the forefront of the PC revolution, but was a cultural touchstone of 1980s consumer culture.  Check out the old catalogs: radioshackcatalogs.com Support the show and get bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Cassette tapes defined 1980s music. Not only did they give rise to the Walkman and Boombox, but also the art of making a mix tape. Today, we look back on the creation that not only changed music and tech but also pop culture itself. From recording music off the radio and copying tapes--to the panic that faced the industry--analog audio quickly became the most important music format of the 80s.  With origins going back to the 1960s, it didn't look like the compact cassette was going to hang on, until the Phillips company made a decision that would change the industry forever... Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

We live in an era where talent competition shows are a dime a dozen on TV. But in the early 80s, that wasn't exactly the case. Star Search was going to change all that, and in the process, it would change TV forever... Today, we go back to 1983 to revisit the launch and success of the talent show that has origins going back to the early days of radio. Not only did it feature one of the most famous late-night sidekicks of all time as host, but it also gave us the first look at many future stars, long before they became household names.  Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s

With his bright pink goggles and trademark thick glasses, Eddie the Eagle was hard to miss when he hit the ski jump at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.  But it was a miracle he even got there. After sleeping in his car and scrounging garbage cans for food, the journey of Eddie the Eagle was the opposite of his ski jumps: it was a massive uphill battle.  But his perseverance and determination could not be stopped, and the man officially known as Michael David Edwards would soon be given a new nickname, becoming an overnight celebrity in the process... The Breakfast Club Movie Review: Patreon.com/80s

Death, taxes, and the Soviets defeating everyone in international hockey games. Heading into the 1980s, those were the three guarantees in life. A "miracle on ice" seemed like something that only existed in a fairytale.  For the 1980 Winter Olympics, the American hockey team didn't have a big pool to draw from, and the team would be made up of young, amateur hockey players. There were no expectations, and the team was intended to survive more than thrive. But then something happened... this blue-collar team was not just holding their own--they were actually winning, and in the process, had captured the hearts of the entire country. This setup a showdown with the powerhouse Soviet team, a game the Soviets saw as a formality as they marched towards the gold medal and their fifth straight Olympic championship... The Breakfast Club movie review: Patreon.com/80s  

In the 1980s, the world of entertainment seemed smaller; it was all about movies, network TV, and music. Today, pop culture is much more fragmented, and there are a ton of ways for brands and celebrities to get more exposure.  That really wasn't an option in the 80s, and for those who may have conquered the big and small screens, the next way to get more fame was in the world of music--and that gave us some truly unique celebrity albums. From professional sports teams to professional wrestling, sitcom stars and action heroes, it seemed like everyone was trying to enter the Billboard charts. Today, we look back on some of those unique offerings, but also some genuinely talented celebrities who put out quality music.  Spotify playlist:  1980s Celebrity Albums Get the first look at new episodes, early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

How had things got so boring...? This was the question NASA was trying to answer after interest in the space program had dwindled.  But they did find a solution: the 25th Space Shuttle launch would feature the first civilian in space,  a teacher, set to board the Space Shuttle Challenger. On January 28th, 1986, millions of people watched in shock as the Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after lift off. Today, we look back at the events leading up to the accident, the warnings that were there, and the impact this event had on a generation of kids.  Get access to new episodes, early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

If you grew up in the 80s, you remember how big television events felt. You knew that everyone was watching the same thing as you, and at the same time. But which shows and events were the biggest of the 1980s? Today, we look back at some of the highest-rated and most-watched TV shows of the decade. We take a quick look at some major sporting events before moving on to the sitcoms, dramas, miniseries, presidential debates, and the biggest TV movie of all time. But it wasn't just the network shows that captured our attention--and ratings--but there were also two major events that the whole world tuned in for... Live Aid Runaways: get the book available on Amazon or wherever books are sold Get early access to new podcast episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s 

The end of 2025 saw the tragic passing of Rob Reiner. Today, we look back on his incredible contributions to the world of film and television, specifically in the 1980s. From 1984 to the end of the decade, Rob Reiner went on a golden run that gave us some of the best movies of not just the 1980s--but ever. And, at the same time, he changed film forever by reinventing some film genres, taking them to levels never seen before. In the 1980s, Rob Reiner created some era-defining, generational films, and he still had time to help bring us one of the biggest sitcoms in television history... Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

