Everything 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

We're taking a rewind on one of my favorite episodes about one of my favorite 1980s subjects: The E.T. Atari video game.

Everything was set to make this thing a hit—but it went down as one of the worst games in video game history. This throwback episode looks at the hype behind the game, how it was made in only 5 weeks, the backlash, and how it may have led to the downfall of the video game industry.

Show notes: https://www.everything80spodcast.com/et-videogame/

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

This is an Everything 80s Rewind, and we're looking back at my episode all about the history of the infamous New Coke. New Coke was released on the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola—but it almost ended up destroying them.

This is a look back on why they released New Coke, the public backlash, and the return—and newfound appreciation—of Coca-Cola Classic. The big question is: why did they ever attempt something so risky—but was this part of their plan all along...?

Show Notes: New Coke

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This week, we revisit an early Everything 80s episode about one of the best-selling toys of all time: Teddy Ruxpin. The talking bear found his way under the trees for many kids during Christmas of 1985 AND 1986 (sadly not under mine, though).

Teddy Ruxpin was a 1980s toy phenomenon, and he's also got a bizarre backstory that includes Chuck E. Cheese, Disney, and a head on a stick...

Show Notes: Teddy Ruxpin

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s