On this day June 29 1983, Friday Night Videos premiered on NBC. The late night television series gave millions of viewers across the United States access to music videos at a time when not everyone had cable or MTV. Airing after The Tonight Show, the program quickly became a popular destination for fans of pop, rock, and new wave music.
Each episode showcased the most talked about music videos of the week and often featured celebrity guest hosts. Friday Night Videos ran for 20 seasons and became a cultural touchstone during a time when music videos were shaping the sound and style of a generation.
80s insight: Friday Night Videos gave mainstream America a front row seat to the MTV revolution without needing cable, helping spread 80s music and fashion to every corner of the country.
Each episode showcased the most talked about music videos of the week and often featured celebrity guest hosts. Friday Night Videos ran for 20 seasons and became a cultural touchstone during a time when music videos were shaping the sound and style of a generation.
80s insight: Friday Night Videos gave mainstream America a front row seat to the MTV revolution without needing cable, helping spread 80s music and fashion to every corner of the country.