As the dust settled after the Great Video Game Crash of 1983, a new console emerged ready to take the world of video games to a whole new level. But the Nintendo Entertainment System wouldn't be the only console that made a mark on the 1980s... The NES had gotten there first and had taken a stranglehold on the market, but another Japanese company was about to enter our homes. It began as the Mark 3, but in 1986, after some design changes and a new name, the Sega Master System was ready to hit North America. Boasting better graphics, colors, and accessories, the high-tech Master System seemed like a step up from the NES -- but had Nintendo left room for anyone else...? Gremlins movie review: Patreon.com/80s  

Welcome to the Everything 80s, year-in-review special. This is the episode where we look back at everything 80-related over the last 12 months. And, as usual, there was quite a bit. In this special, we look at several movies, songs, and people that turned 40 in 2025. We look at several 1980s movies that are getting reboots or sequels, some 1980s-based movies that hit the big screen, and the return--and final season--of the iconic show that's been like a love letter to the 80s. We also look at some notable people with connections to the 80s that we lost over the last year.  And then I turn the show over to you to take a look at who you all are, where you're listening from, and your favorite episodes and 1980s topics from the last year. Gremlins movie review: Patreon.com/80s

It's Christmas Eve, so we're rewinding the VHS tape to revisit 10 iconic 1980s TV Christmas specials.  In this remastered edition of one of my previous shows, we dive back into the golden age of holiday programming, when we were all watching the same things at the same time. Highlights of this episode include a few comic strips that came to the small screen, a few Christmas offerings from Jim Henson (including the one that appears to have influenced a future Pixar film), and a certain Saturday morning performer making his prime-time debut. This list includes a few classics, some you may have forgotten about, and some that may be brand-new to you. But they were all a big part of the holiday season during the 1980s. Support the podcast and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

Welcome to the annual Everything 80s Christmas special! There really was nothing like the holiday season during the 1980s, and today, we'll take a look back at: The knock-off versions of some of the big toys of the 80s that began to appear on toy shelves A unique new holiday catalog that combined several iconic 1980s brands and TV shows The holiday versions of some of our favorite breakfast cereals A lesser-known, but unique TV Christmas special that combined two of the biggest network stars of the decade So, sit back, relax, and let's journey back to the holiday season during the 1980s Support the show and get bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

What began as a simple doll sold at craft fairs in the 1970s soon became one of the biggest toy fads in history. After beggning their life as "doll babies," the soft and playable dolls went through some more changes before becoming the Cabbage Patch Kids. And their release in 1983 couldn't have been timed out better, as, coming out of the Great Video Game Crash, there was a return to simple, more traditional toys. But then something happened... The growing popularity, combined with a very short supply, led to one of the biggest toy crazes of all time. Heading into the holiday season of 1983, utter chaos emerged in retail, and toy stores everywhere... Bonus 1980s audio content: Patreon.com/80s  

She-Ra: Princess of Power wasn't just a He-Man spinoff, but a standalone character with her own persona, legacy, and mythology. She was a bold experiment by Mattel and Filmation to crack into multiple toy markets at the same time, while also growing the He-Man brand.  From breaking the "Smurfette principle" to its unique introduction, She-Ra quickly became a defining 1980s brand.  Today, we look back at the creation, launch, and success of what ended up being a relatively short-lived toy and 1980s cartoon that still managed to make a huge dent in 1980s pop culture.  50% off your first month on Patreon.com/80s: codeword: MARTY Give the gift of the 1980s: Patreon.com/80s/gift

Over the years, there's been a steady return to traditional media. From vinyl albums to 4K Blu-ray, people want to hold--and own--the content they love. There's also been a return to traditional film.  Our digital, streaming age is incredible, but sometimes it can feel like something is missing. And if you're a fan of 1980s movies, that means seeing these films we love, the way they were meant to be seen.  Traditional film, such as 35mm and 70mm, is making a comeback as real film provides a richer, more organic movie-watching experience compared to digital projection.  To look deeper into this, I took a trip to an independent cinema to talk to a true film projectionist and learn about the movies we grew up watching, and the theatres we watched them in.    The Hyland Cinema: hylandcinema.com The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

When it was released in the summer of 2016, not only did Stranger Things become a pop culture phenomenon, but it was also a true love letter to the 1980s. Today, we look back at the creation, success, and impact of an era-defining show that introduced 1980s culture to a whole new generation. In this episode, we'll look at: The struggles the Duffer brothers went through to get the show made The specific premise they used that combined two 1980s icons The real-life CIA experiments that led to the creation of Eleven The 1980s movies that influenced the show How Stranger Things became one of the crown jewels for Netflix How Stranger Things may have led to a resurgence of 1980s-based movies and TV shows The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

