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«« Mini-Rewind ««

• On November 22, 1989, Back to the Future Part II zoomed into theaters, sending fans on a wild, time-bending ride through 2015, alternate 1985, and back to 1955.

• One Magic Christmas debuted in theaters, November 22, 1985 bringing a quietly heartfelt touch to the holiday season.

• In 1986 (Nov. 22), a 20-year-old Mike Tyson shocked the sports world by winning his first WBC Heavyweight title with a dominant TKO over Trevor Berbick in Las Vegas.

• Released in 1981 (Nov. 23), For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) marked AC/DC’s thunderous follow-up to Back in Black and became their first album to hit No. 1 in the U.S.

• Quiet Riot’s Metal Health made history in 1983 (Nov. 23) when it soared to the top of the U.S. album charts, becoming the first heavy metal album ever to hit #1 in America.

• The CBS drama Simon & Simon premiered (Nov. 24, ‘81), introducing viewers to the bickering-but-loyal brother detective duo Rick and A.J. Simon.

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles hit theaters in 1987 (Nov. 25), instantly becoming one of the decade’s most beloved holiday comedies. With Steve Martin and John Candy turning a simple trip home for Thanksgiving into a chaotic, heartwarming odyssey.

• Music history was made November 25, 1984 when the iconic charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was recorded by Band Aid. Paul Young, Bono, Phil Collins, Boy George, Sting, Simon Le Bon, and a superstar lineup packed into SARM Studios for one powerful purpose—creating a song that would unite the world and become one of the most memorable humanitarian anthems of the 1980s.

• America’s Funniest Home Videos debuted today in 1989 (Nov. 26), bringing camcorder chaos, accidental pratfalls, and family bloopers into living rooms across the country.

• Bosom Buddies debuted on TV today in 1980 (Nov. 27), introducing audiences to the hilarious duo of Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two friends disguising themselves as women to land an affordable apartment.

In 1988, Scrooged hit theaters like a jolt of holiday electricity, giving Dickens’ classic a mischievous, modern makeover. Bill Murray—fresh off a streak of ’80s comedy dominance—played Frank Cross, a TV executive so cynical he made Ebenezer Scrooge look cheerful. The movie mixed sharp satire, supernatural weirdness, and that signature Murray smirk, turning Christmas spirit into something both hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt. It wasn’t your typical cozy holiday film—Scrooged had edge, attitude, and just enough heart to sneak up on you.

What made it unforgettable were the ghosts—from the cab-driving, cigar-chomping Ghost of Christmas Past to the unhinged, glitter-covered Ghost of Christmas Present who literally beats holiday lessons into Frank. And beneath all the comedy was a surprisingly emotional pull, especially when Murray’s character finally cracks, delivering one of the most passionate, over-the-top, only-in-the-’80s Christmas speeches ever put on screen.

For kids of the era, Scrooged was that weird, slightly grown-up holiday movie we watched when we were just old enough to get the jokes. Today, revisiting it feels like flipping through a holiday scrapbook filled with neon lights, big hair, and Bill Murray at his comedic peak.

In 1987, the WWF decided Thanksgiving needed a little more body slam. Enter the inaugural Survivor Series, a brand-new pay-per-view built entirely around the chaos of 5-on-5 elimination tag teams. Fans had never seen anything like it—giants, icons, and rising stars all packed into the same ring, tagging in and out as alliances cracked and tempers boiled. It felt less like a wrestling event and more like a high-stakes battlefield, and the excitement was instant.

At the center of it all stood Hulk Hogan and André the Giant, their legendary rivalry carrying over from WrestleMania III into this new war. Seeing them anchor opposing teams gave Survivor Series a blockbuster aura—like the holiday showdown the wrestling world didn’t know it needed. Every elimination sent shockwaves through arenas, and every comeback pin became the kind of moment kids reenacted with action figures on their living room floors.

The first Survivor Series wasn’t just a show; it was a statement. It proved that wrestling could be grand, unpredictable, and cinematic—perfect for a holiday night when families gathered around the TV. For fans who lived through the golden era of ’80s WWF, thinking back to that very first Survivor Series feels like rewinding to the pure, electric heart of wrestling nostalgia.

In early 1989, Paula Abdul wasn’t just climbing the charts—she was exploding onto them. “Straight Up,” with its snappy beat, finger-snapping rhythm, and Paula’s irresistible attitude, hit radio like a lightning bolt. Suddenly, every teenager was rewinding cassette tapes, trying to nail those quick-fire lyrics, and practicing Paula’s now-iconic dance moves in their bedroom mirrors. The song felt new, bold, and a little dangerous—exactly the kind of energy late-’80s pop was hungry for.

But what made “Straight Up” unforgettable wasn’t just the sound; it was the vibe. The music video—shot in stylish black and white, directed by future Fight Club filmmaker David Fincher—turned Paula into a full-blown superstar. She wasn’t just singing; she was commanding the beat, flipping between smooth choreography and playful charisma. And let’s be honest: when she leaned in and asked, “Straight up, now tell me…” we all answered.

“Straight Up” didn’t just top the charts—it captured a moment. It was the soundtrack to roller rink crushes, mall food court hangouts, and Friday night countdown shows. For anyone who grew up in the ’80s, hearing those opening notes today is like stepping right back into a neon-lit memory.

🎧 Retro Picks of the Week

📺 T.V. Show: The Hitchhiker was a stylish, edgy anthology series that aired throughout the 1980s, blending mystery, thriller, and noir vibes as a wandering drifter encountered dark secrets on the open road. Known for its twist endings and moody, cinematic feel, it became a cult favorite among late-night TV fans.

📼 Movie: Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) starred Dudley Moore in a whimsical holiday adventure that mixed classic North Pole magic with a modern, big-city twist. Though not a box-office smash, its colorful production and cozy 1980s charm have made it a nostalgic favorite for Christmas-movie fans..

🎵 Song: Cum On Feel the Noize by Quiet Riot blasted onto the scene in 1983, becoming a defining anthem of the decade and the first heavy metal song to crack the U.S. Top 5. Its explosive energy and shout-along chorus helped launch the band—and ’80s metal—into the mainstream spotlight..

🕹️ Video Game: Chopper Command (1982) for the Atari 2600 put players in the cockpit of a combat helicopter, defending friendly convoys across fast-scrolling desert landscapes. With smooth graphics and intense, side-scrolling action, it became one of Activision’s standout early hits and a favorite among retro gamers..

👾 Cartoon: Yogi’s First Christmas (1980) followed Yogi Bear as he unexpectedly woke from hibernation and joined his Hanna-Barbera pals for a festive holiday adventure at Jellystone Lodge. Packed with cozy winter charm, classic character antics, and musical moments, it became a beloved seasonal staple for ’80s kids.