Everything 80s

What a time to be alive. The 80s ushered in a brave new world of video games and consoles. The technology was advancing rapidly, and we as kids were reaping the rewards. But which system was the best? Today, I count down what I believe are the 5 best game consoles of the decade, along with a look at a few forgotten ones you may have never even heard of. We also look at the state of the video game industry, and I count down the 10 best-selling video games of the 1980s.  Show notes: Best 80s Video Game Consoles Support the Show: patreon.com/80s  

It's the question that has stumped philosophers and scientists for years: How do George and Lorraine McFly not realize that their son is the same Marty from 1955? In this essay—I mean episode—I look at several key points that show how it's impossible for them not to realize that their son is the same Calvin Klein/Marty from the past.  We look at some of the obvious points (THEY NAMED THEIR SON MARTY!) but also issues involving George's book, clothing, first loves, and a specific moment that includes the entire town. I also discuss the fan theory of why Biff is still working for the McFly family 30 years later.  Show Notes: Back to the Future Plot Hole  Support the Show: patreon.com/80s  

1980 was the year that began the decade, but 1981 really brought us right into it. This is a year that had some notable pop-culture moments that changed the world forever. In this episode, we look back at the movies, music, TV shows, sports, and other big events that shaped this year. And 1981 can be defined by one gigantic, global event. This is also the year that a lot of big TV shows debuted, one of the biggest movies ever was released, and some big advancements started to happen in technology.  Show Notes: 1981 Support the Show: patreon.com/80s  

This is a genuine lost episode. I recorded this show more than a year ago but never released it. It's all about the Tomy Omnibot 5402 and has been dug out of the far reaches of my hard drive to release to the world. In this episode, we look at why toy robots were such hot toys, why the Omnibot actually had some very advanced technology, and why it was ahead of its time. It's also a look back on the Tomy Company and how they brought you some of the most popular toys of all time, and why the Omnibot may better represent the decade than the more popular mainstream toys.  Show Notes: The Tomy Omnibot Support Me & the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

Do you remember the first music video you ever saw? Even if you don't, you may be like me and still remember being in awe of these mini "music movies." Today, I countdown what I believe are the 10 best videos of the 1980s. There will be a bunch of similarities as my "best songs of the 80s" podcast, but that's just because they are such decade-defining hits. We will also look at the rise of MTV, how the Beatles helped pave the way for music videos, and a bunch of behind-the-scenes facts on some of your favorites. Show Notes: The 10 Best Music Videos of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

Burger King and the Whopper were dominating things in the 1980s. McDonald's needed to create something to compete with it, but they also wanted to solve a problem at the same time: how do you keep the vegetables and lettuce of a burger fresh instead of a hot slimy mess? Enter the McDLT. This is a look back on the evolution of the burger that was meant to take down the Whopper, the state of fast food marketing in the 80s, and the environmental issues that faced the McDLT. We also look at one of the most over-the-top commercials you will ever see featuring a very young Jason Alexander aka George Costanza.  Show Notes: The Story of the McDLT Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

This is a look back on the device that changed the trajectory of modern video games: The Game and Watch. If it wasn't for the success of this simple hand-held device, video games as we know them may not exist. The success of the Game and Watch led Nintendo to create the NES and forever change the landscape of gaming. The controls of the Game and Watch would also be instrumental in the development of modern gaming and it's time to look back on how significant this device really was.  Show Notes: The Nintendo Game and Watch Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

Putting a list like this together was not easy—but somebody had to do it. Instead of a top 10; I went with 15, so more options could be included. This list obviously comes from my perspective as a kid growing up in the 80s, but I took other factors into account; including the impact the song had, billboard charts, and how each song represents the decade to this day.  Spotify Playlist: Best Songs of the 80s Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

A lot of significant things happened in the year 1980. Today, we're looking back on the movies, TV shows, video games, sporting moments, and music that happened in the first year of this brand new decade. From Pac-Man to the Empire Strikes Back, the year 1980 had a bit of everything. There was a lot of carryover from the 1970s, but the new decade showed some early signs of what was to come.  Show Notes: A Look Back at the Year 1980 Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s  

What do you get when you take an eccentric genius, government involvement, intense passion, and drug trafficking? You get one of the most iconic cars ever made. This is a look back on not just the Delorean, but its creator: John Z. DeLorean. In case you didn't know that Delorean was a man—and not just a car—you're in for a pretty crazy story. This is a look at the rapid rise and fall of the Delorean, and if not for a certain time travel movie, how it would have been lost forever.  Shoe Notes: The Story of the Delorean Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s