What do you remember first when you think of the 1980s? Neon spandex and boomboxes? Arcades and shopping malls? It’s easy to forget some of the big events that happened that decade because there was so much going on. Here’s a look back at some events you may have forgotten! These moments changed culture, shook up industries, and still have a surprising impact on our lives today!
Blockbuster Video Opened (1985)
Blockbuster Video opened, and suddenly, movie nights at home were way more exciting. Shelves lined with VHS tapes, rows of popcorn bags by the door, and those iconic blue-and-yellow membership cards — Blockbuster changed how America watched movies. You’d head in on a Friday night, hoping your favorite was still in stock. Just watch out for those astronomical late fees!
MTV Launched (1981)
MTV didn’t just play music; it revolutionized how we experienced it. Music videos became an art form, launching careers and making stars out of rock bands and pop icons. The first song, “Video Killed the Radio Star,” couldn’t have been more on point! Later on MTV switched focus to unscripted television, but the Gen-Xers among us remember the heyday.
Tylenol Poisonings (1982)
When someone tampered with Tylenol bottles, spiking them with cyanide, it caused nationwide panic. The result? Seven tragic deaths and a public terrified of its medicine cabinet. Tylenol’s response? Safety seals and tamper-resistant packaging became standard for all. It’s hard to remember a time before safety seals, but this was what spurred their popularity.
The Compact Disc was Introduced (1982)
Before CDs came along, young people were mostly listening to cassette tapes. The CD felt futuristic in the ’80s, with its digital sound and shiny disc. It wasn’t long before music stores had them on the shelf. While it took a little time for buffer technology to catch up with the portability of cassette tapes, CDs completely took over the market in the 90s to become the go-to way to listen to music. Until MP3s arrived, that is.
The Rise of the Personal Computer
IBM and Apple brought computers into the mainstream, changing how we worked, learned, and even socialized. The computer was no longer just a giant clunky machine or science-fantasy; it was on our desks. People started talking about floppy disks and printers like they were part of the family. Even the “Save” icon to this day points back to its floppy disk roots.
The Challenger Disaster (1986)
One of the most tragic days in NASA history was televised for all of America to witness. It was supposed to be a celebration, but 73 seconds into the flight, disaster struck, and we lost seven astronauts. It was a gut-wrenching moment for America and a massive setback for NASA.
New Coke (1985)
Coca-Cola decided to shake things up with a new recipe, but fans were not happy. People freaked out, hoarding the original formula like toilet paper during the pandemic. It didn’t take long before Coke admitted defeat and brought back “Classic.”
CNN Debuted (1980)
News didn’t end at 11 p.m. anymore — CNN was on 24/7, and suddenly, you could get updates anytime. They covered big events live, and people started relying on it as a constant news source. It changed the whole media landscape… and many would say, for the worse.
The AIDS Epidemic
The early ‘80s saw the AIDS epidemic explode, bringing fear, stigma, and endless questions about public safety. Initially misunderstood and underreported, the crisis spurred education efforts and activism. Society would never be the same, and neither would public health. Thankfully, advances in treatment since then have wrangled the tragic disease to a more manageable level. But the lives lost will never be forgotten.
The Swatch Watch (1983)
Swatch made watches cool again with bold, colorful designs that turned a simple timepiece into a fashion statement. Suddenly, watches were fun, affordable, and perfect for matching your neon outfits. Everyone seemed to have one. And some people even wore more than one!
Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982)
When Michael Jackson released Thriller, he became unstoppable. The music video was practically a mini-movie, setting a new bar for what music videos could be. It became the best-selling album of all time, and “zombie dance” went mainstream forever. Vincent Price’s voiceover was the chef’s kiss to an already amazing experience.
The Cell Phone Revolution Began (1983)
The Motorola DynaTAC hit the market, and mobile phones officially became a status symbol. Sure, it was bulky and expensive, but who cared? The idea of making calls anywhere was straight out of a sci-fi movie. Way cooler than the football shaped phone you could get from Sports Illustrated. “Honey, you’ll never guess where I’m calling from,” indeed.
The Nintendo Entertainment System Debuted (1985)
The video game industry, along with Atari, was practically dead in the USA when Nintendo introduced the world to Mario, Zelda, and hours of button-mashing fun. Kids were glued to their screens, and video games became part of everyday life. It was a game-changer in every sense and kickstarted an industry that thrives to this day.
The Birth of Cable TV (and Subscription Television)
Channels like HBO, Showtime, and ESPN changed how we watched TV, with exclusive shows and sports broadcasts you couldn’t get elsewhere. Cable turned TV into something personal. Now, you could pick what you wanted to watch. It was especially exciting for kids who were lucky enough to have access to Nickelodeon.
John Lennon Died (1980)
Truly a terrible way to begin a new decade. The legendary John Lennon was shot outside his apartment, sending shockwaves across the world. He was more than just a musician; he was an icon. Fans mourned, and a new generation began to discover the Beatles.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru Windows (1980)
McDonald’s introduced its drive-thru, and grabbing a burger without leaving your car was a revelation. Fast food got even faster. Soon, drive-thrus became the norm, catering to people on the go. Back then, you had to pay in cash. It took years before we could make the drive-thru experience even easier by swiping plastic.
The Camcorder Launched (1983)
Dads everywhere rejoiced when Sony released their first camcorder. Finally, families could capture life’s moments without the hassle of film.
Birthday parties, graduations, and vacations were all suddenly recorded for posterity. The world of “home movies” got a major upgrade. And before too long, America’s Funniest Home Videos gave us a peak into the random hilarity of life.
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The Sony Walkman Debuted (1979)
Okay, we might be cheating here just a little bit, but the Walkman is more widely considered ’80s tech than ’70s. It made music portable, allowing people to create their own soundtrack on the go. Cassettes slid right into it, and you could listen to whatever you wanted, wherever you were. It was freedom in a little blue box.
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‘COPS’ Arrested Our Attention (1989)
COPS hit TV, showing real police action and giving birth to reality TV. It was gritty, unscripted, and addictive. The show’s raw edge pulled people in, setting the stage for the reality craze that would explode in the ‘90s. Love it or hate it, COPS was a revolution.
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