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«« Mini-Rewind ««

• The PBS home improvement show Hometime debuted on November 1, 1986 — kicking off a 29-season run of DIY projects and renovation inspiration.

• A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge slashed its way into theaters November 1, 1985 — Freddy was back and more terrifying than ever.

• November 2, 988, ABC rolled the dice with the drama "Murphy's Law," starring George Segal and Maggie Han. True to its title, the series (about an insurance investigator) met an unfortunate end after only one 13-episode season.

• Irene Cara's sophomore album, What a Feelin', was released November 2, 1983. It featured the iconic, Oscar-winning, #1 smash hit "Flashdance... What a Feeling"!

• “Deal of the Century" starring Chevy Chase, Gregory Hines, and Sigourney Weaver was released in theatres November 4, 1983.

• The #1 hit single "Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon was released November 4, 1980 off of their Hi Infidelity album.

• November 5, 1984 Dead or Alive released their hit single "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" from their album Youthquake.

• "Shake It Up", the fourth studio album by The Cars was released November 6, 1981.

• …But Seriously, the 4^th solo studio album by Phil Collins was November 7, 1989. The album featured his hit single “Another Day in Paradise”.

Few advertising campaigns captured the quirky charm of the 1980s quite like The California Raisins. What started as a clever marketing idea by the California Raisin Advisory Board in 1986 quickly became a full-blown pop culture phenomenon. These claymation characters — soulful, sunglasses-wearing raisins brought to life through stop-motion animation — first appeared singing “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and audiences instantly fell in love.

Created by Will Vinton Studios, the commercials combined catchy Motown music, humor, and top-notch animation that was groundbreaking for its time. The Raisins’ popularity exploded — leading to TV specials, a Saturday morning cartoon (The California Raisin Show), hit albums, toys, lunchboxes, and even a spot on the Billboard music charts.

Each raisin had its own personality, and their blend of nostalgia and cool made them a hit with both kids and adults. By the late ’80s, the Raisins were everywhere — from Hardee’s figurine promotions to holiday TV specials that became seasonal favorites.

Though their fame eventually faded, The California Raisins remain one of the most beloved and recognizable advertising icons of the decade — proof that even dried fruit could become rock stars in the 1980s.

Few sitcoms captured the heart and humor of the late 1970s and 1980s quite like Diff’rent Strokes. Premiering in 1978 and running through 1986, the show told the story of two African American brothers from Harlem — Arnold and Willis Jackson (played by Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges) — who are adopted by a wealthy white widower, Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain), after the death of their mother, who had worked for him.

The series tackled social themes with warmth and laughter, using humor to explore race, class, and family dynamics in a way that resonated with audiences. Gary Coleman’s quick wit and the catchphrase “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became cultural touchstones, turning him into one of the most recognizable child stars of the decade.

Diff’rent Strokes balanced comedy with heartfelt lessons, addressing issues like bullying, honesty, and friendship, while occasionally delving into more serious topics — something rare for sitcoms of its time. The show’s popularity also led to spin-offs, including The Facts of Life.

With its lovable cast, memorable moments, and timeless charm, Diff’rent Strokes remains a defining piece of 1980s television — reminding viewers that love and laughter can bridge any difference.

Few games captured the spirit of friendly competition in the 1980s quite like Trivial Pursuit. Created in 1979 by two Canadian journalists, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, the game quickly became a worldwide phenomenon after its 1981 release. Players raced around the board collecting colored “pie pieces” by correctly answering questions across six categories — from Geography and History to Entertainment and Sports.

By the mid-1980s, Trivial Pursuit was everywhere — a staple at family gatherings, parties, and game nights. Its mix of knowledge, nostalgia, and just the right amount of frustration made it endlessly replayable. Special editions soon followed, including Genus II and pop culture versions, further cementing its place in living rooms across the globe.

Simple, smart, and surprisingly addictive, Trivial Pursuit wasn’t just a game — it was a badge of honor for anyone who loved to show off their brainpower in true 1980s fashion.

🎧 Retro Picks of the Week

📺 T.V. Show: Whose House? Our House! was a lively Nickelodeon kids’ game show that aired in the late 1980s, turning ordinary homes into zany competition zones. Contestants raced through real family houses completing wacky challenges, combining the chaos of a game show with the fun, anything-goes energy that defined classic ‘80s Nickelodeon.

📼 Movie: John Carpenter’s They Live (1988) is a sci-fi cult classic starring Roddy Piper as a drifter who discovers special sunglasses that reveal hidden messages of control and conformity broadcast by aliens disguised as humans. Blending sharp social satire with thrilling action — including one of the most famous fight scenes in movie history — the film remains a timeless commentary on consumer culture and authority.

🎵 Song: “Listen to Your Heart” by Roxette, released in 1988, is a powerful pop-rock ballad that became one of the duo’s signature hits, blending heartfelt lyrics with soaring vocals and timeless ‘80s emotion.

🕹️ Video Game: Zaxxon, released by Sega in 1982, was a groundbreaking arcade game that introduced players to one of the first uses of isometric 3D graphics. Piloting a spaceship through enemy fortresses, players dodged obstacles, managed fuel, and blasted targets in a game that set a new visual standard for early ‘80s arcade gaming.

👾 Cartoon: The 1980s animated series Mister T followed the adventures of Mr. T as he led a team of young gymnasts who solved mysteries and fought crime while traveling the world. Mixing action, humor, and life lessons, the show captured the tough-but-caring persona that made Mr. T a beloved pop culture icon.