Everything 80s

For years, a computer was something only used by governments, corporations, or hobbyists. They didn't have any practical appeal to the average person.

But that all changed going into the 1980s. Computers like the Apple 2 and the TRS-80 made some strong headway, but it was in 1981 when IBM helped to fully launch the personal computer revolution.

This is the story of the IBM PC 5150: a machine for the masses. With a lower price point, and better usability, the concept of a PC in a home or small business finally made sense--and a new era in tech began...

The Everything 80s Movie Club: Patreon.com/80s

"Two turntables and a microphone. That's all it took to change the world..." These were the words spoken in 2009 by Eminem as he inducted Run-DMC into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

It was a fitting tribute to the group from Hollis, Queens, that not only took hip-hop to new heights but changed the music industry--and pop culture--in the process. This is the story of Run-DMC, the group that crashed down walls, cut through floors, busted through ceilings, and knocked down doors...

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It's Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate than to look back on a beloved 1980s romantic drama: Dirty Dancing.

Despite being a timeless hit, it's a miracle that Dirty Dancing ever reached theatres. Between shooting difficulties and real-life tension between its stars, this was the movie very few people believed in--and it was projected to go straight to video bins.

But what happened next shocked everyone... Thanks to word-of-mouth, the film took off like wildfire and soon became a worldwide hit. The soundtrack dominated the charts, and the home video release smashed records. The low-budget movie that dozens of studios passed on was now a pop culture phenomenon...

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They couldn't all be hits... During an era that gave us some of the biggest shows in television history, there were others less fortunate. Because of all the big established shows, limited networks, and limited timeslots, there just wasn't room for everyone.

This is a look back at 10 forgotten TV shows from the 80s; some of which were quite good, but for various reasons, just couldn't last. A half-alien/half-girl, an ancient character living in our modern world, and a few new Knight Rider alternatives, represent just some of those unique shows.

Some of these forgotten shows are still remembered fondly, and a few introduced us to new performers who went on to become some of the biggest stars in television history...

Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

What began as a brief segment during the third Muppet movie soon became one of the most beloved children's shows of the entire 1980s.

The Muppet Babies was not only a uniquely creative show but one that took a different path than many of the other cartoons dominating the networks. With an assist from some Hollywood heavyweights, the Muppet Babies quickly became a hit--both critically, and ratings-wise.

Loved by kids, and parents, this award-winning cartoon featured great music and some amazing voice talent. And in this episode, we may even hear from a real-life Muppet Baby...

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What do you get when you combine Star Wars, rock music, Disneyland, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Wookies? You get Halyx, a real-life, science-fiction rock band created by Disney for the summer of 1981.

This is a look back on the unique, somewhat bizarre, but incredibly creative project that brought together some tremendous talent. The band was short-lived but remains a perfect snapshot of pop culture in the early 80s.

Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

A hamburger is a pretty simple thing, and it's always been a huge part of fast food culture. But in the 80s, the humble burger found itself at the center of a multi, multi-billion dollar battle.

This is a look back on the 1980s Burger Wars that pitted McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and A&W in an all-out battle for our tastebuds, our loyalty, and our wallets. Little did these companies know how much they would shape the industry for decades to come--and even shape pop culture itself...

-Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s

With its humble beginnings in the Bronx, Breaking quickly spread through the five boroughs of New York, across the country, and eventually, worldwide.

This is the history of breaking and how it, and hip-hop, grew side-by-side to become global phenomenons. From beats to battles, it's a look at the unique art form, and the early performers, that took breaking from underground to the mainstream.

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My Pet Monster came out of an interesting era. It was a time when there was a move away from video games and a return to more traditional toys like dolls and stuffed animals. Combine this with a focus on gross-out products and it set the stage for a pretty unique, but beloved toy and cartoon series.

This is a look back on My Pet Monster, the brand that didn't take the traditional route as other 1980s toys, but still managed to carve out its own piece of 1980s pop culture nostalgia

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Well, that sure was a doozy... By the time 1981 came to a close, it seemed like we had experienced a bit of everything; astounding technological achievements, two near tragedies, and an event that captured the interest of the entire world.

And when it came to young people, there was something new. Something that changed how we consumed media--and it also changed pop culture forever... This is an all-new look back on the movies, TV shows, music, tech, video games, and sports that made up a pretty astounding year.

Bonus 1980s content: Patreon.com/80s