From “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” to “Make it so,” these 80s TV catchphrases took over pop culture — and some are still around today.
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Gimme a Break! was a sitcom that aired in the early 1980s. Originally airing on NBC from 1981 to 1987, the show became a part
On this 1982 sitcom, the Square Pegs were Patty Greene (a young Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker). Patty was the smart, skinny, nearsighted one; Lauren was the one with baby fat and braces. The round hole was Weemawee High School.
Jackie Gleason — born Herbert Walton Gleason Jr. on February 26, 1916, in Brooklyn — became one of America’s most recognizable personalities by mixing bold
Relive the magic of Quantum Leap, the iconic time-travel series that took viewers on unforgettable adventures and made history in ’90s sci-fi television.
Vintage Christmas TV specials were as much a part of the holiday as gifts and Christmas trees. Millions of people – especially kids – looked forward to them year after year. Look at more than 100 of these classics.
Soap, a groundbreaking American sitcom, wasn’t your run-of-the-mill family comedy. Instead, it combined the intrigue of a soap opera with laugh-out-loud moments, challenging societal norms and redefining what could be done on TV.
Combining Southern icons like moonshine running, muscle cars, car chases and country music, The Dukes of Hazzard TV series ran for seven seasons between 1979 and 1985. Rewind and remember the show here!
If you could go back in time, these are the vintage ’80s home stereo systems – turntables, cassette decks, stereos, TVs and VCRs – you probably would have seen. But if you go back, don’t spoil the surprise! We thought we were cool.
Before he was a star among stars, Leonardo DiCaprio was a kid taking jobs where he could – including playing an awesome gum-lover in this vintage 1980s Bubble Yum TV commercial.
What was vintage ’80s tech like? The Good Guys were a big consumer electronics specialty retailer selling brand-name audio and video gear. See the hottest retro TVs, stereos and more from 1987!
Max Headroom was a unique sci-fi satire TV show starring the inimitable Matt Frewer as the computer-generated star. Despite its short run, it made a max impact on pop culture.
In the popular ’80s sitcom Silver Spoons, a child-like millionaire meets the son he never knew – and that kid (Ricky Schroder) teaches his newfound dad how to be a grown-up.
MTV, a ’round-the-clock television channel for viewers who grew up on rock ‘n’ roll, started with a library of 400 80s music videos, and went on to delight millions of viewers.
These 80s Christmas cards featured beloved TV and comic strip characters like Garfield, Snoopy, and the Care Bears in their holiday best.
Opulent enough even for fashionable Linda Gray – Dallas’ superspender Sue Ellen Ewing – she models these high-style silk dresses were stylish in the eighties.
Frosty, the famous snowguy turned into a jolly, happy soul, starred in the vintage animated Christmas special, Frosty the Snowman, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Studio ticket stubs saved by a kid in 1953 grew into a massive 10,000 piece collection of TV history
Ticket stubs from Joel Tator’s massive collection reveal what it was like to attend live TV tapings in the 1940s and 1950s.
A lot of 80s candy endures to the present, but you’re still going to love these retro ads & packages from back in the day! Which were your favorites?
Charlie Brown? Check. Grinch? Yep. You can also see how Johnny Depp, Elvira, Martin Lawrence & Tom Hanks got into the holiday spirit years ago on these vintage Halloween TV specials.
Big screen TV once meant something very different. From 17-inch Crosleys to giant projection sets, see how “big” looked from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Young actor River Phoenix was on the rise until the unthinkable happened By the late 1980s, River Phoenix had become one of the most talked-about
Remember that little toy from the 70s where you pressed on the back with your finger and it changed colors? Find out about Space Fidgits here.
Take a look back at 80s cruises and see how Americans vacationed with Carnival, Princess and more, from buffets to cabins to exotic ports of call.
Explore the Cocktail movie’s blend of ambition and flair as Tom Cruise takes on the role of a charismatic bartender in 1980s New York City.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) mixed big effects, familiar faces and lots of twists. Here’s why this sequel still sparks debate.
Remember when a vintage slumber party brought noise, snacks & secrets to countless 80s living rooms?
A slumber party brought chaos, candy and confessions to countless American homes — the loudest and most legendary way to grow up.
How The Waltons, a quiet Depression-era family drama, overcame doubts and tough competition to become one of the most beloved shows on 1970s TV.
Caboodles & Sassaby were the go-to beauty organizers of the ’80s and ’90s, keeping makeup, jewelry and hair tools in check with colorful style and smart design.
Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Years ago, kids loved weekends because they could catch up on their favorite Saturday morning cartoons & TV shows. Here’s a look back!
Believe it or not, retro Easter candy like chocolate Easter bunnies, creme eggs, jelly beans and Peeps candy didn’t exist at all prior to the 20th century. Here’s a look back at what the bunny has been bringing.
