Stuff You Should Know Selects: The Max Headroom Affair
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Feb 18, 2023 Dive into the bizarre Max Headroom Incident of 1987, where a strange broadcast interruption captivated Chicago viewers. Experience the surreal encounter featuring a television character, garbled speech, and unexpected props. Discover Max's origins in a cyberpunk film and his influence on advertising and nerd culture. Relive the chaos of the live football broadcast, the bewildered audience reactions, and the ensuing investigations that sparked public intrigue. Humor and nostalgia intertwine as the hosts analyze this weird chapter in media history.
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Max Headroom's Rise to Fame
- Max Headroom, originating from a 1984 cyberpunk film, gained pop culture prominence.
- He even became a pitchman for New Coke alongside Run DMC, showcasing the character's 80s appeal.
Max Headroom's Persona
- Max Headroom was presented as the first virtual talk show host, portrayed by Matt Frewer.
- The character's glitchy, sarcastic nature contributed to his cult following, especially among cyberpunks.
Origin of Max Headroom
- The Max Headroom TV show, set in a dystopian future, featured Edison Carter, an investigative journalist.
- Carter's exposure to 'blipverts' led to a coma, and his virtual persona, Max Headroom, was born.