Everything 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