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
Occasionally, top TV show theme songs aren’t just popular – they join the soundtrack of a generation. These 16 hits won acclaim for being more than being the tune played over opening credits. Have a listen!
Although the 1980s leg warmers fad was inspired by dancers, they became a trendy, colorful way for girls & women to show some creative flair – and to prove that you were up on the latest fashions.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes: The story of how a simple shake became a holiday tradition (1970s & 80s)
McDonald’s shamrock shakes have been a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for decades. Here’s the surprising history behind this minty green fast-food classic.
‘Family Ties’ has the most enviable time slot in network TV, following ‘The Cosby Show.’ But the four-year-old sitcom has managed to create its own following, and now clocks in at #2.
Do you remember Shrinky Dinks? They were DIY crafts that could be made by coloring on a plastic sheet, cutting out the various shapes, and then shrinking them down using heat.
After she wondered if humans have a primal craving for hamburgers – hot, juicy and so simple – here’s Cybill Shepherd’s favorite hamburger recipe.
To get in the proper holiday spirit, Americana-style, let’s revisit some of the most iconic moments from the timeless TV classic, “A Christmas Story” – plus find out where to watch the sequel!
Here, take a look back at the Xanadu movie – an ’80s musical that has become best known as a campy cult classic.
See the quirky history of vintage Taco Bell — from a tiny taco stand to a fast-food empire — and see vintage photos, ads and articles from the past!
The vintage home of Clancy Collins White and her celebrity parents Mary Ann Mobley & Gary Collins in Beverly Hills was steeped in southern charm – and you can see it right here.
Mr Whipple: Please don’t squeeze the Charmin! 20 years of legendary TV commercial toilet paper drama
Discover the story of Mr Whipple and his famous “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin” commercials, one of the most memorable ad campaigns of the 20th century.
Monsanto’s Home of the Future at Disneyland – set in the futuristic year 1986 – was built almost entirely of plastic, either alone or in combination with traditional building materials.
For those who have not seen it, ‘The A-Team’ is a straightforward pile-driver of a show, a blue-collar ‘Mission Impossible’ without the finesse. Here’s a TV show review from 1983!
A Trapper Keeper was a binder/portfolio that came in a wide range of colors and designs, and kits in the ’80s & ’90s loved them. See which ones you remember!
In the Brady Bunch family’s home-screen-home, the comedic power of the classic TV show came from combining a zany maid, two grown-ups, six kids, a dog and a cat.
What do you get when you mix equal parts Mel Brooks and James Bond? Get Smart – one of the most hilarious spoofs on spies and private eyes ever. (Also see the memorable opening credits!)
Who were the top TV stars of 1979? America’s teens had favorite television programs and favorite stars, but those two categories had surprisingly little to do with each other, according to a national survey.
Step back in time with Michael J Fox. From Back to the Future hero to Parkinson’s advocate, discover his enduring legacy in our exclusive vintage collection.
The vintage ‘Real People’ TV show debuted in 1979, and focused on everyday folks and their stories, ranging from heartwarming to silly to strange.
Take a step back in time and check out some of the most awesome 80s shampoos (and conditioners!) — including a lot of brands you can’t find anymore!
When these Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS tapes were finally available back in the 1980s, it was huge for fans. No more waiting for the movies to appear once a year on TV, or to be re-released in theaters. Here’s what you could see back then!
Take a look back at vintage Wal-Mart history, from a modest 5 & 10 store to a global retail behemoth, through innovations and key moments that redefined shopping and turned into today’s massive Walmart chain.
Check out these TV theme songs that set the scene — from The Brady Bunch era to the ’90s favorites!
Look back at these great examples of more than fifty 1980s bathroom decor ideas – plus retro color schemes – that cover the gamut from elegant to eccentric to extra-dated.
The Incredible Hulk TV show from the 70s, starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, proved that fans liked Dr David Banner even more when he was angry.
What were the hottest 80s men’s shoes? Take a look back at what guys were wearing – and how they were swapping traditional dress shoes for newer and more casual models.
Take a scented stroll down memory lane with this look back at lots of the most popular vintage perfumes from the 80s, from both fashion designers and drugstores.
Dive into the nostalgia of 80s toys! From Transformers to Strawberry Shortcake, explore the iconic playthings that made the 1980s a decade of fun.
Indulge in a nostalgic journey with Figurines diet bars, the crispy, low-calorie delight from the 70s and 80s that were discontinued in the 90s, leaving dieters frustrated forevermore.
Explore the history and enduring appeal of Wonder Horses, the iconic ride-on spring rocking horse toys that galloped into the hearts of children from the 1950s to the 1980s!
They weren’t all that safe (most proved to fail crash tests), but these retro baby car seats from the 1960s, 70s and 80s were among the first on the market with child passenger safety in mind.