It's time to head back to Bayside as we look at the creation, launch, and success of an era-defining show: Saved by the Bell. But the true origins of Saved by the Bell not only go back to 1986; it started as a completely different show.  From there, the show went through many changes, including a new cast, bouncing from NBC to the Disney Channel, and then from prime time to its eventual home on Saturday mornings. However, back at this point in the 80s, the launch of a live-action show to air during Saturday morning cartoons was seen as a gigantic risk.  Fortunately, a generation of kids who were growing up quickly soon fell in love with Zack, Kelly, Lisa, Jessie, Slater, and Screech.  Get an ad-free, first look at brand new episodes: Patreon.com/80s

Where do you even start when compiling a list of the greatest TV shows of the 1980s? Well, today, this won't come from my opinion but a combination of rankings by Variety, Rolling Stone, and the Writers Guild of America. By combining the expertise of staff, television actors, creators, showrunners, writers, directors,  producers, and critics, these outlets have compiled their own lists of the 100 best TV shows of all time.  I've gone through them and found 20 shows with connections to the 1980s, and in this episode, we'll look at those shows to see which ones are considered the very best of the decade. Support the show and get the first look at new episodes: Patreon.com/80s  

The big day has finally arrived; it's Halloween in the 1980s. Your costume is set, your pillowcase is ready, and you've strategically planned your trick-or-treating route. But before you get to the big night, you still have to get through the day. Welcome to The Everything 80s Halloween Special. Today, we walk through a typical Halloween day during the 1980s. We start the day at school before catching a quick dinner at the fast food place that did Halloween as well as anyone in the 80s. With time to kill before heading out to trick-or-treat, you have time to watch some cartoons, but we'll look at a few unsuspecting ones that were caught up in the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.  Finally, it's time to head door-to-door, and you're looking for the best candy possible. But which candy was the most popular at Halloween during the 1980s? We'll look at the top choices for each year, along with the one that is the most popular overall (along with the one considered the worst...). And before the day is finished, there is still time to watch some Prime Time TV, and we'll look back at the Halloween episodes of some popular sitcoms.  Bonus Audio Content: Patreon.com/80s

In 1986, Clifford Stoll -- originally a Berkley Lab astronomer -- had become the manager of their computer department. One day, he noticed something, a small accounting glitch that seemed insignificant, but would become the first great Cold War hacking story. One tiny clue led Clifford Stoll on a real-life digital spy chase that included West Germany, the KGB, and the most top-secret, classified information on earth. In an era of dial-up phone lines and dot matrix printers, computer security wasn't given much priority, but this event would lead to the dawn of modern cybersecurity. Rambo movie review: Patreon.com/80s

The 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics ended up being a historic one when it came to stats and records on the field. But this series would be famous for a much more serious reason: The Loma Prieta earthquake. On October 14th, 1989, the highly anticipated cross-town series had created a buzz throughout the Bay Area. This was the first cross-town series in more than 3 decades. But on October 17th, just before game 3, everything changed forever... This is a look back at what has been dubbed "the World Series earthquake," an event witnessed by millions of people watching the live broadcast. At first, those watching -- and those in attendance -- weren't quite sure of the magnitude of the quake. But, in the coming days, everyone learned how deadly serious it was.  Listen to new episodes early and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s  

The summer of 1985 will forever be known for Live Aid, the charity benefit concert that defined 1980s pop culture. But a few months later came Farm Aid '85, another massive musical event with a very different mission.   This time, the spotlight turned to America's farmers as some of the biggest names in Rock and Country -- Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young -- came together to raise awareness for a growing rural crisis.  Inspired by an offhand comment by the legendary Bob Dylan, the concert came together in just 6 weeks. But unlike Live Aid, Farm Aid kept going, evolving over the decades, still happening to this day.  Today, we look back at how Farm Aid began, the challenges it addressed, and the changes it helped create. And the event itself also gave us some of the most historic moments in 1980s music history... Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

Before the 1980s, Disney kept its animated classics in the mythical "vault." The only way to see them was through theatrical re-releases, but it could take years for your favorites to hit the big screen. But when home video began to take off in the 1980s, Disney had to reinvent this strategy for a new era. Today, we look at how the Disney Vault revolutionized home video, and how, if Disney had had their way, home video would have never existed in the first place... But by creating scarcity, the company created huge demand, and it changed the home video market forever.  If you grew up with Disney movies only on VHS for "the last time," or being told your favorite movie was being "put back in the vault," this episode will take you back to a time when owning a Disney classic was like possessing your own treasure.  Get access to new episodes early and ad-free: Patreon.com/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.  -- Check out the book Live Aid Runaways available on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble 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...