During the 80s

[Pete]

In 1980, *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson* celebrated its 18th year on air, solidifying Carson's status as the "King of Late Night." That same year, *Dallas* captivated audiences with the famous "Who shot J.R.?" cliffhanger, becoming one of the most-watched TV episodes in history.

 

[Pete]

In 1986, the popular action figure line *Transformers* introduced the first-ever transforming combiner robots, where multiple smaller robots could combine to form a larger one, captivating kids and collectors alike. That same year, *My Little Pony* expanded its universe with the release of the animated movie, solidifying the brand's status as a beloved toy line.

 

[Pete]

In 1983, the final episode of the TV series *M*A*S*H* aired, drawing a record-breaking 105 million viewers, making it the most-watched television broadcast in American history at the time. This milestone event marked the end of the beloved series after 11 seasons, leaving a lasting impact on television history.

 

[Pete]

In 1985, Teddy Ruxpin was released, becoming the first animatronic toy that could read stories aloud to children. It quickly became one of the best-selling toys of the year.

 

[Pete]

In 1986, the first commercially available laptop computer, the IBM PC Convertible, was released, weighing 12 pounds and featuring a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. This marked a significant step forward in portable computing.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, Tom Selleck became a household name when he landed the lead role in the hit TV series "Magnum, P.I." His iconic mustache and Hawaiian shirt look made him one of the most recognizable television stars of the decade.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, Queen released their hit single "Another One Bites the Dust," which became one of their best-selling singles. The song topped the charts in the U.S. for three weeks and remains a rock classic.

 

[Pete]

In 1981, "Donkey Kong" was released by Nintendo, introducing the world to both Mario (originally called Jumpman) and the iconic game villain, Donkey Kong. This classic arcade game became a massive hit and laid the foundation for future platformers.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, "Pac-Man" was released and became an instant cultural phenomenon, introducing the world to the first gaming mascot and coining the term "Pac-Man Fever."

 

[Pete]

In 1986, the Oprah Winfrey Show debuted, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and launching Oprah into stardom as one of the most influential media personalities of all time.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, the Ford Thunderbird debuted its downsized model, shifting from a full-size luxury car to a more fuel-efficient mid-size design in response to the energy crisis. This marked a significant change in the American auto industry’s approach to car manufacturing.

 

[Pete]

In 1981, the TV show *Hill Street Blues* debuted on NBC, introducing a new, gritty style of police drama that would go on to influence countless series in the years to come. The show earned critical acclaim and won multiple Emmy Awards during its run.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, *Thundarr the Barbarian* debuted, featuring a post-apocalyptic world with sorcery and science. It became a cult classic for its unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

 

[Pete]

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as "Star Wars," aiming to develop a space-based missile defense system. This marked a significant moment in the Cold War era.

 

[Pete]

In 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards, sparking widespread riots across India. That same year, the space shuttle *Challenger* made its maiden flight, marking a new era in space exploration.

 

[Pete]

In 1987, U2 released their iconic album *The Joshua Tree*, which went on to win the Grammy for Album of the Year. The same year, Whitney Houston became the first woman to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 with her album *Whitney*.

 

[Pete]

In 1987, *Star Trek: The Next Generation* premiered, marking the revival of the iconic sci-fi franchise. The same year, *Full House* debuted, becoming a beloved family sitcom that would run for eight seasons.

 

[Pete]

In 1980, *Heathcliff*, the animated series based on the comic strip by George Gately, made its debut. The show followed the mischievous adventures of the street-smart orange cat, becoming a popular part of 80s cartoon culture.

 

[Pete]

In 1986, *Matlock*, starring Andy Griffith as a witty defense attorney, premiered and became a popular legal drama for nine seasons. Also in 1986, *The Real Ghostbusters* animated series debuted, bringing the hit movie to Saturday morning cartoons.

 

[Pete]

In 1984, *Tetris* was created by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov, marking the beginning of one of the most iconic puzzle games in video game history. The game quickly gained popularity for its addictive gameplay and was later ported to multiple platforms, including the Game Boy.