These old-school vintage blow dryers from the seventies were more than just hot air – the handheld tools could dry! Style! And came in retro-popular colors like yellow, orange and baby blue.
Let’s explore the fates of some of the most iconic 80s restaurants, charting their journey from their heyday to the present. Which ones have survived?
Remember Barney Miller? This the ’70s police comedy keeps fans coming back. With unforgettable characters and a jazzy theme song, its legacy thrives.
Discover the groundbreaking series Cagney and Lacey that set the bar for strong female leads in cop dramas.
The Streets of San Francisco blended detective work with character-driven storytelling & used the city’s landmarks as a backdrop for crime-solving narratives.
Premiering on CBS in 1975, One Day at a Time was a revolution – both for the humor, as well as the way it portrayed a divorced mother raising two children. Let’s reminisce!
Born in the gritty era of 1970s television, Baretta featured a unique blend of police procedural and character study. Starring Robert Blake as Tony Baretta,
Quincy had a massive impact on the landscape of television, and set the foundation for many detective dramas we love today. Here’s a look back!
See some old-school Jacuzzis, hot tubs and spas, including the super-trendy retro backyard whirlpool baths that ushered in a whole new way to entertain friends.
Miami Vice was a ground-breaking American television show that aired from 1984 to 1989. Its blend of fast cars, flashy fashion, and synthesized music captured
There were only 17 episodes made of H. R. Pufnstuf, but the kitschy kiddie TV show earned its cult status through reruns that aired through the ’70s and into the ’80s. Here’s a look back!
Before the Police Story TV show burst onto the scene, television was filled with crime dramas that lacked the realism which became a hallmark of the genre.
From the hilarious misunderstandings to the lovable characters, “Three’s Company” has an enduring appeal. Reminisce with us!
Take a look back at “The Odd Couple” — a classic comedy about friendship, divorce & making the most out of life’s second chances.
Moonlighting was a hit TV comedy/detective drama in the ’80s, starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd as an unlikely private investigator duo.
Want to make real retro 1980s hairstyles? Here’s how to re-create these 80s looks, with this step-by-step guides and retro beauty tip sheets!
Sesame Street started in 1969 as a daily TV show for preschoolers, featuring a street filled with puppets and humans who told stories, sang and danced. But it became so much more than just a television program!
If you were a kid during the 70s & 80s, be prepared for a wave of nostalgia from this collection of vintage Mattel toys for little kids, including See n Say & those little yellow shopping carts!
Star Hits magazine was a riff on the hugely popular British music mag, Smash Hits… and in the ’80s, America’s teens loved it. Here’s a look at what was hot back in the day!
Fasten your seatbelts and recline your seats as we transport you to the golden age of air travel! Join us as we navigate through the fascinating history of vintage first class flights in photos.
Take a trip down memory lane and browse this virtual newsstand of 16 Magazine covers to remember who was hot (at least in the hearts of teen girls) during the eighties!
My Sister Sam’s Pam Dawber lands the Sexiest Man Alive — Moonlighting’s Mark Harmon
Dynamite magazine was published from 1974-1992, and delivered a little bit of pop culture to kids’ mailboxes all across the US. Here’s a look back!
Gary Coleman stars as Arnold, a street-wise youth from Harlem, who is adopted by a white millionaire and becomes confused and suspicious about his sudden change of fortune on the comedy series, Diff’rent Strokes.
You didn’t go into a Fotomat Store – you stopped by it. The corner store was for toothpaste and funny books, and the Fotomat Store was for film & developing. Take a look back!
From neon streaks to bold sprays, 80s temporary hair colors gave everyone a chance to play with their look — without a permanent commitment.
Swiss watchmaker Swatch revitalized the industry with a bold and vibrant analog quartz marvel, sparking the colorful watch craze of the 1980s and 1990s. See dozens of retro Swatch designs here!
In the seventies and eighties, sock styles – especially those for girls – started to get a lot more fun as new colors, patterns and ways of wearing them became all the rage. Here’s a look back at 1980s socks!
For those of us who lived any portion of our lives when the Yellow Pages phone book was an essential community resource — could we
Disneyland in the 1980s was one of the ultimate vacation destinations for people of all ages. See some of the maps and materials they were using to promote their attractions — old and new!
The Batman TV show was a live-action series that aired on the ABC network from 1966 to 1968. The show was based on the DC Comics character Batman, a superhero who fought crime in Gotham City.
This delicious raisin cake recipe includes mayonnaise, which may sound strange, but actually works!
Intellivision gaming systems from the 80s were supposed to be more realistic than anything else available at the time. You may be surprised to see (or remember) how simplistic and pixelated the games really were!
Lee Majors starred in the Six Million Dollar Man TV series as astronaut Steve Austin, who, after a crash that nearly killed him, was remade in a bionic man – essentially a cyborg – and turned into a government agent.
